Engineering a breath of fresh air

A BESPOKE ventilation system for a new smoke house that plays a key role in fire-fighter training has been designed for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services by Oldham consulting engineers Robert Whetham Associates.

The smoke house is a specially designed building where fire-fighters can take part in house fire reconstruction sessions. Fire crews put theory and training into practice in realistic situations.

Unfortunately the smoke created poses a potential environmental issue for local residents and RWA’s mechanical and electrical engineering skills were required to help minimise air pollution and ensure compliance towards the Clean Air Act.

RWA, based at Castle Hill House, Mill Brow, Chadderton, designed a sophisticated ventilation extraction system and specialised duct work to prevent smoke from billowing out of the windows and used a 20-metre chimney to direct emissions into the atmosphere.
West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Services property manager Robert Davison said: “The smoke room is an invaluable facility both for young trainees and experienced fire fighters.

“At the same time, it can generate large volumes of smoke discharge and we have to be mindful of council and residents’ concerns.”