Choosing the Right Fire and Smoke Curtains for Lifts | Fire Safety Guide

Selecting the appropriate fire and smoke curtains for your building's lifts (elevators) is essential to ensure occupant safety and compliance with fire safety regulations. These curtains play a critical role in preventing the vertical spread of fire and smoke through lift shafts, which can otherwise act as conduits, compromising multiple floors and hindering evacuation efforts.​

Understanding Fire and Smoke Curtains

Fire curtains are barriers designed to prevent the spread of flames and high temperatures between compartments in a building. They are typically made from materials that can withstand high temperatures for specified periods, maintaining their integrity to contain fires. Smoke curtains, on the other hand, are designed to control the movement of smoke, ensuring it doesn't spread unchecked, which is vital for maintaining visibility and air quality during evacuations. Some curtains offer combined fire and smoke protection, providing a comprehensive safety solution.​

The Importance of Fire and Smoke Curtains in Lifts

Lift shafts are inherent vertical openings in buildings, making them potential pathways for fire and smoke to travel rapidly between floors. Without proper containment measures, a fire on one floor can quickly affect others, endangering occupants and causing extensive property damage. Installing fire and smoke curtains at lift entrances and within lift lobbies helps to compartmentalize these areas, restricting the spread of fire and smoke and providing crucial time for safe evacuation and emergency response.​

Key Considerations for Selection

When choosing fire and smoke curtains for lifts, consider the following factors:

1. Compliance with Standards: Ensure that the curtains meet relevant fire safety standards and certifications. For instance, in the UK and Europe, compliance with BS EN 1634-3:2004 for fire resistance and smoke control is essential. ​
    
2. Performance Ratings: Evaluate the integrity (E), irradiance performance (W), and thermal insulation (I) ratings of the curtains. These ratings indicate the curtain's ability to withstand fire and heat transfer, measured in minutes, and are crucial for determining their effectiveness in containing fires. ​
    
3. Integration with Building Design: Opt for curtains that can be seamlessly integrated into the building's architecture. Modern designs allow curtains to remain concealed until deployment, preserving the aesthetic appeal of lift areas. ​
    
4. Emergency Egress: Consider curtains equipped with emergency egress features, such as soft-surface egress doors, which allow occupants to pass through safely during an evacuation. 
    
5. Maintenance and Testing: Regular maintenance and testing are vital to ensure the curtains function correctly during emergencies. Choose systems that offer accessible maintenance features and comply with local regulations regarding routine inspections. ​

Security Direct's Fire and Smoke Curtain Solutions

At Security Direct, we offer a range of fire and smoke curtains designed to enhance lift safety:​

• Fire Curtains: Designed to stop the spread of fire for up to 2 hours, these curtains are ideal for reception counters, kitchen serveries, stores, lifts, and open-plan residential applications. ​
   

• Fire and Smoke Curtains: These curtains not only prevent the spread of fire for up to 2 hours but also include additional smoke seals to stop the spread of smoke, providing comprehensive protection. ​
   

• Fire and Smoke Curtains Tested to BS8524: Tested to BS8524, these curtains are designed to stop the spread of fire for up to 3 hours and prevent the spread of smoke, ensuring high compliance with safety standards. ​
   

• Fire Curtain - Integrity and Radiation: Offering up to 120 minutes of fire integrity and radiation control, these advanced curtains are ideal for large openings, escape routes, and building compartmentalisation. ​
   

• Smoke Curtain Tested to BS EN 12101-01:  Smoke Curtain that provides up to 120mins fire integrity.   
   

Advantages of Installing Fire and Smoke Curtains in Lifts

• Enhanced Safety: Curtains provide a barrier against fire and smoke, protecting occupants and facilitating safer evacuations.​
   
• Design Flexibility: They enable open-plan designs by eliminating the need for traditional fire-rated walls and doors, maximising usable space. ​
   
• Cost-Effective Compliance: Installing curtains can be a more economical solution compared to constructing dedicated fire-resistant lobbies, while still adhering to fire safety regulations. ​

Summary

Selecting the right fire and smoke curtains for your lifts is a critical component of a building's fire safety strategy. By considering factors such as compliance, performance ratings, design integration, and maintenance, you can enhance occupant safety and ensure regulatory adherence. Investing in quality fire and smoke curtains not only protects lives but also preserves property and maintains the integrity of your building's design. Contact us today with your requirements and we will help you chose the right solution.