Regular maintenance of smoke and heat exhaust systems (SHE) is required by law and plays a crucial role in structural fire protection. Building owners and operators are subject to a duty of care in this regard—because in an emergency, the proper functioning of the SHE system can mean the difference between life and death.
Failure to maintain RWA systems can have serious consequences:
In addition to fines, business closures, and the loss of warranty claims, a system failure during a fire can also result in civil or criminal liability.
But not all maintenance is created equal: Only a professional and comprehensive functional inspection by a qualified specialist company ensures that the smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system functions reliably in an emergency and meets all legal requirements.
Procedure for Smoke and Heat Exhaust System Maintenance According to DIN 18323
Smoke and heat exhaust system maintenance is performed in accordance with the specifications of DIN 18232 and includes several inspection steps that ensure the system is technically sound and ready for use at all times.
First, the smoke and heat exhaust system is inspected for structural changes. Specialized companies check whether any retrofitted installations or modifications could impair the system’s control or performance. All functional components are visually inspected while installed.
The next step involves testing the smoke and heat exhaust system’s functionality through a test activation. During this process, all alarm boxes, opening mechanisms, and control centers are tested. For electric smoke and heat exhaust systems (24 volts), smoke detectors, control centers, and batteries are also inspected. For pneumatically controlled systems, the CO₂ pressure cylinders are inspected.
All moving components are thoroughly cleaned. Worn or damaged parts are replaced by the specialist company with original replacement parts after consultation with the operator to ensure full functionality.
Finally, all work, measurement results, and test steps are documented. This documentation is essential to demonstrate compliance with the legally mandated maintenance requirements in the event of damage.
Who is authorized to maintain a smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system?
According to DIN 18 232, maintenance work on smoke and heat exhaust systems may only be performed by qualified specialist companies. INDU LIGHT is one of these certified specialist companies. We handle the regular maintenance and inspection of smoke and heat exhaust systems—regardless of the manufacturer and in accordance with all applicable standards and regulations. We also professionally inspect and maintain products from other manufacturers.
How often must a smoke and heat exhaust system be inspected and maintained?
DIN 18232 requires regular maintenance at fixed intervals—usually at least once a year.
However, depending on usage, environmental factors, or operating conditions, shorter intervals may be advisable or necessary.
Annual maintenance ensures that:
- the smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system is immediately operational in an emergency,
- liability risks for operators are minimized,
- and all legal fire safety requirements continue to be met.
Regular smoke and heat exhaust ventilation maintenance protects lives and operations
Regular and professional smoke and heat exhaust ventilation (SHEV) maintenance is not only a legal requirement—it is a central component of preventive fire safety. Only when all components function reliably can the system effectively remove smoke and heat in the event of a fire and protect human lives.
With a qualified specialist company like INDU LIGHT, you’re on the safe side—from inspection and maintenance to comprehensive documentation.
