Case Study: Andrews Ventilation Delivers Fume Extraction for High-Profile London Event

When a premier festive attraction in Central London opened its doors to millions of visitors, maintaining air quality in its popular ‘Fire Pit’ area became a critical operational requirement. The venue features open wood fires situated within semi-enclosed wooden chalets and teepees, designed to create a traditional seasonal atmosphere.

Andrews Ventilation was commissioned to design and install a bespoke extraction system to manage smoke accumulation and ensure the safety of both guests and staff. By implementing FV900 S2 centrifugal fans with ducting systems, we successfully managed smoke accumulation from solid fuel fires, ensuring seamless operation and full regulatory compliance.

The Challenge: Balancing Atmosphere with Air Quality

Burning solid fuel in semi-enclosed structures presents significant Health & Safety risks. The client required a solution that could operate continuously in demanding winter conditions without disrupting the event’s visual appeal.

Exterior view of a busy London winter attraction featuring semi-enclosed wooden chalets.

Key challenges:

  • Carbon Monoxide (CO) Mitigation: Ensuring that combustion by-products remained well below legal exposure limits
  • Particulate Matter Control: Preventing smoke haze from causing respiratory discomfort or reducing visibility for guests.
  • Operational Continuity: Providing a high-capacity system capable of 24/7 operation in damp, cold environments.
  • Aesthetic Integration: Deploying powerful industrial equipment in a way that remained unobtrusive to the visitor experience.

The Solution: Targeted Extraction via FV300 S2 Fans

Following a comprehensive site survey, Andrews Ventilation engineers deployed a fleet of FV900 S2 Centrifugal Extraction Fans. These units were selected for their high-pressure performance and ability to move air through long, resistant ducting runs while maintaining a compact, portable footprint.

Two heavy-duty Andrews Ventilation extraction fans connected to flexible ducting for continuous smoke removal.

Technical Configurations:

  • Source Capture: High-temperature flexible hosing was connected to bespoke intake points at the roof apex of each chalet, capturing smoke at the source before it could disperse into the breathing zone.
  • Safe Discharge: We used rigid spiral ducting stacks to vent fumes at high levels, to ensure smoke was discharged well above the structure to prevent re-entrainment into the crowd.
  • External Positioning: To minimise noise levels and maintain the event’s “rustic” feel, our team also positioned the fans externally and camouflaged, with the ductwork integrated into the structures’ framework

The Result: A Safe, Smoke-Free Guest Experience

The installation of the Andrews Ventilation system provided immediate air quality improvements, allowing the venue to operate at full capacity throughout the peak trading period.

By effectively removing pollutants at the source, we eliminated the risk of CO and CO2 accumulation, ensuring a clear and safe environment. The system’s reliability ensured zero downtime, protecting the client’s revenue and reputation while maintaining full compliance with UK Health & Safety regulations.

Visitors socialising around a central fire pit inside a wooden lodge, with smoke effectively managed to prevent CO2 accumulation.

Need Immediate Smoke Extraction for Your Event?

Andrews Ventilation provides rapid, high-performance ventilation solutions to keep your business safe and operational. From emergency breakdown support to planned project installations, we offer nationwide coverage with a 4-hour response time.

Call 0800 211 611 or visit andrews-sykes.com

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Download Case Study: Andrews Ventilation Delivers Fume Extraction for High-Profile London Event

FAQs

Why was the FV300 S2 chosen for this project?

FV900 S2 is a compact yet powerful centrifugal fan specifically designed for extracting fumes and pollutants over long ducting runs. Its mobility and standard power requirements make it ideal for temporary event structures where space and “discretion” are paramount.

Is smoke extraction a legal requirement for indoor fires?

Yes. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and COSHH regulations, event organisers must ensure adequate ventilation to prevent the buildup of harmful combustion gases like Carbon Monoxide.

Do you offer site surveys for complex ventilation needs?

Absolutely. We offer 24/7 nationwide coverage with a guaranteed 4-hour response time. Whether for a planned festive installation or an emergency breakdown, our engineers are on hand to keep your event safe. To find out more contact us 0800 211 611 or visit andrews-sykes.com

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