| By EB Life Safety Team | Smoke Control | 6 min read
Smoke Control in Florida High-Rise Buildings
Smoke is responsible for more fire-related deaths than flames. In high-rise buildings, smoke control systems are essential for protecting occupants during evacuation. Here is what building owners and managers need to know.
What is Smoke Control?
Smoke control systems manage smoke movement during a fire to maintain tenable conditions in egress paths, allow safe occupant evacuation, enable fire department operations, and protect property and equipment.
When is Smoke Control Required?
Under IBC Section 909 and the Florida Building Code, smoke control is required in high-rise buildings (75 feet or more in height), atriums connecting more than 2 stories, underground buildings and structures, covered malls and large assembly spaces, stages over 1,000 square feet, and special uses as determined by the AHJ.
Types of Smoke Control Systems
Stairwell Pressurization
Maintains positive pressure (0.05 to 0.10 inches water gauge) in exit stairs to prevent smoke infiltration. This is the most common system in Florida high-rises.
Elevator Shaft Pressurization
Similar concept applied to elevator shafts, particularly important for firefighter access elevators.
Atrium Smoke Exhaust
Uses mechanical exhaust fans to remove smoke from atrium spaces, maintaining clear lower areas for evacuation.
Zoned Smoke Control
Creates pressure differentials between fire zones, containing smoke to the area of origin.
EB Life Safety Services
We provide comprehensive smoke control services for Florida high-rises including design review and rational analysis, commissioning and acceptance testing, annual NFPA 4 integrated testing, remediation design and support, and AHJ coordination and documentation.