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Fire precautions in the |
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design, construction and |
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use of buildings Ð |
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Licensed copy:BALFOUR BEATTLY CONSTRUCTUION, 08/03/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, © BSI

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Part 9: Code of practice for ventilation |
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and air conditioning ductwork |
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ICS 13.220.01; 91.140.30 |
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NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW
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 BS 5588-9:1999

Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted to Technical Committee
FSH/25, Smoke and heat control systems and components, upon which the
following bodies were represented:

Association of Roof Light Manufacturers

British Blind and Shutter Association
Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers
Consumer Policy Committee of BSI
Department of Health (NHS Estates)
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Department of the Environment, Transport and The Regions

District Surveyors Association
Fire Resistant Glass and Glazed Systems
HEVAC Association
Home Office
International Fire Consultants Ltd.
London Fire and Civil Defence Authority
Loss Prevention Council
Steel Window Association
Warrington Fire Research Centre
Co-opted members

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Health and
Environment Sector Committee,
was published under the
authority of the Standards
Committee and comes into effect Amendments issued since publication
on 15 September 1999
Amd. No. Date Comments
 BSI 09-1999

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference FSH/25
Draft for comment 98/542695 DC

ISBN 0 580 33041 9

 BS 5588-9:1999

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
Introduction 1
1 Scope 1
2 Normative references 2
3 Definitions 2
4 Use of this standard 4
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4.1 Means of providing for safety 4

4.2 Use of the principles and recommendations 4
4.3 Application of all the relevant recommendations 4
4.4 Relationship with statutory provisions 4
4.5 Information to be given to clients 5
4.6 Diagrams 5
5 Analysis of the problem 5
5.1 General 5
5.2 Fire problems of ventilation systems 5
6 Design and construction 10
6.1 Risks associated with ductwork systems in different types of buildings 10
6.2 Methods for the protection of ventilation ductwork 11
6.3 Fire dampers 12
6.4 Installation of ductwork systems 17
6.5 Combustibility of materials and components 21
6.6 Recirculating distribution systems 22
6.7 Domestic heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems 22
6.8 Transfer grilles 22
6.9 Firefighting control 23
7 Advice to management 23
7.1 Provision of advice 23
7.2 Fire service access to ductwork 23
7.3 Testing and maintenance 23
7.4 Housekeeping 24
Bibliography 25
Figure 1 Ð Potential smoke spread within ventilation systems 7
Figure 2 Ð Positioning of fire dampers in systems with unprotected ductwork 14
Figure 3 Ð Positioning of fire dampers in systems where the ductwork is
protected by a fire-resisting enclosure 15
Figure 4 Ð Positioning of fire dampers in systems with fire-resisting ductwork 16
Figure 5 Ð Shunt systems 20

 BSI 09-1999 i
 BS 5588-9:1999

Foreword

This part of BS 5588 was prepared by Technical Committee FSH/25. It supersedes

BS 5588-9:1989 which is withdrawn.
The other parts which comprise BS 5588 are as follows:
Ð Part 0: Guide to fire safety codes of practice for particular
premises/applications;
Ð Part 1: Code of practice for residential buildings;
Ð Part 4: Code of practice for smoke control using pressure differentials;
Ð Part 5: Code of practice for firefighting stairs and lifts;
Ð Part 6: Code of practice for places of assembly;
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Ð Part 7: Code of practice for the incorporation of atria in buildings;

Ð Part 8: Code of practice for means of escape for disabled people;
Ð Part 10: Code of practice for shopping complexes;
Ð Part 11: Code of practice for shops, offices, industrial, storage and other similar
buildings.
Some of the more important changes introduced in this revision of this part of BS 5588
are as follows.
a) Intumescent dampers are now included.
b) Alternative solutions are given to smoke detector control of fire/smoke dampers
in hotels.
c) Provision of smoke detector operated fire/smoke dampers in places of
entertainment, hospitals and premises with a sleeping risk is now included.
d) Changes have been made to the three methods of protecting ductwork.
e) Recommendations are given for ductwork passing through escape routes.
f) Recommendations have been added for the following:
1) fire dampers;
2) the installation of ductwork systems;
3) fan rooms;
4) transfer grilles;
5) air handling voids;
6) recirculating distribution systems;
7) firefighting controls; and
8) domestic heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
It has been assumed in the drafting of this standard that the execution of its provisions
will be entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced people.
As a code of practice, this British Standard takes the form of guidance and
recommendations. It should not be quoted as if it were a specification and particular
care should be taken to ensure that claims of compliance are not misleading.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations. In particular, attention is drawn to 4.4.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii, pages 1
to 25 and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the document was
last issued.

ii  BSI 09-1999
 BS 5588-9:1999

Introduction Experimental evidence of the efficacy of measures to

prevent fire spread by way of ductwork is scarce. A
The fire protection of ventilation systems has, in the
considerable international effort is being made,
past, tended to be considered primarily in the
aimed at a better understanding of the problems of
context of the breakdown of fire compartmentation
fire and smoke spread associated with ventilation
in buildings.
ductwork. In particular this concerns the pressure
Ventilation systems and ductwork however can be distribution throughout a building and how this is
responsible for accelerating the initial spread of fire, affected, either directly or indirectly, by fire. This
for example between rooms within a fire standard is based on the best available information
compartment, and, perhaps of even more in respect of both practical experience and scientific
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importance, by the rapid dispersion of smoke and investigation.

decomposition products. This part of BS 5588
Throughout the standard, life safety is the primary
therefore considers the system as a whole and
consideration underlying the recommendations.
recommends the protection that needs to be
However, the standard also covers matters which are
provided in order to meet the specific requirements
relevant to the protection of the building and its
of any given type of building or occupancy.
contents from fire as well as to the safety of the
This standard draws attention to the potential fire occupants.
dangers associated with ventilation and air
conditioning ductwork. The systems covered include
ducted supply and extract systems, whether through 1 Scope
ducts or plenums, mechanically assisted systems and This part of BS 5588 provides guidance for designers
those relying on natural convection. It discusses a and the building construction team on the
range of protective measures, the adoption of which incorporation of ventilation and air conditioning
should effectively counterbalance the potential ductwork into new and existing buildings other than
dangers of fire. It offers guidance on the premises covered by BS 5908.
appropriateness of such protective methods in a NOTE 1 It is essential that the recommendations given in this
range of circumstances. However, no single part of BS 5588 are applied anew if physical alterations are made
recommendation is made in respect of any specific to an existing building which have a detrimental effect on the
method of protection for a given type of occupancy. means of escape from the building, even if such alterations are
not structural.
Each project needs to be examined by the designer
to identify the potential dangers before selecting the The standard covers non-combustible building
appropriate protective measures. service ducts, and ductwork manufactured from
metal and/or rigid mineral based components which
A fire can generate large quantities of combustion exhibit:
products (usually referred to as ªsmokeº), namely
hot gases carrying smoke particles and containing a) high integrity when exposed to fully developed
toxic or noxious and irritant products. fire conditions;
The standard is mainly concerned with providing b) resistance to penetration by flame;
advice on the selection of appropriate measures for c) an ability to exclude or contain fire.
the effective isolation of the ventilation system, that It does not cover ductwork manufactured from
will confine fire, smoke and decomposition products materials that rapidly melt, shatter or degrade during
within a pre-selected area of the building, or within fire exposure, for example glass and plastics
the system itself, in such a way that other areas are materials.
subject neither to fire attack nor to the spread of
The standard covers precautions to prevent the
smoke and/or toxic gases.
spread of fire and smoke and other by-products of
In the event of a fire within a building, ventilation by combustion within a building through the movement
natural or mechanical means can be used to limit the of air for environmental control, i.e. ventilation,
spread of these products which could otherwise heating and cooling. It does not cover the movement
hinder or prevent escape and thus endanger the lives of air for purposes other than for environmental
of the occupants, and restrict or prevent effective control, e.g. boiler flues, pneumatic information
rescue and firefighting by the fire brigade. The transfer systems, nor smoke control systems,
requirements for ventilation in the event of fire may, pressure differential systems and industrial process
on occasion, be incompatible with those for normal plant extract systems.
ventilation. In most cases larger flows of air or gases NOTE 2 The design and construction of service ducts is covered
have to be allowed for, in directions sometimes in BS 8313, the design of pressurization systems for smoke control
different from those required for normal ventilation. in protected escape routes is covered in BS 5588-4, and the design
of smoke control systems within atria buildings, places of
assembly and shopping complexes are covered in BS 5588-6, -7
and -10 respectively.

