Customer information

Key information for operators of smoke-extraction and daylight systems – from maintenance obligations to the requirements of the Industrial Building Directive in Bavaria.

SHEV maintenance – your obligations as operator

Smoke and heat exhaust ventilation systems (SHEV / RWA) are safety systems and must be kept permanently functional. The building operator or owner is responsible for this.

  • Maintenance at least once a year by a specialist company (per DIN 18232-2, manufacturer specifications and VdS 2098).
  • Recommended: an additional visual inspection every six months by the operator.
  • Triggering, opening mechanism, actuators, controls, power supply and accessories are tested – documented in a test report.
  • For special buildings, a recurring inspection by an expert may additionally be required.

We handle maintenance with a test report – for systems of any manufacturer.

Smoke-extraction trigger with CO₂ cartridge in the red wall cabinet next to the escape and rescue plan

Smoke extraction & the Industrial Building Directive (Bavaria)

In Bavaria, the Model Industrial Building Directive (MIndBauRL) applies to industrial buildings. Depending on size and use, production and storage rooms require smoke extraction so that low-smoke layers and safe escape routes are maintained in the event of fire.

Smoke extraction via openings

As basic smoke extraction, openings with a free cross-section of at least 2 % of the floor area are required – in the upper third of the external walls or in the roof – plus sufficient inlet-air areas.

Natural smoke extraction (NRA / NRWG) per DIN 18232-2

For dimensioned smoke-extraction systems, the required area depends on the smoke section, room height and calculation. As a guide: up to approx. 1,600 m² per smoke section per release group; the inlet air must match the extraction area.

How many units and which areas your building actually requires, we determine on a project-specific basis according to the applicable regulations.

This information is general guidance and does not replace project-specific planning or legal advice. The current MIndBauRL / Bavarian Building Code (BayBO), the relevant standards (incl. DIN 18232) and your building permit are decisive. We are happy to assess your building.

Fusible (meltable) areas

Rooflights and continuous rooflights made of thermoplastic can act as smoke extraction: in a fire the heat melts the material open, creating an opening through which smoke and heat escape to the outside – without any mechanical triggering. Whether and to what extent fusible areas may be credited depends on the applicable regulations (incl. MIndBauRL, DIN 18232) and the design of your building.

Questions about maintenance or smoke extraction?

We inspect your system and advise you on the requirements for your building.

Enquire now