Smoke testing in buildings is typically done to identify and locate air leaks. It involves introducing artificial smoke into a controlled environment to observe how the smoke behaves. This helps identify areas of air infiltration/exfiltration, can be a valuable for assessing ventilation systems or finding potential fire escape/ingress routes and finding the sources of unwanted odours.
| Air Leakage identification | When an air permeability test fails to reach its target value in commercial buildings, smoke generators in conjunction with a blower door test fan can be used to identify areas of uncontrolled air leakages which maybe difficult to access. |
| Smoke Shaft testing | Smoke shaft testing is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of a building’s smoke control system. It involves simulating a smoke condition and testing the smoke extraction system to ensure that smoke can be effectively be removed in case of a fire, ensuring that escape routes remain clear during an emergency. Most smoke shafts are designed to be below the leakage rate of 3.8m3/hr/m2 at 50 Pa, which is the Colt recommendation and now the industry standard.
When it comes to diagnosing failures, access to the inside of the shaft is not possible, so the use of smoke generating machines is required to help identify the more significant problem areas. |
| Plenums | A floor plenum is a void between a building’s floor structure and a raised access floor, used for distributing conditioned air into the occupied area above. It is important that the conditioned air does not escape or leak into cavities, risers, stairwells or other adjacent zones but gets distributed to the floor mounted diffusers, otherwise this leads to discomfort for the occupants and reduced energy efficiency. Air tightness testing is carried out on plenums to BG 65/2016 to confirm that they are sufficiently airtight for the ventilation system to operate as required. Specified air leakage target is below 0.15l/s.m2 @50pa(0.54 m3/h.m2@50pa). |
| Isolation facilities | Air permeability testing of isolation suites, operating theatres, pharmacy septic preparation, containment and similar facilities are required to be air tightness tested in accordance to BTS 3/2018 in England and Scotland. An initial permeability test(pressurisation & depressurisation) should be carried out at the first-fix stage when the envelope of the suite is physically complete but before wall, ceiling and floor finishes are applied. A full permeability test in accordance with the methodology given in BSRIA BTS 3 should be carried out at completion to ensure that all service penetrations have been adequately sealed. It is also recommended that testing is undertaken every 14 months or after any works have been carried out.
The recommended air tightness is 2.5 m3/h.m2@50pa. |
| Importance | Achieving a good air tightness result can lead to various benefits such as reduced energy consumption, lower heating and cooling costs, improved indoor air quality and increased comfort for the occupants. Failure to meet the required air tightness standards can result in penalties and may require remedial works to be carried out on the building. |
Air Leakage identification
When an air permeability test fails to reach its target value in commercial buildings, smoke generators in conjunction with a blower door test fan can be used to identify areas of uncontrolled air leakages which maybe difficult to access.
Smoke Shaft testing
Smoke shaft testing is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness of a building’s smoke control system. It involves simulating a smoke condition and testing the smoke extraction system to ensure that smoke can be effectively be removed in case of a fire, ensuring that escape routes remain clear during an emergency. Most smoke shafts are designed to be below the leakage rate of 3.8m3/hr/m2 at 50 Pa, which is the Colt recommendation and now the industry standard.
When it comes to diagnosing failures, access to the inside of the shaft is not possible, so the use of smoke generating machines is required to help identify the more significant problem areas.
Plenums
A floor plenum is a void between a building’s floor structure and a raised access floor, used for distributing conditioned air into the occupied area above. It is important that the conditioned air does not escape or leak into cavities, risers, stairwells or other adjacent zones but gets distributed to the floor mounted diffusers, otherwise this leads to discomfort for the occupants and reduced energy efficiency. Air tightness testing is carried out on plenums to BG 65/2016 to confirm that they are sufficiently airtight for the ventilation system to operate as required. Specified air leakage target is below 0.15l/s.m2 @50pa(0.54 m3/h.m2@50pa).
Isolation facilities
Air permeability testing of isolation suites, operating theatres, pharmacy septic preparation, containment and similar facilities are required to be air tightness tested in accordance to BTS 3/2018 in England and Scotland. An initial permeability test(pressurisation & depressurisation) should be carried out at the first-fix stage when the envelope of the suite is physically complete but before wall, ceiling and floor finishes are applied. A full permeability test in accordance with the methodology given in BSRIA BTS 3 should be carried out at completion to ensure that all service penetrations have been adequately sealed. It is also recommended that testing is undertaken every 14 months or after any works have been carried out.
The recommended air tightness is 2.5 m3/h.m2@50pa.
Importance
Achieving a good air tightness result can lead to various benefits such as reduced energy consumption, lower heating and cooling costs, improved indoor air quality and increased comfort for the occupants. Failure to meet the required air tightness standards can result in penalties and may require remedial works to be carried out on the building.
Indoor Air Quality Assessments
The quality of air is critical to the health, comfort and well-being to occupants of indoor environments. Poor indoor air quality can result in occupants experiencing a number of symptoms ranging from fatigue to shortness of breath. It is believed that Sick Building Syndrome could be caused by a number of factors working in combination. These factors may include:
- Poor ventilation
- Biological contaminants (bacteria, fungi & virus)
- Low humidity
- Airborne pollutants, such as dust, carpet fibres or mould spores
- Chemical pollutants, such as cleaning materials
- Ozone produced by photocopiers and printers
- Psychological factors, such as stress or poor staff morale
Standards & accreditations
AiroTech can provide total volatile organic compounds (TVOC’s) and Formaldehyde surveys for BREEAM & LEED compliance using methodology in accordance with ISO16000 and BS EN 13649. ISO17025 accredited testing via UKAS.
Assessment and Sampling
Sampling is normally performed only in rooms that are expected to be occupied for long periods of time such as bedrooms, living rooms, classrooms, offices, etc. A representative number of these rooms can be sampled e.g in an office building, sampling of one cellular or single occupancy office should suffice to assess the indoor air quality for that type of habitable space in the building (assuming the other cellular offices have the same materials specification and ventilation strategy). In larger rooms, such as open-plan office areas, additional sampling locations may be required in order to understand the homogeneity of the indoor environment.
Reporting
- Detailed Reporting: Receive comprehensive reports that are easy to understand, providing you with the knowledge to make
informed decisions. - Actionable Recommendations: We don’t just identify problems; we offer solutions to improve your air quality.
Smoke and Air Quality Assessment Projects
Air Quality Assessment, Glasgow
Air Quality Assessment, Central Glasgow
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s essential for verifying air-tightness, identifying uncontrolled air leakage, and ensuring that smoke-control systems operate as designed under simulated conditions
It is used in new builds to verify smoke-control systems, in retrofits to detect unintended leaks, and in fire-safety audits to ensure smoke containment strategies are effective.
Smoke testing is typically used to visualise and locate specific air leakage or check smoke-control pathways, while air-tightness testing (blower-door test) provides quantitative data such as air changes per hour.
Smoke testing involves introducing artificial smoke into a building or ductwork to locate air leaks and assess the performance of smoke-control systems.
Smoke testing isn’t always mandatory, but air-tightness testing may be required for certain building standards or certifications. Smoke tests are often recommended for fire-safety verification.
Yes. Airotech uses non-toxic, artificial smoke safe for building occupants and surfaces, typically clearing shortly after tests without leaving residue.
No. The artificial smoke used is designed to be harmless and dissipates quickly, carrying no risk to finishes, electronics, or fabrics.
Contact Us
If you require Smoke & Air Testing for your Commercial or Residential property, please contact AiroTech for a quotation or to discuss your requirements.