Do you know the efficiency matrix that suggests choosing solutions with high value, low costs, and low complexity? Value vs. effort is a prioritisation framework that helps a product team assess initiatives based on the value they will deliver and the difficulty of their implementation. We evaluated how the Pressure Differential System for stairwells fits this model.
The Pressure Differential System for stairwells aims to protect evacuation routes from smoke infiltration, representing a high-value, low-risk solution. Although it constitutes a small percentage of total investment costs, it is crucial for safety during a fire.
High value for users and safety:
- Evacuation Safety: The system ensures smoke-free evacuation routes. Smoke is a major cause of fatalities in fires, and this system significantly reduces its impact on other floors.
- Peace of Mind and Trust: The system enhances residents' and building users' sense of security, which is crucial for their comfort and trust in the infrastructure. Its functionality is ensured through daily tests and reporting, with a predictive algorithm adjusting the system to new weather conditions.
- Compliance and Standards: The system meets and exceeds building and fire safety regulations — especially EN 12101 part 6 and 13 standards from 2022.
- Reliability: During certification, the system was repeatedly activated and deactivated (10,000 cycles) to ensure proper operation after many uses. Advanced automation and a predictive algorithm adapt the system to changing conditions. Continuous testing and certifications guarantee correct operation.
- Customisation to Requirements: The system is designed to meet budgetary and project time requirements. Initial steps require DA Drawings and a fire strategy, and clients receive installation drawings, calculations, CFD simulations, and justification based on standards. Adjustments during the design phase ensure reliability. Need support? Write to hello@smay.eu.
- Added Competence Value: The SMAY system is evidence-based, with foundations in two full-scale studies, third-party certification tests, and experience from over 100 projects worldwide in various building types and weather conditions. This unique mix of design and technical skills is transferred to the team choosing to cooperate with us.
- Added Property Value: Buildings with advanced safety systems have higher market values, which benefits owners and investors in terms of insurance costs.
- Cost: The pressure differential system costs about 1% of the total investment, a relatively low expense compared to its value. Additionally, the system's self-testing functionality saves maintenance costs without compromising effectiveness.
- Custom Design: Although each building requires a unique design, SMAY offers support in this area. With experience and specialised knowledge, the design process is efficient. SMAY's design team resolves more complex projects in under ten days.
- Timely Delivery and Quality Production: Systems like the Safety Way Pressure Differential System undergo constant quality control. SMAY oversees the production line and collaborates with research and certification centres such as ITB.
- Installation Efficiency: System installation requires ensuring airtightness, best handled by experienced market experts like those from the SMAY Approved Partner network (e.g., Fire and Smoke Protection, NSP, Vent Engineering). Their extensive project experience and work on certified systems ensure seamless inspection and approval.
System Effectiveness In case of an emergency, the pressure differential system keeps stairwells smoke-free, enabling safe evacuation. Protecting evacuation routes from smoke is crucial since smoke is the leading cause of death in fires. The pressure differential system significantly reduces smoke-related risks, directly enhancing survival chances and evacuation safety. And all with relatively low effort.
Ready to learn more about the system? Visit: https://www.smay.pl/en/systems/safety-way/