 BSI 09-1999 1
 BS 5588-9:1999

2 Normative references BS 5839-1:1988, Fire detection and alarm systems

for buildings Ð Part 1: Code of practice for system
The following normative documents contain
design, installation and servicing.
provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of this part of this British BS 5839-3, Fire detection and alarm systems for
Standard. For dated references, subsequent buildings Ð Part 3: Specification for automatic
amendments to, or revisions of, any of these release mechanisms for certain fire protection
publications do not apply. For undated references, equipment.
the latest edition of the publication referred to BS 8313, Code of practice for accommodation of
applies. building services in ducts.
BS 476-4, Fire tests on building materials and ISO 834-1, Fire resistance tests Ð Elements of
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structures Ð Part 4: Non-combustibility test for building construction Ð Part 1: General

materials. requirements.
BS 476-6:1989, Fire tests on building materials and
structures Ð Part 6: Method of test for fire 3 Definitions
propagation for products. For the purposes of this part of BS 5588 the
BS 476-7:1997, Fire tests on building materials and following definitions apply.
structures Ð Part 7: Method for classification of the 3.1
surface spread of flame of products. air handling void
BS 476-8, Fire tests on building materials and duct which forms part of either the supply or the
structures Ð Part 8: Test methods and criteria for return air distribution system
the fire resistance of elements of building NOTE 1 This is usually a ceiling or floor void.
construction. NOTE 2 Also known as a ªplenumº.
BS 476-11, Fire tests on building materials and 3.2
structures Ð Part 11: Method for assessing the heat
emission from building materials. cavity barrier
construction provided either:
BS 476-20, Fire tests on building materials and
structures Ð Part 20: Method for determination of a) to seal a cavity (concealed space) against the
the fire resistance of elements of construction penetration of smoke and flame; or
(general principles). b) within a cavity (concealed space) to restrict the
BS 476-21, Fire tests on building materials and movement of smoke and flame within the cavity
structures Ð Part 21: Method for determination of 3.3
the fire resistance of loadbearing elements of ceiling void
construction. cavity between a structural floor or roof and the
BS 476-22, Fire tests on building materials and suspended ceiling below, through which building
structures Ð Part 22: Method for determination of services may pass
the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements of 3.4
construction.
class 0 surface
BS 476-23, Fire tests on building materials and
surface which is either:
structures Ð Part 23: Methods of determination of
the contribution of components to the fire resistance a) composed throughout of materials of limited
of a structure. combustibility; or
b) composed of a material classified as class 1
BS 476-24, Fire tests on building materials and
when tested in accordance with BS 476-7:1997,
structures Ð Part 24: Method for determination of
which has a fire propagation index I of not more
the fire resistance of ventilation ducts.
than 12, and a sub-index i1 of not more than 6,
BS 5445-7, Components of automatic fire detection when tested in accordance with BS 476-6:1989
systems Ð Part 7: Specification for point-type
smoke detectors using scattered light, transmitted 3.5
light or ionization. duct
BS 5499-1, Fire safety signs, notices and graphic passage inside which services are led through a
symbols Ð Part 1: Specification for fire safety building
signs. NOTE Examples of services are water pipes, electrical cables
and air ductwork.
BS 5588-1:1990, Fire precautions in the design and
construction of buildings Ð Part 1: Code of practice 3.6
for residential buildings. ductwork
BS 5720, Code of practice for mechanical ventilation system of enclosures for the distribution or
and air conditioning in buildings. extraction of air
NOTE The enclosures can be of any cross-sectional shape.

2  BSI 09-1999
 BS 5588-9:1999

3.7 3.15
fire compartment pressurization
building or part of a building, comprising one or method of smoke control using pressure
more rooms, spaces or storeys, constructed to differentials, where the air pressure in the spaces
prevent the spread of fire to or from another part of being protected is raised above that in the fire zone
the same building, or an adjoining building
NOTE Also referred to in this standard as a ªcompartmentº. 3.16
3.8 protected shaft
fire damper shaft of fire-resisting construction which enables
persons, things or air to pass from one compartment
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mobile closure or intumescent device within a duct

to another
which is operated automatically and is designed to
NOTE This can be, for example, a stairway, lift, escalator, chute
prevent the passage of fire and which, together with or duct.
its frame, is capable of satisfying for a stated period
of time the same fire resistance criterion for integrity 3.17
as the element of the building construction through protected stairway, lobby or corridor
which the duct passes
stairway, including any exit passageway leading
3.9 therefrom to its final exit, lobby or corridor,
fire/smoke damper separated from any other part of the building by
combined fire and smoke damper fire-resisting construction
NOTE See 3.8 fire damper, and 3.20 smoke damper. 3.18
3.10 return air grille
fire resistance grille connected to the ductwork system through
ability of a component or construction of a building which air is extracted from a room or space
to conform for a stated period of time to the
appropriate criteria specified in the relevant part 3.19
of BS 476 shunt system
3.11 system in which branch ductwork, instead of making
fire stopping a direct connection to the main ductwork, turns
through an angle and runs parallel to the main
process for sealing or closing an imperfection of fit ductwork for a specified distance before turning into
between elements, components or construction of a and connecting with the main ductwork
building, or any joint, so as to restrict penetration of
smoke and flame through that imperfection or joint 3.20
3.12 smoke damper
floor void mechanical device which, when closed, prevents
cavity between a structural floor and a platform floor smoke passing through an aperture within a duct or
above, through which building services may pass structure
NOTE The device may be open or closed in its normal position
3.13 and may be automatically or manually actuated.
material of limited combustibility
3.21
material which either:
a) is non-combustible; or supply grille
b) is of density 300 kg/m3 or more and which, grille connected to the ductwork system through
when tested in accordance with BS 476-11, does which air is discharged into a room or space
not flame and does not give a rise in temperature NOTE The term ªsupply grilleº includes air diffusers.
measured on the furnace thermocouple of more 3.22
than 20 8C; or
thermally actuated device
c) has a non-combustible core of 8 mm thickness
or more, with combustible facings (on one or both device which releases a fire damper closing
sides) not more than 0.5 mm thick mechanism when the temperature in the vicinity of
the fire damper rises to a predetermined value
3.14
non-combustible material 3.23
material which conforms to the performance transfer grille
requirements specified in BS 476-4, or which, when fixed grille not connected to the ductwork system
tested in accordance with BS 476-11, does not flame providing for the free transfer of air between
and does not cause any rise in temperature on either adjacent rooms and/or spaces
the centre (specimen) or furnace thermocouples

 BSI 09-1999 3
 BS 5588-9:1999

4 Use of this standard 4.4.2 Building regulations

The design and construction of new buildings, and of
4.1 Means of providing for safety alterations of existing buildings, are controlled by
The recommendations in this standard are intended the following statutory provisions.
to provide safety from fire by means of the
following: England and Wales: The Building Regulations
a) design and construction of ductwork systems to Scotland: The Building Standards
prevent their becoming the means by which fire, (Scotland) Regulations
smoke and other products of combustion can Northern Ireland: The Building Regulations
spread from one compartment to another, or (Northern Ireland)
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prejudice the safe use of escape routes;

b) construction and finishing with suitable It should be noted that some county and other
materials to limit the spread of fire over or within authorities in England and Wales have local powers
the ductwork. in respect of fire precautions.
4.4.3 Legislation and other regulations covering
4.2 Use of the principles and recommendations fire safety in existing premises
The fire hazard of a particular building and its In addition to the controls mentioned in 4.4.2, fire
contents has to be appreciated when designing a safety and means of escape for a wide variety of
ductwork system. However, it is not possible to buildings are dealt with under the following
make comprehensive recommendations capable of legislation.
covering every possible risk, and intelligent appraisal
England and Wales:
of the principles and application of the
recommendations given in this standard are The Fire Precautions Act, 1971, as amended by
therefore essential. the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, 1974.
The Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport
4.3 Application of all the relevant Act, 1987.
recommendations The Building Act, 1984.
Individual recommendations given in this standard The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations,
should not be applied in isolation. In order to ensure 1997.
that a ductwork system is in accordance with this Scotland:
standard all the relevant recommendations need to
The Fire Precautions Act, 1971, as amended by
be applied.
the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, 1974.
4.4 Relationship with statutory provisions The Fire Safety and Safety of Places of Sport
4.4.1 General Act, 1987.
The Building (Scotland) Act, 1959 (as amended).
It is important to appreciate the relationships
between this code and the various statutory The Fire Certificates (Special Premises)
provisions relevant to the design and construction of Regulations, 1976, SI 1976 No. 2003
new buildings and to the fire precautions to be (as amended).
provided in existing buildings. The relevant The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations,
legislation listed in 4.4.2 and 4.4.3 has to be 1997.
complied with in the event of a conflict with this Northern Ireland:
standard. However, there are two main ways in The Fire Services (Northern Ireland) Order,
which this part of BS 5588 is intended to supplement 1984.
the legislation. The Health and Safety at Work (Northern
The first is that, since Acts of Parliament and Ireland) Order, 1978.
Regulations made under them are necessarily drafted The Planning and Building Regulations
in broad terms and cannot deal in detail with a wide (Amendment Order) (Northern Ireland) Order,
variety of different situations, one of the objects of 1990.
this standard is to provide guidance for the building The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations
designer in matters not covered in sufficient detail (Northern Ireland), 1998.
by the legislation. Secondly, because the objectives There are also a number of local Acts as well as
of the legislation are mainly concerned with the entertainment and other licensing legislation which
health and safety of the general public, this standard deal with fire safety and means of escape. The
has a wider scope and includes matters relevant to designer should consult the fire authority and
the protection of the building and its contents from building authority at an early stage to make certain
fire as well as to the safety of the occupants. that the buildings as planned will meet the
requirements those authorities may make,
particularly if a fire certificate or licence may be
necessary.

