In the world of modern construction, compliance is more than a box to tick—it’s a responsibility. Nowhere is this truer than in smoke shaft design, where materials and systems must perform under extreme conditions to protect lives. While blockwork remains a familiar sight on construction sites, its use in smoke shafts raises significant concerns—especially when scrutinised against BS EN 1366-8, the standard specifically developed to assess fire resistance in vertical applications.
Understanding BS EN 1366-8
BS EN 1366-8 is the European test standard that addresses the fire resistance of smoke extraction ducts, particularly vertical shafts. Its primary focus is on ensuring that systems can maintain their integrity and insulation during fire exposure, preventing the spread of heat and smoke through a building’s shaft network.
This certification is not a mere formality—it represents a rigorous benchmark. Systems that pass BS EN 1366-8 are proven to withstand conditions that could otherwise compromise occupant safety and hinder firefighting efforts.
The Blockwork Limitation
Despite its widespread use, traditional blockwork does not hold certification under BS EN 1366-8. That’s because it was never designed nor tested for the very specific role smoke shafts must fulfil in fire scenarios.
Without proper certification, blockwork presents a potential weak point in your building’s fire strategy. It might be familiar. It might even be cost convenient But it isn’t proven compliant for smoke shaft use.
Risks of Non-Compliance
Using non-certified materials like blockwork in smoke shafts introduces unnecessary risk. In the event of a fire, untested materials may fail to contain heat and smoke, undermining evacuation plans and endangering lives.
Additionally, failure to comply with BS EN 1366-8 and associated standards can expose contractors, developers, and specifiers to serious liability—both legally and financially. In today’s highly regulated environment, cutting corners on compliance is no longer an option.
A Certified Alternative: SpecShaft
SpecShaft is engineered to meet and exceed fire resistance expectations. It’s not only compliant with BS EN 1366-8, but also passes BS EN 1366-1 and BS EN 12101-3, ensuring it performs across multiple fire scenarios, including hot smoke extraction and mechanical ventilation systems.
Unlike blockwork, SpecShaft is designed specifically for smoke shafts. It offers assured performance, easier installation, and faster build times—helping projects stay on track and on code.
Conclusion
It’s time to rethink the use of blockwork in smoke shaft design. When it comes to fire safety, familiarity can’t substitute for compliance. With standards like BS EN 1366-8 setting the bar, and products like SpecShaft clearing it, the choice is clear: upgrade to a certified, tested solution that puts safety first.
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