Principle Cause Of Fatalities In Case Of A Fire Is Actually Suffocation Caused by Smoke
LGF Sysmac has been in the business of providing innovative solutions for Aluminium & UPVC Doors & Windows and Glass Facades since the Year 2000.
In the fast-changing scenario of the fenestration industry, where safety and security are of utmost concern to leading developers, architects and façade consultants, LGF Sysmac has recently added a product-line in its portfolio, which not only helps in saving lives in case of a fire in a glass façade or a residential building, but also helps in natural ventilation and enhancing automation within windows itself. Today, fire poses a great hazard to the high-rise buildings and is one of the biggest concerns considering that reaching buildings affected by fire takes a lot of time and effort to assist evacuation. One of the principle causes of fatalities is actually smoke rather than the fire itself. In co-operation with Ultraflex Control Systems (UCS), based out of Genoa in Italy, LGF Sysmac has a come up with a Natural Smoke and Heat Exhaust System (NSHEV), which consists of a system of automatic opening of windows within the façade or on the roof enabling the building to be free from smoke and heat at a rapid pace. Ventilation openings increase the thermal uplift generating a chimney effect. In the event of a fire inside a building, smoke rises up inside the building, which creates a layer of dangerous and life-threatening gases under the ceiling, filling-up the room in a very short time. The smoke hampers visibility of the emergency exits and also impedes intervention of the firemen. Above 90% of all fire victims die due to smoke inhalation and the increasing number of fatalities due to fire and smoke incidences is a testimony to the same. With the introduction of automated Window Actuators & Control Panels, which are tested in fire conditions to operate windows, skylights and louvres, LGF Sysmac has been able to ensure that the smoke has an escape route almost within seconds of being detected. The actuators come with an integrated programmable circuit board, providing two-way communication with a computer system. They are totally programmable and provide 100% realtime feedback on their status. Integrating window automation with the Building Management System (BMS) will enable interaction with other systems in the building (HVAC, Lighting, etc.). Windows could be controlled by a tablet or a smart phone (through our BMSLine system), which could help a building breathe at night, have a sunblade actuator under control to reduce sun radiation and regulate light, besides working quietly in daily scenarios at full speed for emergencies that could be related to smoke. The system can ensure grouped windows in different rooms, zones, etc. and is compatible with all existing Building Management Systems. The Smoke Extraction System can also be linked to a BMS Line Actuator to
assist in natural ventilation, as an add-on advantage, for ventilation and energy saving. Total communication between the natural ventilation system and mechanical / air conditioning system helps to optimize energy saving and assures thermal comfort and wellbeing, which has a direct impact on the health and productivity of individuals. At the same time, the building’s safety is assured by smoke ventilation in emergencies. The products have already been successfully tested and installed in several buildings in India over the past three years.
