Fire Safety Science Digital Archive

Tests are described which investigate the practicability of pressurization as a means of controlling the movement of smoke and toxic gases produced by fire on the escape routes from buildings. It is concluded that a practical system can be designed and that the pressures necessary to override those produced by a fire or by adverse weather conditions can be achieved. The use of a pressurization system is shown to improve the fire-resistance of doors and the importance of the position of door gaps is discussed.