Do stairwell ventilators have alternative uses?

In short, yes. As well as smoke removal and fresh air replenishment, stairwell ventilators can be used for the following purposes.

Daily ventilation

The stairwell ventilator may be used to evacuate heat or to provide fresh air to a lobby smoke shaft system when it is used for environmental ventilation.

Daylight

The stairwell ventilator may also be used to provide daylight to an internal stairwell. This is done by selecting a product with either glass or plastic blades or a lid in the case of a hatch. For example, a glass bladed louvre or a polycarbonate hatch vent are perfect for providing light.

Roof Access

The stairwell ventilator may also be used as a roof access hatch. This will require the opening mechanism to be designed in such a way that it doesn’t obstruct access through the hatch.