4  BSI 09-1999
 BS 5588-9:1999

4.5 Information to be given to clients of a particular building and its occupancy. Generally,
Designers are advised to inform their clients of the fire prevention measures are designed to:
nature and function of the fire precautions that have a) prevent a fire from entering or leaving the
been designed into the ductwork system, and ductwork;
especially those the nature of which may be less b) limit the spread of fire, smoke and other
evident. This will give the client a better products of combustion within the ductwork;
understanding of his responsibilities for ensuring
that a high standard of safety is maintained. c) prevent a breach in the integrity of an enclosing
Sufficient drawings and written information should fire-resisting element of construction where
also be given to the client on completion of the work penetrated by ductwork.
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to enable him to establish proper maintenance The measures can be achieved by a combination of
records (see 7.3). fire dampers, fire-resisting ductwork, fire-resisting
The advice given in clause 7 is intended as a guide enclosure of ductwork and adequate fire-stopping.
for the building management, and designers are The spread of smoke and other products of
advised to pass this on to their clients. combustion provides a more complex problem than
the spread of fire. The extent of the dilution of the
4.6 Diagrams smoke and gases is dependent on the degree of
The figures are intended to clarify concepts, and mixing and thus on the design of the system and the
should not be taken as indicating the only acceptable point at which the smoke and gases enter it.
forms of planning or construction.
5.2 Fire problems of ventilation systems
5.2.1 Smoke spread
5 Analysis of the problem
5.2.1.1 General
5.1 General
The rapidity and extent of the transmission of smoke
A prerequisite of good structural fire precautions in
through the ventilation system to remote parts of a
most buildings is their division into compartments
building are of primary importance to life safety,
designed to prevent a fire in one from spreading to
particularly as the smoke is likely to contain toxic
others. Each perforation of the compartment
and/or noxious products of combustion. The areas
enclosure, be it a door, an opening in the floor for a
contaminated will be determined by the comparative
stairway, or a duct, is a potential weakness in the
pressure conditions in parts of the building served
fire design of the building and the appropriate
by the system. These are affected by the following
precautions need to be taken to protect the integrity
factors:
of the compartment.
a) expansion effects due to the fire;
Building service ducts are usually present throughout
the whole of a building, passing from compartment b) buoyancy effects due primarily to the fire
to compartment, and should be fire-stopped (particularly in vertical ductwork);
whenever they penetrate fire-resisting walls, floors c) wind effects on the building;
and ceilings. d) stack effects, i.e. effects caused by the
However, the dangers posed by the perforation of differences between the indoor and outdoor
fire compartment enclosures are exacerbated in the temperatures.
case of mechanical ventilation and air conditioning The major potential problems of smoke spread
systems by, firstly, the size of both the ductwork and within ventilation systems are illustrated in Figure 1.
the holes needed for it to go through and, secondly,
the need for ventilation ductwork, by design, to There is a potential for cool smoke and gases to
ensure the efficient circulation of air throughout the spread through the system as long as the air
system. Thus, penetration of the system by hot gases, handling plant continues to function and before fire
smoke and toxic decomposition products can result dampers operate to isolate the fire area. Fire
in extremely rapid spread of fire and smoke to any dampers, which are designed primarily to stop
other area of the building unless suitable flames and hot gases passing from one area to
preventative measures are taken. another through the ductwork, are usually controlled
by thermally actuated devices. Unless also actuated
The fire prevention measures needed will vary by smoke detectors, fire dampers will not close until
according to the type of system, the design of the the thermally actuated devices reach their operating
building and the necessity for rapid confinement of a temperature, and during this intervening period cool
localized fire. Thus, the selection of the method is smoke may be drawn, or may diffuse, into the
largely dependent upon the individual requirements system and be circulated to other areas as yet
unaffected by fire. Careful control of the extract
plant during this period can assist the removal of
such smoke.

 BSI 09-1999 5
 BS 5588-9:1999

Hot smoke and gases can spread against forced Although there is theoretically a risk of the air
airflow in horizontal ductwork, and even more supply increasing the severity of a fire, ventilation
readily upwards in vertical ductwork, where flows are generally small relative to the air supply
expansion and buoyancy effects are sufficient to required by the fire and the ventilation caused by the
overcome the air velocity. However, dampers can be fire itself, for example by the shattering of windows.
closed and the fan cut off early in this phase of fire 5.2.2 Fire within the ductwork system
development. In isolated compartments after the
operation of the fire dampers, in systems without fan 5.2.2.1 Causes of fire within the ductwork system
assistance or in others after automatic or manual 5.2.2.1.1 Extract systems
cut-off or failure of the fan, smoke spread through
Fire may be drawn into the system or may develop
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the unobstructed ductwork will be primarily

governed by differential pressures in the areas within it as follows.
serviced by the system. a) Flames and hot gases may be extracted from
the room or diffuse into the system depending on
Voids between structural floors and suspended relative pressure conditions.
ceilings and between structural floors and platform
floors are frequently used for air handling, i.e. the b) Hot sparks diffusing or drawn into the
supply or extraction of air. Such voids frequently ductwork may ignite combustible insulation,
contain combustible materials, for example PVC filters, deposits, etc. within the system, or hot
sheathing to electrical and communications cabling gases may undergo spontaneous ignition when
mixing with air from, for example, a branch of the
and insulation applied externally to ductwork, and in
ductwork system.
such cases there is a risk of ignition of such
materials by flames or hot gases being drawn across c) Heat conducted through the wall of the
or introduced into the voids, thus adding to the ductwork (during repair, etc.) may ignite
potential for the spread of fire into the main combustible insulation, filters, deposits, etc.
mechanical ventilation system or to the spread of 5.2.2.1.2 Supply systems
fire beneath occupied floors. A supply system may spread fire as follows.
5.2.1.2 Spread of smoke through the extract system a) Fan room fires may cause sparks or flame to
travel through the system igniting combustible
The spread of fire gases into and through the system insulation, deposits, etc.
is immediate unless the extract system is situated
near floor level. Cool smoke may be extracted and b) Fires within the room or space in which the
its spread to other areas will depend on differential ductwork is sited may cause ignition of
pressure conditions (largely controlled by the combustible insulation, filters, deposits, etc. by
capacity of the extract fan). heat conduction through the ductwork wall.
c) Fire may enter the system against the flow,
The fan may be turned off or fail due to overheating, given high overpressures within the fire room or
but even during operation of the fan the quantity of space.
air drawn through the unaffected areas of the system
towards the fire will be progressively reduced 5.2.2.1.3 Ductwork without forced flow
because the gases in the fire room will expand and In ductwork without forced flow, the situation is the
this will increase the possibility of smoke spread same as that where the circulation fan is cut off, or
against the flow. After cut-out of the fan, smoke where fire dampers at compartment walls or floors
spread can extend in either direction depending on have isolated the compartment.
differential pressures in the system. Once fire
5.2.2.2 Fire spread within the ductwork system
dampers are closed the problem is restricted to one
compartment. The movement of flames and fire gases is similar to
that of hot smoke as described in 5.2.1.1. Where
5.2.1.3 Spread of smoke through the supply system natural convection, buoyancy or expansion effects
and possible effects of the air supply are sufficient to overcome the air velocity whilst the
fan is still working, fire can spread over any
The supply air is likely to be maintained until the fan combustible material within the ductwork against the
is either automatically or manually cut off. While the air flow, assisted in this case by radiated heat and
pressure can be maintained positive relative to the fully oxygenated air. Where combustible lightweight
fire area, the likelihood of smoke spread is greatly insulating material is used as a lining to a duct wall,
reduced, particularly if the supply grilles are placed this can result in rapid fire spread.
at floor level or just above. In a very well sealed
room, however, expansion pressures due to a fire
may overcome the fan pressure. Once fire dampers
are closed the problem is restricted to one
compartment.

