Staying compliant with fire safety law isn’t just about installing the right AOV system, it’s about making sure it will work when it’s needed.
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person has a legal duty to ensure all fire safety systems are properly maintained, tested, and kept in working order.
What That Means for AOV Systems
If you have a smoke ventilation system, it must be tested and serviced regularly, this is a legal requirement.
Industry standards such as BS 7346-8, BS 9999, and BS 9991, set out what good practice looks like. Typically, this includes:
- Routine visual checks (often weekly)
- Functional testing (quarterly)
- Full services at defined intervals
Why AOV Testing Matters
AOV systems are life safety systems. If they fail during a fire, the consequences are serious.
They are designed to:
- Keep escape routes clear
- Remove heat and smoke
- Support safe evacuation and firefighter access
If they haven’t been properly tested and maintained, there’s no guarantee they’ll open or respond as intended.
The worst time to find out something isn’t working is during a fire.
AOV Commissioning
Before an AOV system is put into use, it should go through full commissioning.
This ensures the system performs in line with the original design and fire strategy. Engineers will check that:
- Vents open within the required time
- The correct free vent area (FVA) is achieved
- The system responds to the correct triggers
control logic is also tested, particularly in multi-zone systems, where sequencing is critical.
Power failure scenarios are included to confirm backup systems operate correctly.
Commissioning results should always be recorded and retained, forming the baseline for future testing and maintenance.
Maintenance Schedule
Your AOV system should be covered by a planned preventative maintenance (PPM) schedule.
In practice, this usually includes:
- Weekly checks to confirm the system is operational
- Visual inspections to identify damage or obstructions
- Quarterly or biannual services
- A comprehensive annual service
A common approach (based on BS 9999 guidance) is to test different smoke zones in rotation weekly, carry out quarterly inspections, and complete a full annual service.
The exact schedule depends on the building and system, but consistency is key. Maintenance should be planned, recorded and never missed; this is what demonstrates a “suitable system of maintenance”.
Legal Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failing to meet your obligations under Article 17 of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is a criminal offence.
Fire authoritites can:
- Request maintenance records
- Issue enforcement notices
- Restrict building use
- Prosecute in serious cases
If you can’t demonstrate a suitable maintenance system, you may be considered non-complaint.
If you’ve identified an issue during testing, we can help you work through the next steps.
We;ll advise on the best solution and supply like-for-like replacements to get your system back up and running quickly.
If you’re unsure what’s needed, just send over any details or photos, we’ll take a look.
