Smoke is a killer

In the event of a fire within a building, it is the inevitable cloud of dense toxic smoke that is most likely to cause fatalities. Smoke is at its most dangerous in enclosed areas, especially those designed for large numbers of people to congregate. Shopping precincts, superstores, retail warehouses and places of entertainment are at particular risk.

As smoke is a killer, it is logical that everything possible should be done to ensure that it is dispersed quickly and effectively.

'Fly-Open'

All Macwood 'Fly-Open' units allow a door to operate as a normal, manually opened self-closing unit without loss of efficiency (as door closer or floor spring). Macwood 'Fly-Open' products are linked to the main fire alarm system of the building. When there is an alarm condition, 'Fly-Open' will open those doors and windows which are designated air import routes and then, most importantly, hold them open until the alarm condition is over. This provides an easy escape, free movement of make-up air and access for fire fighters.

The importance of effective ventilation

Increasingly, new buildings are having to incorporate automatic ventilation systems which will extract smoke from vulnerable areas. Apart from helping to minimise the lethal effects of inhalation, the extraction of smoke reduces the level of fire damage, improves visibility, facilitates escape and allows fire fighters to locate and deal with the seat of the fire in the shortest possible time.

When smoke is to be mechanically extracted, usually done at high level, it is imperative that there is an immediate supply of new clean air to replace the old. For maximum effectiveness this new air should be imported through doors and windows at ground level.

Smoke ventilation options

• Single action manual door(s), open on alarm.
• Double action manual door(s), open outwards on alarm.
  Normally locked door(s), unlock and open on alarm.
• Access control door(s), unlock and open on alarm.
• Single action push button operation, open on alarm.
• Underfloor or overhead operators available.

Fail open

During a fire it is likely that the building's central electrical source will fail, sometimes even before an alarm is triggered. For this reason the Macwood 'Fly-Open' uses a reserve air tank containing sufficient air to open and hold the door(s) open for as long as is required.

Fire alarm linked

Depending on the individual needs of the building, 'Fly-Open' operators are specifically designed for manual use without reducing efficiency the drive is being completely disengaged from manual operation.

Security

'Fly-Open' can be configured to work with the PSB range of pneumatic bolts (see page 16) or magnetic locks. These can also be linked to an access control device.

Access for the disabled

'Fly-Open' can be combined with low energy automatic operators to give access for the disabled. Activation would usually be by use of a push button.

Ventilation

'Fly-Open' doors and vents can be opened or closed as required by the Building Management System or manually via a key switch as part of a building's ventilation requirement.