6  BSI 09-1999
 BS 5588-9:1999
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NOTE 1 In a supply system a fire in the fan room (or near to the supply inlet) could result in heat and smoke
being circulated via ductwork throughout the building.
NOTE 2 In a system protected only by thermally actuated fire dampers there is a risk that a substantial amount of
smoke will be circulated before the thermally actuated devices operate.
* Although not shown, cavity barriers may be required.

Figure 1 Ð Potential smoke spread within ventilation systems

 BSI 09-1999 7
 BS 5588-9:1999
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NOTE 1 In an extract system without a smoke sensor cut-out on the extract unit, or fire dampers in the ductwork,
smoke can enter the ductwork and outstrip the capacity of the extract unit, and the smoke can spread against the
normal flow into areas not immediately affected by the fire.
NOTE 2 Ductwork generally provides a path for the spread of smoke throughout the building.
* Although not shown, cavity barriers may be required.

Figure 1 Ð Potential smoke spread within ventilation systems (continued)

8  BSI 09-1999
 BS 5588-9:1999
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NOTE 1 In a supply system with unprotected outlets, or with outlets protected by thermally actuated fire dampers,
the pressure of the expanding gases in the room involved in the fire can cause smoke to diffuse into the supply
ductwork, against the normal flow, before the operating temperature of the thermally actuated devices is reached.
NOTE 2 Smoke could be carried into areas not affected by the fire and, with an unprotected system, hot gases and
smoke could travel against a forced supply.
NOTE 3 Ductwork generally provides a path for the spread of smoke throughout the building.
* Although not shown, cavity barriers may be required.

Figure 1 Ð Potential smoke spread within ventilation systems (continued)

 BSI 09-1999 9
 BS 5588-9:1999

5.2.3 Break-in of fire into the ductwork system Shunt systems (see 6.4.7) are sometimes employed
The potential for this situation occurring where in blocks of flats and maisonettes to enable branch
ductwork (be it supply or extract) passes through a ductwork to be connected to main ductwork without
room or space which is affected by fire is limited if the use of fire dampers. The design, based on the
there are no openings (e.g. grilles) into the ductwork, principle of pressure difference in a stack situation,
provided that the integrity of the ductwork remains is intended to retard the passage of a fire from one
unimpaired, and combustible insulation, filters, dwelling to another via the ductwork.
deposits, etc. are not present within the ductwork. 6.1.3 Institutional buildings
Failure of integrity of the ductwork at any point can
cause fire within the ductwork system. In this occupancy group, buildings having a large
number of rooms predominate, with occupants
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The causes of fire breaking into the ductwork may having a widely varying degree of mobility and
be summarized as follows: capacity for a logical response to an emergency
a) ignition of materials within the ductwork by situation. Escape times can be protracted in
heat conduction; comparison with most other occupancies due to
b) failure of the integrity of the ductwork, for occupants not being able to help themselves; indeed,
example by failure of joints or flexible in some cases they may be restrained. In such cases
connections, due to thermal expansion or failure not only should every effort be made to ensure that
of the support system. smoke and decomposition products do not enter the
ventilation system, but it is advisable to consider
5.2.4 Fire spread by ductwork into adjoining using the system as a positive means of confining
areas smoke in certain areas, and hence keeping escape
There is a potential for fire spread into adjoining routes freely usable. Certain government
areas when uninsulated ductwork containing fire or departments, for example the Home Office and NHS
hot gases passes through a room or space unaffected Estates, publish guidance documents for buildings
by fire but within which there are combustible within their areas of responsibility that include
materials adjacent to the ductwork. recommendations for ventilation systems.
6.1.4 Other residential buildings, e.g. hotels
6 Design and construction and hostels
6.1 Risks associated with ductwork systems in As with institutional buildings, a large number of
different types of buildings small rooms predominate in this type of building and
there is a high risk of fire being transmitted by
6.1.1 Dwelling houses means of the ventilation ductwork system. Whilst the
Two storey houses rarely include complicated mobility of residents may be unrestricted, their
ventilation systems. They may have a circulated unfamiliarity with the premises and their longer
warm air heating system or ducted extracts from response times, should they be asleep, increase the
cooker hoods. It is not, therefore, considered life risk.
necessary for ductwork within one and two storey 6.1.5 Assembly buildings, shops and offices
houses to have any specific protection against fire.
For houses with three or more storeys there is an 6.1.5.1 Such buildings usually include large
increased risk of fire and of products of combustion unobstructed areas, and smoke spread throughout a
spreading into the stairway whether by way of compartment is more likely to occur through such
forced convection, natural convection or fire induced open spaces rather than by means of the ventilation
convection. Consequently recommendations are ductwork system.
made in 6.7 limiting the positioning of transfer 6.1.5.2 Ductwork systems in premises used for
grilles, and regarding ducting of return air from public entertainment should be arranged so that fire
protected stairways, provision of room and/or smoke cannot transfer through ductwork
thermostats, etc. from any other part of the building into:
6.1.2 Flats and maisonettes a) areas occupied by members of the public; or
The particular problem of this type of occupancy b) protected escape routes used by the public;
(in addition to those applicable to dwelling houses, for a period of time equal to the fire resistance time
see 6.1.1) lies in ensuring that, where common of the element of the building construction through
ductwork is provided, fire in one dwelling will not which the duct passes, or at least half an hour.
cause fire gases, etc. to penetrate another dwelling. This should be achieved by fire protecting the
In multi-storey blocks internal service cores increase ductwork using method 2 or method 3 (see 6.2.3
the hazard but, more significantly, high buildings can and 6.2.4).
develop large pressure differentials due to wind,
temperature differences, etc.

10  BSI 09-1999
 BS 5588-9:1999

Fire dampers should not be installed in any 6.2.4 Method 3. Protection using fire-resisting
ductwork provided to extract or release smoke from ductwork
the building. The ductwork itself forms a protected shaft. The fire
Where possible ductwork should not be sited within resistance may be achieved by the ductwork material
protected escape routes. Further recommendations itself, or through the application of a protective
are given within BS 5588-6. material.
6.2.5 Fire protection of ductwork
6.1.6 Industrial and other non-residential
buildings 6.2.5.1 Commentary
Method 1 does not require the ductwork to provide
Suitably positioned fire dampers are usually
any degree of fire resistance since compartmentation
sufficient to counter the dangers associated with the
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is maintained by siting fire dampers whenever the

spread of fire through ventilation ductwork systems ductwork penetrates a compartment boundary.
in these occupancies. Such fire dampers could also Precautions or restrictions on design, necessary for
play a part in preventing damage to contents and the fire considerations within a single compartment, vary
buildings themselves. Certain areas of such buildings widely and although some types of ductwork are not
involving storage or use of hazardous, corrosive, covered by the recommendations of this code, advice
toxic or highly flammable substances require special on their use is published elsewhere; for example
consideration that is outside the scope of this specific performance requirements have been drawn
standard (see BS 5908). up by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for
6.2 Methods for the protection of ventilation ductwork designed for use in areas in which highly
ductwork flammable liquids are stored (see reference [1]).
Whilst the main risk of fire transfer by means of
6.2.1 General ventilation ductwork is from a fire originating
Fire protection of ventilation ductwork is needed as outside the ductwork, it is possible for a fire to
an integral part of compartmentation and to ensure originate inside the ductwork. To cater for this
that means of escape from the building are not possibility, it is necessary to ascertain the resistance
prejudiced. There are three basic methods, and these of the ductwork to a fire originating on either side of
are detailed in 6.2.2, 6.2.3, and 6.2.4. the ductwork wall.
Metal ductwork, if satisfactorily constructed and
The three methods are not mutually exclusive and it supported, will be able to provide a high degree of
will be found that in most ductwork systems a resistance to the passage of smoke and
combination of two, and occasionally all three, will decomposition products. However, rapid transfer of
best combat the potential fire dangers. heat through the metal, regardless of its thickness,
6.2.2 Method 1. Protection using fire dampers prevents the ductwork achieving any degree of fire
resistance without supplementary insulation. The
The fire is isolated in the compartment of origin by method of test described in BS 476-24 takes into
the automatic actuation of fire dampers within the account the effect of fire entering the ductwork as
ductwork system. Fire dampers should therefore be well as fire exposure from the outside, and also
sited in the duct at the point where it penetrates a subjects the ductwork suspension to fire.
compartment wall or floor, or at the point where it
6.2.5.2 Recommendations for ductwork protected by
penetrates the enclosure of a protected escape route. method 2
6.2.3 Method 2. Protection using fire-resisting NOTE No recommendations are given for ductwork protected by
enclosures method 1 as this relies on the provision of fire dampers for the
maintenance of fire resisting separation.
A building services duct is provided through which
6.2.5.2.1 The fire resistance of the ductwork
the ventilation ductwork passes and, if the duct is enclosure, when tested from either side should be
constructed to the highest standard of fire resistance not less than the fire resistance required for the
of the structure which it penetrates, it forms a elements of construction in the area through which it
compartment known as a protected shaft. This passes, unless the provisions given in 6.2.5.2.2, or
method allows a complicated multiplicity of services those given in 6.2.5.2.3, apply.
to be transferred together along a duct traversing a
6.2.5.2.2 If the following provisions apply:
number of compartments and reaching remote parts
of a building, without requiring further internal a) there are no combustible materials, such as
divisions along its length. The provision of fire insulation, between the ductwork and the
dampers is then required only at points where the enclosure; and
ventilation ductwork leaves the confines of the b) the enclosure facings are constructed from
protected shaft. materials of limited combustibility;
NOTE Care in the design of the ductwork system is necessary to
then the fire resistance of the ductwork enclosure
ensure that expansion of the ductwork will not cause failure of when tested from either side should be not less than
the fire resisting enclosure, particularly when formed by a one half of the fire resistance required for elements
suspended ceiling. of construction in the area through which it passes,
and in no case should it be less than 30 min.

