Rookklemmen

Rookklemmen, a Dutch term often translated as "smoke compartments," refers to a passive fire protection system used in buildings. The primary function of rookklemmen is to prevent or limit the spread of smoke and toxic gases during a fire. This is achieved by dividing a building into distinct compartments, each designed to contain smoke for a specific period.

The effectiveness of rookklemmen relies on a combination of building design and specialized materials. This includes fire-resistant walls, floors, and ceilings that create physical barriers. Crucially, these compartments are also sealed using fire and smoke stopping materials in all penetrations, such as where pipes, cables, or ventilation ducts pass through. The aim is to create an airtight seal that smoke cannot easily bypass.

In the event of a fire, the strategic placement of rookklemmen ensures that escape routes remain tenable for longer periods. By containing smoke within its origin compartment, occupants have more time to evacuate safely. Furthermore, these systems can help protect critical areas within a building, such as stairwells and fire service access routes, from smoke contamination. Regular inspection and maintenance of rookklemmen are essential to ensure their continued effectiveness in safeguarding lives and property from the dangers of smoke.