Air Transfer Grills

[DanHenry]

Hi all,

OK so there is a protected stairwell in a modern school that has a small server room under the stairs. There is an air grill fitted which appears to be fire rated intumescent however, no dampers to prevent cold smoke transfer. Is this acceptable?
Thanks

[AnthonyB]

It's up to the risk assessment, but the usual convention is to have cold smoke protection to doors onto escape routes, although I can count the times I've seen a combined smoke/fire damper grille in the door on the fingers of one hand due to the cost and need for fire alarm connection.

[Crusher]

What AnthonyB said. Also, I would record it in the FRA as a potential hazard. Smoke detection, availability of stairs, occupancy, ceiling height, grille height, refuges in stairs etc. are all relevant factors that should be considered with regard to the level of risk.

Ideal world; the vent closes on actuation of a suitably positioned detector.

[DanHenry]

Thanks guys 👍