 BSI 09-1999 11
 BS 5588-9:1999

6.2.5.2.3 Alternatively, if the following provisions All fire dampers referred to in this standard need to
apply: close automatically under emergency conditions.
a) the junction between the floor and the Mechanical fire dampers should be held open by a
ductwork at every storey level is fire-stopped; and thermally activated device, although they may also
be activated by a smoke detector. Intumescent
b) there are no combustible materials, such as
dampers by their nature are thermally activated and
insulation, between the ductwork and the
should be demonstrated to close within the time
enclosure; and
permitted in the time temperature curve given
c) the enclosure facings are constructed from in ISO 834-1.
materials of limited combustibility;
Intumescent dampers may also incorporate
then the fire resistance of the ductwork enclosure
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electrically operated moving components which

when tested from the outside should be not less than when activated by a smoke sensor will provide a
the fire resistance required for the elements of smoke barrier, prior to the intumescent elements
construction in the area through which it passes. activating.
6.2.5.3 Recommendation for ductwork protected by Closure may be achieved in many ways including
method 3 gravity operation or with spring assistance. In the
The fire resistance of the ductwork, when tested latter case springs need to be securely fixed and
from either side, should be not less than the fire protected from the fire gases so as to exert and
resistance required for the elements of construction maintain the requisite pull both for the working life
in the area through which it passes. of the fire damper and, during a fire, for the period
prior to the closure of the fire damper.
6.3 Fire dampers Thermally actuated devices need to be arranged so
6.3.1 Fire resistance that, on operation, any released parts do not impede
the movement of the fire damper. The linkage and
6.3.1.1 Commentary fixings need to be of adequate strength to avoid the
It has been found that the failure of a fire damper or need for renewal other than following test or
its frame under the test conditions described in emergency operation. The link will only be effective
BS 476-20 is most likely to take place within the first if arranged in a position fully exposed to the hot gas
hour, and that fire dampers which meet the criterion stream within the protected opening, and not
for integrity after 60 min will continue to do so for shielded by damper blades or other component
some considerable time. Though intumescent parts.
dampers may satisfy any heat insulation
requirements, mechanical fire dampers may not, 6.3.2.2 Recommendations
although the provision of two mechanical fire All mechanical fire dampers should be held in the
dampers with an air space between them normally open position by means of a thermally actuated
improves the thermal performance. device set to operate at approximately 74 8C and
Fire dampers are not generally regarded as being located in a fully exposed position within the
fully effective in resisting the penetration of smoke, protected opening.
although their use for fire integrity purposes will 6.3.3 Actuation of fire/smoke dampers by smoke
assist in reducing or retarding the movement of detectors
smoke.
6.3.3.1 Commentary
6.3.1.2 Recommendations It should be appreciated that thermally actuated
All fire dampers and their frames, when subjected to devices operate only on attaining a certain
the test conditions described in BS 476-20, should temperature and may not therefore operate in the
satisfy the fire integrity criterion for not less than presence of smoke alone, and that a slow burning
60 min. fire or an admixture of cool air with smoke and fire
NOTE BS ISO 10294-1, ISO 10294-2 and ISO 10294-3 provide gases may result in appreciable quantities of smoke
further guidance on test methods. passing the fire damper before the thermally
6.3.2 Operation actuated device operates.
There are positive advantages in life safety terms in
6.3.2.1 Commentary actuating fire/smoke dampers by smoke detectors in
Fire dampers should be simple in their operation, addition to thermally actuated devices, particularly in
with the minimum number of moving parts. Fire buildings presenting a high or special life hazard
dampers employing channels and grooves to house such as hotels, hospitals and other non-domestic
sliding blades are susceptible to accumulation of dirt buildings involving a sleeping risk. Smoke detectors
and other deposits and are not suitable for some of either the optical or ionization chamber type may
situations, for example an extract from a sawmill or be used to actuate the fire/smoke dampers.
a kitchen.

12  BSI 09-1999
 BS 5588-9:1999

Care is needed in the selection of the model(s) and b) If the building is divided into fire compartments
number of smoke detectors and their siting, as and the alarm system is arranged to signal the
various factors affect satisfactory operation. In immediate evacuation of the occupants of the fire
particular, the density of smoke within ventilation compartment in which the fire has been detected,
ductwork is likely to be considerably reduced by then smoke detector operated fire/smoke dampers
dilution with air (to a greater degree in high velocity need only be provided where ductwork which
systems) with a consequential delaying effect on the forms part of the ventilation system enters or
operation of the detector. Smoke detectors may, leaves the fire compartment.
therefore, be better situated in a room or other part
of the building rather than within ventilation 6.3.3.2.3 Hospitals and other buildings involving a
ductwork, although in recirculating systems a smoke sleeping risk (other than blocks of flats and
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detector should always be installed within the maisonettes)

ductwork (see 6.6). Information on the siting of Smoke detectors within the rooms should activate
smoke detectors is given in BS 5839-1:1988, in the appropriate fire/smoke dampers to prevent
particular in 13.2.16 and 13.4.2. smoke being transferred between fire compartments.
It is important that the controlling authorities are See also:
consulted before deciding whether detection of Ð Health Technical Memorandum 81, Fire
smoke should result in particular fire/smoke dampers precautions in new hospitals [2];
being closed, all the fire/smoke dampers in that Ð Health Technical Memorandum 85, Fire
compartment being closed, or all the fire/smoke precautions in existing hospitals [3].
dampers in the building being closed.
Detectors of the ionization chamber type may be 6.3.3.2.4 Entertainment premises
sensitive to the air flow velocity and consequently Where the provision of fire/smoke dampers cannot
when detectors of this type are proposed for use in be avoided in supply ventilation systems and extract
ductwork, the housing or associated probe should be systems serving public areas in entertainment
suitable for the air flow velocity involved. premises, other than those systems where fire
dampers should not be provided (see 6.1.5.2) the
6.3.3.2 Recommendations dampers should be activated by smoke detector
6.3.3.2.1 General controlled automatic release mechanisms.
Where the use of the building presents a high or Smoke detectors and automatic release mechanisms
special life hazard, i.e. it is used as an hotel, hospital used to actuate fire/smoke dampers should conform
or other building involving a sleeping risk (other to BS 5445-7 and BS 5839-3 respectively. Smoke
than blocks of flats or maisonettes), fire/smoke detectors should be sited so as to detect smoke
dampers should be actuated by smoke detector before it enters public areas.
controlled automatic release mechanisms in addition 6.3.4 Installation
to being actuated by thermally actuated devices.
6.3.4.1 Fire dampers should be installed within
6.3.3.2.2 Hotels and similar premises ventilation ductwork in the following situations
Hotels and similar premises where people reside for (see 6.2).
limited periods are, owing to the occupants' a) Method 1. Unprotected ductwork.
unfamiliarity with their surroundings, places of high
risk. It follows therefore, that additional measures Wherever the ventilation ductwork passes through
will be needed to provide an acceptable level of a fire-resisting wall or floor or any other
safety to the occupants of the building. fire-resisting division, e.g. walls to escape routes,
cavity barriers.
Smoke detector operated fire/smoke dampers should
be installed in the ductwork. They should be located b) Method 2. Ductwork in a fire-resisting
so as to ensure that smoke is not transferred through enclosure.
ductwork which penetrates fire resisting At all points at which the ventilation ductwork
constructions. passes through the fire-resisting enclosure.
However, in a situation where all occupants of the c) Method 3. Fire-resisting ductwork.
building can be expected to make an unaided Wherever the ventilation ductwork is penetrated
escape, and an L1 fire alarm system is installed in by an unprotected branch, inlet or outlet.
accordance with the recommendations given in NOTE Figures 2, 3 and 4 illustrate examples showing fire
BS 5839-1:1988, the following exceptions may be damper positions for the three methods.
made.
6.3.4.2 Fire dampers should not be installed in
a) If the alarm system is arranged so that on the extract ductwork serving:
detection of smoke it signals the immediate
evacuation of all the occupants of the building, a) non-domestic kitchens;
then fire/smoke dampers are not needed. b) car parks.

