SMOKE CONTROL STATE-OF-THE-ART.

Since 1970, special provisions for high-rise buildings, atriums, and covered malls have been added to the model codes. The new provisions for these special types of occupancies include requirements for sprinkler systems and mechanical smoke removal and control. The increased interest in the hazards from smoke in recent years parallels an increase in interest in building fire safety. The use of ventilating equipment for smoke control purposes is one of the newest refinements in fire protection. Mechanical smoke control is not the only means available to control smoke movement, however; automatic fire suppression and building compartmentation also are effective in retarding smoke movement in buildings.