Concept Smoke Systems Supports Ministry of Justice with Hot Smoke Testing in UK Prisons
Concept Smoke Systems has been instrumental in supporting the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) through the provision of specialist equipment and services for hot smoke testing across various HMP custodial facilities. These critical tests form part of the MoJ’s stringent commissioning requirements for smoke ventilation systems, ensuring effective smoke extraction and maintaining tenability during fire incidents—particularly in scenarios involving deliberate cell fires.
At the heart of these operations is Concept’s ViCount 5000 smoke generator. Renowned for its high-output performance, the ViCount 5000 produces dense, thermally buoyant smoke that closely mimics real fire conditions, making it ideal for compliance testing in secure environments. The system generates approximately 250m³/min of particulate smoke, as specified in the Ministry of Justice’s technical standard STD/M/SPEC/050, and is fully compliant with the electrical and operational guidelines for testing prison smoke extraction systems.
Hot smoke tests, as outlined in the MoJ’s specification, are conducted to simulate the worst-case fire scenarios, often in dead-end cell locations farthest from extract points. These simulations validate system functionality, pressure differentials, and visibility levels along escape and access routes. During these tests, Concept’s equipment is used to fill selected cells with hot smoke, replicating real-world fire dynamics. Visibility markers are placed at set intervals to assess the effectiveness of smoke control measures, with the smoke machine operated remotely for safety and timing precision.
In addition to providing the equipment, Concept offers comprehensive technical support, ensuring the smoke generation aligns precisely with test timelines, safety protocols, and performance benchmarks defined in the MoJ specification. These include maintaining visibility of specific distance markers throughout various phases of the test and demonstrating proper system responses when a cell door is opened during the simulation.
Through its partnership with the Ministry of Justice and adherence to rigorous technical standards, Concept Smoke Systems plays a vital role in enhancing fire safety resilience in custodial settings. The use of the ViCount 5000 not only supports the validation of complex ventilation systems but also reinforces the commitment to ensuring safer conditions for both inmates and staff in the event of a fire.
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