 BSI 09-1999 13
 BS 5588-9:1999
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* Although not shown, cavity barriers may be required.

Figure 2 Ð Positioning of fire dampers in systems with unprotected ductwork

14  BSI 09-1999
 BS 5588-9:1999
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* Although not shown, cavity barriers may be required.

Figure 3 Ð Positioning of fire dampers in systems where the ductwork is protected by a

fire-resisting enclosure

 BSI 09-1999 15
 BS 5588-9:1999
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* Although not shown, cavity barriers may be required.

Figure 4 Ð Positioning of fire dampers in systems with fire-resisting ductwork

16  BSI 09-1999
 BS 5588-9:1999

6.3.4.3 Fire dampers do not need to be installed in 6.3.5.2 Recommendations

the following situations: All fire dampers should be protected against
a) in vertical ductwork serving sanitary expected conditions of humidity by means of
accommodation only, provided that: galvanising, suitable paint protection or other
1) the toilet accommodation is completely appropriate protective barriers.
enclosed by construction having a fire resistance NOTE It is desirable for bearings to be based on bronze with
equal to that required for structural elements insulation, where necessary, to reduce the possibility of galvanic
action.
within the building; and
2) the ductwork is wholly contained within the 6.3.6 Access for maintenance and testing
sanitary accommodation; and Wherever fire dampers are installed, adequate means
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3) the doors in the enclosing walls are fire of access should be provided in a convenient
resisting (FD30 i.e. having 30 min fire integrity position adjacent to the fire damper. The access
when tested in accordance with BS 476-22) and panel should be large enough to allow testing and
self-closing; maintenance of both the fire damper and its
actuating mechanism.
b) in shunt systems (see 6.4.7).
NOTE Access to ductwork may also be required for firefighting
6.3.4.4 All fire damper leaves should, when shut, fit purposes (see 7.2).
closely against their frames with an overlap. The gap 6.4 Installation of ductwork systems
between a fire damper leaf and its frame should not
be materially greater than that necessary to allow for 6.4.1 General
thermal expansion, and pivot blade fire dampers When ductwork systems are installed within a
should close in the direction of air flow. building it is important that the ductwork does not
NOTE Pivot blade fire dampers have been found to be assist in transferring fire and smoke through the
satisfactory if the overlap is not less than 19 mm and the building and put at risk the protected means of
clearance between the edge of the damper and the frame is equal
to 1/100 of the length of the damper side or of the damper
escape from the accommodation areas.
diameter, as applicable. Any exhaust points should be sited so as not to
6.3.4.5 Fire dampers and their framework should further jeopardize the building, in the event of a fire,
be situated within the thickness of the fire-resisting i.e. away from final exits, combustible building
wall or floor, with the frame of the fire damper cladding or roofing materials, and openings into the
either securely fixed thereto or mounted and fixed in building.
a damper sleeve unit which is securely built into the 6.4.2 Fan rooms
wall or floor. Where double fire dampers are Any fan room not located within the space which it
installed, and cannot be arranged to close within the is dedicated to serve, within a building, should be
thickness of the wall or floor, they should be fixed in enclosed with elements of construction having a
a section of ductwork which is designed as a damper level of fire resistance at least equal to that required
box. The damper box should be sited immediately for the part of the building within which it is
adjacent to the floor or wall and be constructed and situated, and in no case less than 1 h.
supported to the same level of fire resistance as the
floor or wall. Any fan room adjoining a building (including on top
of a flat roof) should be separated from the building
6.3.4.6 Provision should be made, where necessary, by elements of construction with a fire resistance of
for expansion of the framework by means of slotted not less than 1 h.
fixing holes, lead washers, etc. Where the structure Any air handling unit within a building should be
containing the fire damper is not robust it is also enclosed with elements of construction having a
necessary to ensure that, in a fire, expansion of the level of fire resistance at least equal to that required
ductwork would not push the fire damper through for the part of the building within which it is
the structure. situated, and in no case less than 1 h.
6.3.5 Corrosion A fire damper should be provided where the
6.3.5.1 Commentary ventilation ductwork penetrates the wall or floor of
the fan room.
Corrosion is basically a reaction between metal and
its environment; hence most metals used for fire 6.4.3 Ductwork passing through or serving
dampers and their framework construction will be protected escape routes
subject to corrosion unless adequate precautions are Ventilation ducts and their associated plant
taken. supplying or extracting air directly to or from a
protected escape route, should not also serve other
areas. A separate ventilation system should be
provided for each protected stairway.

 BSI 09-1999 17
 BS 5588-9:1999

Where the ductwork system serves more than one 6.4.4.2 Recommendations
part of a compartmented or fire separated protected The following recommendations are applicable.
escape route, smoke detector operated fire dampers
should be provided where ductwork enters each fire a) Where a service duct enclosure is provided with
or smoke separated section of the escape route. The a level of fire resistance in accordance with
smoke detector operated fire dampers should be BS 8313, and the service duct itself is also used for
caused to close should smoke be detected within any ventilation purposes, any grille or opening through
part of the escape route. Any ductwork passing the enclosure for ventilation purposes should be
through an accommodation space should be protected by a fire damper.
fire-resisting, i.e. the ductwork should be constructed b) Service pipes containing toxic or flammable
in accordance with method 2 or method 3, (see 6.2). substances should not be routed in, or through,
Licensed copy:BALFOUR BEATTLY CONSTRUCTUION, 08/03/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, © BSI

Any ductwork passing through a protected stairway, ductwork provided for ventilation purposes.
lobby or corridor, without ventilating that area, 6.4.5 Air handling voids
should be fire-resisting, i.e. the ductwork should be
constructed in accordance with method 2 or 6.4.5.1 Commentary
method 3, (see 6.2). Air handling voids, which can be either supply or
In single stairway buildings the ductwork enclosure extract plenums, frequently contain combustible
should be imperforate where it passes through the materials, for example PVC sheathing of electrical
stairway or any protected lobby or protected cables. In this situation there is a risk of the ignition
corridor. of such materials by flames and hot gases being
drawn through the air handling void or by ignition
In multi-stairway buildings, ductwork access panels from the cables themselves.
within protected escape routes should not reduce
the fire resistance of the ductwork enclosure from 6.4.5.2 Recommendations
the inside. 6.4.5.2.1 Ceiling voids
NOTE See also 6.8 for information and recommendations
regarding transfer grills. Except in areas of special risk (see 6.4.6.1), if the
void above a false ceiling is used for the supply or
6.4.4 Use of service ducts for ventilation extraction of air, a smoke detector should be fitted
purposes in addition to the distribution of adjacent to each point where supply ductwork
services, and the use of ventilation ductwork enters, or extract ductwork leaves, the
for other services storey/compartment in question. Such smoke
6.4.4.1 Commentary detectors should:
The use of ductwork or ducts for services other than a) trigger the closing of the fire damper provided
ventilation in a building raises a number of issues to complete the fire separation; or
that have fire implications and need to be considered b) cause the vitiated air containing smoke to be
at the design stage. They include the following: diverted to the outside of the building (see 6.6.2).
a) the possibility that gases, vapours or liquids Where a plenum ceiling is not compartmented and
may escape from pipes and be transported round exceeds 400 m2 in area and is not provided with a
the building; smoke detection system conforming to BS 5839-1, the
b) the possibility that services within ventilation electrical wiring within the plenum ceiling should be
ductwork may make the ductwork more difficult enclosed in metal conduit or metal trunking or be
to clean, thus increasing the likelihood of a unserved mineral-insulated metal-sheathed cables.
build-up of ignitable materials. Ceiling voids in areas of special risk (see 6.4.6.1), if
The number of penetrations of the enclosing used for the supply or extraction of air, need not be
structure by the ductwork also needs to be taken provided with a smoke detector, as the air should
into account at the design stage, together with any not be recirculated.
future penetrations by ductwork which are likely, Any false ceiling panels in contact with the extracted
due to foreseeable changes in the layout of the air from non-domestic kitchens or from deep fat
building. fryers should be easily removable for cleaning.

