What might happen if a smoke damper fails during a fire?

What might happen if a smoke damper fails during a fire?

• A. Improved air quality
• B. Enhanced visibility in smoke-filled areas
• C. Increased spread of smoke and fire
• D. No significant impact on safety

Answer: (C)

When a smoke damper fails during a fire, the primary concern is the increased spread of smoke and fire. Smoke dampers are designed to control the movement of smoke through air ducts by closing off sections of the ductwork in the event of a fire. This containment strategy prevents smoke from traveling into areas of the building where it may pose a threat to occupants and firefighters. If a smoke damper fails to close as intended, it allows smoke to bypass containment measures, facilitating its movement into other areas of the building. This can create dangerous conditions, as smoke can reduce visibility and impair breathing, leading to greater risk for those inside the structure. Additionally, smoke can act as a carrier for heat and flame, potentially leading to an increased intensity of the fire throughout the building. The failure of a smoke damper directly undermines the safety measures put in place to protect occupants and facilitate a safe evacuation route during a fire emergency. Therefore, effective operation of smoke dampers is critical for maintaining safety during such hazardous events.

When a smoke damper fails during a fire, the primary concern is the increased spread of smoke and fire. Smoke dampers are designed to control the movement of smoke through air ducts by closing off sections of the ductwork in the event of a fire. This containment strategy prevents smoke from traveling into areas of the building where it may pose a threat to occupants and firefighters.

If a smoke damper fails to close as intended, it allows smoke to bypass containment measures, facilitating its movement into other areas of the building. This can create dangerous conditions, as smoke can reduce visibility and impair breathing, leading to greater risk for those inside the structure. Additionally, smoke can act as a carrier for heat and flame, potentially leading to an increased intensity of the fire throughout the building.

The failure of a smoke damper directly undermines the safety measures put in place to protect occupants and facilitate a safe evacuation route during a fire emergency. Therefore, effective operation of smoke dampers is critical for maintaining safety during such hazardous events.