Why Smoke – Not Fire – Is the Greatest Risk in a Building Fire

When we think about the dangers of fire, most people picture flames and heat. But the greatest risk to life in a building fire isn’t fire itself – it’s smoke.

Smoke inhalation tragically claims more lives than flames, and the risk is especially high in high-rise residential buildings, where refuse and linen chutes are commonplace. In these settings, fire can start in a bin, bin room, or within the chute itself, and smoke can spread rapidly throughout the building if not properly contained.

This is why it’s critical that chute hoppers and doors are designed and tested to resist smoke. It isn’t just a matter of compliance – it’s about protecting lives.

The Standards That Matter

So, what standards should apply to chute systems?

At HydroChute, we don’t take chances. Every chute hopper and door we manufacture is rigorously tested against the relevant British Standards for fire and smoke resistance. These standards were carefully chosen because they are the most applicable to our niche industry and the unique challenges of chute systems in multi-storey buildings.

🎥 In this short video, our Technical Manager Riley Smith explains:

• Which British Standards HydroChute use in testing.

• Why these standards were selected.

• How they ensure the highest level of safety and compliance.

Why It Matters

For building owners, housing associations, and safety managers, understanding these standards is vital. The right equipment can make the difference between a contained incident and a building-wide disaster.

At HydroChute, our commitment goes beyond supplying products – it’s about safeguarding communities through robust design, testing, and compliance.