18  BSI 09-1999
 BS 5588-9:1999

6.4.5.2.2 Floor voids 6.4.6.2 Recommendations

Where the void beneath a platform floor, subdivided The following recommendations are applicable.
by cavity barriers, is used for the supply or a) Extract ductwork systems serving the following
extraction of air, a sufficient number of smoke appliances or parts of a building should be entirely
detectors should be provided to ensure that upon independent of each other and of any ventilation
detection of smoke within any part of the floor void, ductwork serving other parts of the building:
the supply of air to the void, or extraction of air
from the void, would cease. 1) non-domestic kitchens;
2) deep fat fryers;
6.4.6 Segregation of ventilation ductwork
serving areas of special risk or carrying 3) boiler chambers;
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polluted air 4) areas containing oil-immersed electrical plant;

6.4.6.1 Commentary 5) car parks.
Certain areas of a building, for example b) Any ventilation system supplying residential
non-domestic kitchens, car parks and plant rooms, accommodation in a mixed user building (see, for
need to have separate and independent extraction example 6.1.5.2) should be independent of any
systems, and the extracted air should not be system supplying the other parts of the building.
recirculated. Residential accommodation in mixed c) Ventilation ductwork conveying polluted air, or
user buildings requires separate ventilation systems servicing parts of a building considered to present
because of the sleeping risk involved. Certain a special fire hazard, should be independent of any
appliances, such as deep fat fryers, need their own other ventilation ductwork serving other parts of
extract ductwork and it is essential that this the building.
ductwork is provided with access for cleaning at 6.4.7 Shunt systems
intervals not exceeding 3 m. As extract ductwork
from kitchens should not be provided with fire 6.4.7.1 Commentary
dampers (see 6.3.4.2), method 2 and method 3 Shunt systems may be used to avoid the need to
(see 6.2) are the only acceptable means for the provide fire dampers in extract ductwork from
protection of such ductwork against fire when bathrooms and WCs of flats and maisonettes.
immediate discharge to the outside of the building is Because of the fire risk inherent in kitchens, shunt
not possible. ductwork is not normally acceptable for use in
Air ductwork is an important part of many modern kitchen extraction but, if used, careful consideration
plant operations and is used for the disposal of should be given to possible pressure differentials
flammable vapours, noxious fumes, and/or dusts. within the system to avoid the transfer of smoke and
Such ductwork can be the site of origin of a fire, and other products of combustion from one dwelling to
can lead to fire starting in parts of the building another by means of the ductwork system.
through which the ductwork passes by igniting NOTE Shunt systems are illustrated in Figure 5.
combustibles in contact with the ductwork, or by
6.4.7.2 Recommendations
radiant heat. It is therefore important that ductwork
conveying polluted air from an industrial process, or The following recommendations are applicable.
ductwork from frying areas in kitchens or from fume a) Shunt ductwork should be used only for
cupboards, is designed and sited in a manner that extraction ductwork in flats and maisonettes.
takes into consideration the particular hazard b) The branch ductwork should be arranged as
involved, and the possibility that such ductwork shunt ductwork so as to enter the main ductwork
might contribute to the spread of fire throughout the not less than 900 mm above the room extract grille
building. in bathrooms and WCs, and not less than
It is not however possible to give comprehensive 1 800 mm above the extract grille in kitchens.
recommendations in respect of ductwork from c) The extract grille should be provided with a
industrial processes. These will need to be non-return shutter.
considered in the light of the particular risk involved,
and early consultation with the Health and Safety d) The main ductwork and the vertical portion of
Executive is necessary. the shunt ductwork should be contained within a
protected shaft.

 BSI 09-1999 19
 BS 5588-9:1999

All dimensions are in millimetres.

Licensed copy:BALFOUR BEATTLY CONSTRUCTUION, 08/03/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, © BSI

Values are minimum values.

Figure 5 Ð Shunt systems

20  BSI 09-1999
 BS 5588-9:1999

6.4.8 External ductwork and exhaust outlets 6.5.2 Recommendations for insulation
6.4.8.1 Commentary The following recommendations are applicable.
Care should be taken in the siting of external a) All insulation applied as an internal lining to
ductwork and exhaust points (grilles) in relation to ductwork should have a class 0 surface (see 3.4)
unprotected openings and external escape routes to and be either:
prevent extracted smoke being drawn back into the 1) a non-combustible material (see 3.14); or
building. 2) a material of limited combustibility (see 3.13).
6.4.8.2 Recommendations b) All external insulation should be in accordance
The following recommendations are applicable. with one of the following as applicable.
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a) Exhaust points should be sited away from inlet 1) External insulation situated within a
grilles, (for example inlet grilles for air fire-resisting ductwork enclosure should have a
conditioning systems) to prevent extracted smoke class 0 surface, unless the space between the
being drawn back into the building. ductwork and the fire-resisting enclosure is
b) Exhaust points should be sited so as not to subdivided at each floor level, and wherever the
further jeopardize the building, in the event of fire, fire-resisting ductwork enclosure penetrates a
i.e. away from final exits, combustible building compartment boundary, by fire-resisting
cladding or roofing materials, and openings into construction with a fire-resistance of not less
the building. than that of the ductwork enclosure.
2) External insulation not situated within a
6.4.9 Fire-stopping fire-resisting ductwork enclosure should have a
Where ductwork protected using methods 1 and 3 rating for surface spread of flame of not less
(see 6.2) or ductwork enclosures protected using than that for the surface of the wall or ceiling
method 2 (see 6.2) pass through fire-resisting which the ductwork traverses.
elements of construction, any gap should be 3) External insulation that is not in accordance
adequately fire-stopped, for the full thickness of the with a)1) or a)2), should not be situated within
enclosure, so that the level of fire resistance of the 500 mm of a fire damper.
joint is not less than that of the fire-resisting
element. 6.5.3 Recommendations for flexible joints and
connections
The choice of fire-stopping method and material
should take into account longitudinal movement of The following recommendations are applicable.
the ductwork caused by the effects of fire. a) Flexible joints should:
6.5 Combustibility of materials and 1) not exceed 250 mm in length;
components 2) consist of, or be protected by, material which,
6.5.1 Commentary when subjected to the test conditions described
in BS 476-20, satisfies the fire integrity criterion
It is common practice to insulate metal ductwork for for not less than 15 min.
sound or thermal insulation purposes. Whilst sound
b) Flexible connections should:
insulation is usually applied as a lining within the
ductwork, thermal insulation is usually applied 1) not exceed 3.7 m in length;
external to the ductwork. Two methods of external 2) not pass through fire-resisting walls or floors,
insulation of ductwork are in common use; one is to or cavity barriers;
apply the insulation to the ductwork itself, and the 3) either:
other is to fill the space between the ductwork and i) be constructed of non-combustible material;
the ductwork enclosure with insulating material. or
Whichever method is employed, in a fire a very ii) be constructed of material which, when
considerable amount of heat and smoke may be tested in accordance with BS 476-6, has a fire
contributed by the insulation if it is combustible. propagation index I of not more than 12 and a
Whilst rigid metal ductwork offers some resistance sub-index i1 of not more than 6, and be
to penetration by fire or smoke, it is usually situated at least 1 m from any fire damper.
necessary for the system to incorporate a number of
6.5.4 Recommendations for components
flexible joints or connections, which are
combustible. Each such joint or connection is a The following recommendations are applicable.
potential weak point in the system and therefore a) Surfaces of air filters, air attenuators and
restrictions are necessary in their use. similar components of ventilation systems exposed
Care is also necessary in the choice of components to the airflow should be inherently non-flammable
and in ensuring that materials in contact with or or so treated as to make them non-flammable for
near to inadequately insulated ductwork do not the duration of their recommended working life.
ignite due to radiated or conducted heat generated b) Viscous fluids in air filters should have a flash
from a fire within the ductwork. point of not less than 177 8C.

 BSI 09-1999 21
 BS 5588-9:1999

6.6 Recirculating distribution systems It is necessary to ensure that the ductwork does not
allow for direct air transfer between accommodation
6.6.1 Commentary
areas and the escape route(s) within the dwelling;
In any system of air conditioning where vitiated air that transfer grilles and any return air grilles
is recirculated from one part of the building to between rooms are situated at a low level to retard
another, precautions are necessary to prevent the smoke spread; and that the air circulation fan is
distribution of smoke and hot gases throughout the thermostatically controlled to switch off when there
building. This is usually achieved by the installation is a temperature rise in the dwelling sufficient to
of smoke detectors linked to the ventilating system suggest a fire condition.
controls so that when a detection of smoke signal
Recommendations are made in respect of those
reaches the plant room either the air will be
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types of dwellings where, because of the need for a

discharged to the open air or the system will be
protected entrance hall or stairway, smoke spread by
immediately shut down.
means of the system would be likely to pose a
NOTE Advice on the selection and installation of smoke special hazard.
detectors in ductwork is given in BS 5839-1:1988, 12.4.2.

