Lobbies above ground

When a building is over 11m in height there is generally a requirement for smoke ventilation of lobbies.
Above 18m there are further requirements for elements of Smoke Control for the fire service.

There are two distinct phases involved during a fire incident above ground, Means of Escape (MOE) and Fire Fighting operations (FF).

During means of escape it is expected that smoke will leave a fire compartment while people flee through the apartment door. Smoke may also leak into the corridor from around the door and frame assembly. This may allow a significant volume of smoke to enter the corridor and reduce tenable conditions for escaping residents or those employed in these commonly shared areas.
This corridor may also serve as a Fire Fighting lobby in residential settings, during Fire Fighting operations the door connecting the stair and lobby is expected to be open and will allow the free passage of air from the stair vent to the fire floor and out of the lobby vent. The door will be obstructed by fire service hose lines or held open with door wedges.