What is a Smoke Screen?

A smoke screen, often referred to as a smoke curtain or smoke barrier, is a passive fire protection system designed to control the movement of smoke during a fire incident. Unlike fire-rated barriers that prevent the spread of flames and heat, smoke screens are specifically engineered to channel, contain, or delay the migration of smoke which is often the first and most deadly element in a fire.

These screens can be fixed, deployable (automatic or motorized), or integrated into the ceiling, and are commonly installed in commercial buildings, atriums, lobbies, airports, hospitals, malls, cinemas, and high-rises.

Importance of Using Smoke Screens in Buildings

1. Life Safety Enhancement

• Smoke inhalation is the leading cause of death in structural fires not heat or flame.
• Smoke screens help to keep escape routes clear, giving occupants more time to evacuate safely.

2. Fire Compartmentalization Support

• Works in tandem with fire barriers and sprinkler systems to contain the smoke within a defined zone, preventing it from spreading across floors or corridors.

3. Improved Visibility for Evacuation & Response

• By managing smoke flow, screens maintain visibility in egress routes, stairwells, and assembly areas, aiding both occupant escape and firefighter navigation.

4. Prevention of Structural Damage

• Hot smoke accumulation in ceilings or atriums can damage mechanical systems and accelerate structural fatigue. Smoke curtains help channel smoke to exhaust systems, reducing overall harm.

5. Code Compliance & Safety Standards

• Required by many building codes (e.g., NFPA, IBC, BS 7346) for large public buildings or where open floor plans are used.
• Especially critical in buildings with open atriums, where smoke can bypass compartment walls and threaten occupants on multiple levels.

6. Integration with Smoke Ventilation Systems

• Smoke curtains often work with automated smoke vents and detection systems, deploying upon alarm activation to direct smoke toward extraction points.

Where Smoke Screens Are Used

• Atriums and Malls
• Elevator Lobbies
• Airport Terminals
• Cinema Complexes
• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
• Open-plan Office Spaces
• High-rise Residential and Commercial Towers

Smoke screens are a critical life-safety feature in modern fire engineering design. While fire barriers stop flames, smoke screens buy precious minutes that save lives, protect assets, and improve emergency response outcomes. When correctly specified and integrated, they contribute to safer, smarter buildings that comply with international safety standards.

How FG Glass Can Help

At FG, we offer SCHOTT Smoke Screen, a high-performance smoke barrier solution processed with SCHOTT fire-resistant glass trusted globally for its clarity, durability, and certified fire safety performance. Engineered for critical containment applications, FG Smoke Screen ensures smoke control, visibility, and code compliance in modern architectural environments. Whether used in atriums, lobbies, or elevator zones, our smoke screens are tailored to work seamlessly with fire safety systems, delivering protection without compromising on aesthetics.

Partner with FG Glass to integrate certified SCHOTT smoke containment glazing into your next project ensuring safety, compliance, and performance you can count on.

Learn more at www.fgglass.com | ???? firesafety@fgglass.com