6.6.2 Recommendations 6.7.2 Recommendations

The following recommendations are applicable. Where the dwelling is provided with a system of
circulated warm air heating, the circulated warm air
a) One or more smoke detectors should be fitted heating system should conform to the following, as
in the extract ductwork before the point of applicable.
separation of the recirculated air and the air to be
discharged to the open air, and before any filters a) In any house that has at least one floor situated
or other air cleaning equipment. Such detector(s) more than 4.5 m above ground level, the system
should, if the smoke reaches an optical density should conform to BS 5588-1:1990, clause 6.
of 0.5 db/m, be capable of either: b) In any flat or maisonette that has a protected
1) causing the system to immediately shut down; entrance hall or stairway, the system should
or conform to BS 5588-1:1990, clause 15.
2) switching the ventilation system from 6.8 Transfer grilles
recirculating mode to extraction to open air, so 6.8.1 Commentary
as to divert the vitiated air containing any
smoke to the outside of the building. Whilst air transfer grilles in walls, partitions,
doors, etc. are not part of ventilation ductwork, they
b) On triggering of the smoke detection system, may form essential components of an air distribution
the supply system should be switched off and the system in a building.
exhaust system should continue to run. This mode
of operation will allow smoke to be extracted from Care needs to be taken in the positioning of transfer
the space and away from exitways until the system grilles to ensure that they do not allow the passage
breaks down or a fire damper closes. of fire and smoke. In general, therefore, the
installation of transfer grilles should be avoided in
NOTE 1 Care should be taken that this action will not cause
excessive negative pressure within the space and require a any construction required to be fire-resisting,
force in excess of 100 N to be applied to the door handle to particularly those forming compartment boundaries.
open the doors on the route of escape. Where it is necessary for transfer grilles to be fitted
NOTE 2 If the smoke detectors are connected to the general fire with fire dampers the recommendations for
alarm system, the method for resetting the ventilation plant after construction of fire dampers should be followed
operation of the fire alarm should be completely separate from the (see 6.3).
method for resetting the fire alarm.

6.7 Domestic heating, ventilation and air 6.8.2 Recommendations

conditioning (HVAC) systems The following recommendations are applicable.
6.7.1 Commentary a) Transfer grilles should not be installed in:
The system usually comprises ductwork serving 1) elements of construction enclosing
various rooms and circulation areas, with transfer compartments or protected shafts;
grilles as necessary to balance the system. Risk can 2) enclosures to protected stairways, protected
arise from a fire starting in the accommodation, or lobbies, protected corridors, firefighting
possibly in the heating or air conditioning unit. stairways or firefighting lobbies;
However, in either case there is potential for smoke 3) bedroom walls or doors.
to spread readily to all parts of the dwelling unless b) Transfer grilles fitted in any construction
appropriate safeguards are incorporated in the required to be fire-resisting should be fitted with
system. fire dampers.

22  BSI 09-1999
 BS 5588-9:1999

6.9 Firefighting control 7.3 Testing and maintenance

To ensure the effective use of mechanical ventilation 7.3.1 General
systems, override controls should be provided for
fire service use. It is essential that the provision, Adequate maintenance of air conditioning and
location and the mode of operation of such facilities ventilation equipment, including air filters, motors,
are discussed and agreed with the approving fire dampers and their controls, and smoke detectors
authority and the designer of the systems, the user of and alarms, is of paramount importance both in
the premises and the building control authority preventing fire and in ensuring that measures taken
before any decision is made to provide override to mitigate its consequences are effective when
facilities for either fire safety or normal air handling needed. As filters, etc. become contaminated they
become a progressively greater fire hazard, and
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systems.
hence it is essential that they are cleaned and/or
The controls for the ventilation system should be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer or
located adjacent to the fire alarm panel. The supplier. Similarly, it is essential that deposits of
following should be clearly marked, where combustible material (including any dust) are not
applicable: allowed to build up within the ductwork itself.
Ð ªFire service ventilation controlº; Panels forming ceiling voids used for the extraction
Ð ªAutomaticº; of air from non-domestic kitchens and from deep
fat fryers need frequent cleaning to avoid the
Ð ªOffº;
build-up of grease deposits. The provision of access
Ð ªExtracts onlyº. panels facilitates such cleaning, other maintenance,
The signage should be in accordance with BS 5499-1. and also firefighting (see 7.2).
Before any maintenance work is carried out
7 Advice to management consideration should be given to the extent of any
fire hazards involved, and the potential effect of any
7.1 Provision of advice fire on the occupants and operation of the building.
The designer of the ventilation system should pass Appropriate precautionary measures should be taken
on the advice given in 7.2 to 7.4 to the building where necessary, for example temporarily relocating
management at handover. occupants who may be put at risk should a fire start.
Also, it is essential that fire escape routes are kept
7.2 Fire service access to ductwork unobstructed. All reasonable precautions should be
Firefighting personnel have encountered taken to avoid the outbreak of fire. Smoking should
considerable problems where they have been unable be prohibited in ducts and the building management
to gain easy access to ductwork at intermediate should ensure that ªNo Smokingº rules applicable to
levels between the input and output ends of the other areas of the building are observed by
system, and this has led to extensive cutting and/or maintenance workers, and that portable fire
dismantling operations to fight a fire within a extinguishers are readily available.
ductwork system. To avoid this it may only be All fire dampers should be tested by competent
necessary to designate certain access panels for persons on completion of the installation and at
firefighting access purposes, provided that the panels regular intervals not exceeding two years.
are removable without the need for tools or
Spring operated fire dampers should be tested
specialist equipment.
annually and fire dampers situated in dust laden and
similar atmospheres should be tested much more
frequently, at intervals suited to the degree of
pollution.
In view of the importance of proper siting, it is
essential that any smoke detector system used to
operate fire dampers is tested by competent persons
after installation to ensure that detection occurs at
the appropriate smoke density level. Adequate
maintenance of the smoke detector is also essential.

 BSI 09-1999 23
 BS 5588-9:1999

7.3.2 Records 7.4 Housekeeping

Any successful maintenance policy has to have an Metal ductwork can conduct sufficient heat from a
adequate system of records. BS 5720 contains useful fire inside the ductwork, or on the fire side of a fire
guidance on maintenance records and this should be damper, to ignite adjacent combustible materials. It
followed where appropriate. If maintenance is to be is therefore essential that a separation of at
effective it should be properly planned and least 500 mm is maintained between uninsulated
scheduled, and full advantage taken of standardized ductwork and combustible goods, packaging,
operation and maintenance procedures. The central partitioning, etc. Signs conforming to BS 5499-1
system of records should include a complete should be provided to warn of the need to maintain
inventory of the system, giving complete information a clear zone around the ductwork.
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on all equipment, components, distribution networks,

electrical apparatus, controls and wiring. In
particular the records should include the
specification and location of fire dampers and cavity
barriers, and the positions of all compartment
boundaries and all cavity barriers should be marked
on the installation drawings
A certificate of completion should be obtained from
the installer of the system.
In buildings with extensive ductwork systems
consideration should be given to the provision of
plans, to be kept on the premises, showing the
installed system, firefighting access panels, fire
service override controls, siting of fire dampers, and
plant room access and layout. The provision of such
plans, especially if displayed or readily available,
would be of great assistance not only to fire service
personnel but also to maintenance engineers
working on the system.

24  BSI 09-1999
 BS 5588-9:1999

Bibliography

Standards publications
BS 5908, Code of practice for fire precautions in the chemical and allied industries.
BS ISO 10294-1:1996, Fire resistance tests Ð Fire dampers for air distribution systems Ð Part 1: Test method.
ISO 10294-21), Fire resistance tests Ð Fire dampers for air distribution systems Ð Part 2: Classification,
criteria and field of application of test results.
ISO 10294-31), Fire resistance tests Ð Fire dampers for air distribution systems Ð Part 3: Explanatory
document.
Licensed copy:BALFOUR BEATTLY CONSTRUCTUION, 08/03/2004, Uncontrolled Copy, © BSI

Other publications
[1] HSE Certificate of approval No. 1 to the Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases
Regulations 1972; Part V: Ducts, trunks and casings required to be fire resisting structures.
[2] NHS ESTATES. Health Technical Memorandum 81, 1996. Fire precautions in new hospitals.
[3] NHS ESTATES. Health Technical Memorandum 85, 1994, Fire precautions in existing hospitals.

1) In preparation.

 BSI 09-1999 25
 BS 5588-9:1999 |
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