Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems (SHEVS) creates a smoke free layer above the floor by removing smoke and heat, and thus improve the conditions for the safe escape and / or rescue of people and animals and the protection of property and permit the fire to be fought while still in it’s early stages.

The use of smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems to create smoke free areas beneath a buoyant smoke layer has become widespread. Their value in assisting in the evacuation of people from construction works, reducing fire damage and financial loss by preventing smoke logging, facilitating fire fighting, reducing roof temperatures and retarding the lateral spread of fire is firmly established. For these benefits to be obtained it is essential that SHEVS operate fully and reliably whenever called upon to do so during their installed life. A SHEVS is a scheme of safety equipment intended to perform a positive role in a fire emergency.