Willow Fire & Security completed a full annual AOV (Automatic Opening Vent) maintenance inspection at a large residential block of flats in Paddington, London, in line with BS EN 12101 and best practice for smoke ventilation systems in residential buildings.
This visit focused on ensuring the smoke ventilation system operated correctly in both automatic and manual modes, providing safe smoke clearance in the event of fire.
Scope of Works Carried Out
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Smoke vent activation tested using smoke detection activation
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Manual override operation tested at all floor levels
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Verified lock-out functionality on each floor to ensure correct zoning and control
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Tested operation of AOV window actuators and roof vents
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Inspected AOV control panels and wiring for faults or damage
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Checked standby batteries in all AOV panels, confirmed within acceptable Ah limits
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Confirmed system reset and normal operation after testing
System Status
All smoke vents, controls, and override switches were found to be fully operational at the time of inspection. The AOV system was left in normal condition following completion of all tests.
Why Annual AOV Maintenance Matters
Annual AOV servicing is essential in residential blocks to:
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Maintain life safety compliance
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Ensure smoke vents open correctly during fire conditions
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Meet managing agent and fire risk assessment requirements
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Reduce the risk of system failure during an emergency
