Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) Testing

Testing, servicing, repair and installation of automatic opening vents and smoke ventilation systems for blocks of flats across Bournemouth, Poole, Dorset and Hampshire — keeping stairwells and escape routes clear of smoke.

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Why AOV Testing Matters

Most fire-related deaths are caused by inhaling toxic smoke rather than burns — flames and burns account for only around 30% of fire deaths. Automatic opening vents (AOVs) open automatically in a fire to release smoke and hot gases, making them a vital part of the fire safety strategy for blocks of flats and other multi-occupied buildings. Fire safety systems, including smoke ventilation, must be kept in efficient working order, and regular testing is the only way to be sure your AOVs will operate as intended when they are needed.

Smoke Control

Effective smoke control reduces the risk of smoke inhalation — the leading cause of fire injuries and deaths.

Preventing Fire Spread

Venting smoke and hot gases helps contain a fire and limit damage to the rest of the building.

Clear Escape Routes

AOVs keep stairwells and corridors free from smoke so residents can evacuate safely.

Reliability Assurance

Regular testing identifies faults early, so vents operate as intended during a real fire.

Firefighter Access

Less smoke means better visibility for firefighters to locate the fire and rescue anyone trapped.

Regulatory Compliance

Routine testing and maintenance helps your building meet its legal fire safety obligations.

What Our AOV Service Includes

We test, service and repair all types of automatic opening vents and smoke ventilation systems, and can arrange new installations where needed. Regular functional testing confirms vents open fully on activation and close correctly afterwards, while servicing and repairs keep actuators, controls and components in good working order. Every visit is recorded, giving you a clear audit trail for your building, and AOV testing can be combined with your fire alarm, smoke alarm and emergency lighting tests for a multi-package discount.

1. Book & Get a Free Quote

Tell us about your property and receive a free, no-obligation quotation.

2. Functional AOV Testing

Vents activated to confirm they open fully and reset correctly afterwards.

3. Servicing & Repairs

Faults fixed and components maintained to keep your system reliable.

4. Records & Compliance

Every visit logged, giving you a clear record for your building.

Google Reviews

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Casey Craig 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I contacted Safetec Protection feeling rather desperate, needing rapid assistance with some fire door inspections and I was immediately put at ease by Dean. He secured an appointment for me and Harvey attended to deal with the inspections only a few days later. Amazing!

Not only that, but they managed to get the written report over to me really quickly as well because they knew the timescale I was up against. They helped me out so much and truly went above and beyond and I am so grateful.

I would highly recommend Safetec Protection to anyone, excellent service!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Andy Collins 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After 2 years of complete lies from bogus FRA companies in Portsmouth -we finally decided to get a local report in our area .

The report and service we received from Dean was Outstanding !
We Highly recommend this company!

An Honest-Transparent -friendly and fairly priced company that we will be using from now on for all of of FRA inspections  ✅
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Joshy Cho 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Reliable, easy to communicate with and professional service.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Emily Harte 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I contacted Dean on the Friday morning for a Fire Risk Assessment. The assessment was carried out on the Monday, with the report in my email inbox by Wednesday morning. Brilliant service.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Paul P 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fabulous service by Dean and the team. Dean has been very professional, friendly and helpful in helping me gain the fire assessment for our property. He arrived on time and as advised, produced a timely professional report and offered advice on remedial works which I intend to follow up on. If you need any help with this type of service in the area I can highly recommend the Safetec team, thanks!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Carpet Barn Bed Store 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service from start to finish.
They were efficient when surveying for our requirements and provided a competitive quote quickly.
They since carried out the works to our stores and delivered as promised.
Would highly recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   4 A 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. George attended our building and was friendly, professional and helpful. The report he produced was comprehensive and shows where we need to make improvements, would definitely recommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Raymond Hatchard 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First class business dealt with my priority situation immediately would have  no hesitation in recommending Safetec Protection,
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nigel Ward 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Fantastic business gave me some expert advice highly recommended
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nathan Granger 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Easy to deal with and reliable with routine testing of emergency lights and fire alarms.

Services we offer

Fire Door Inspection

AOVs clear the smoke; fire doors stop it spreading in the first place. Our fire door inspections check that communal and flat entrance doors hold back smoke and close securely.

Health & Safety

A health and safety report looks at your block as a whole — communal hazards, security and electrics — alongside the smoke control systems we maintain.

Emergency Lighting

Smoke-free stairwells are only half the story if they are in darkness. Our emergency light testing keeps escape routes visible, and can be scheduled on the same visits as your AOV tests.

Smoke Alarms

In many blocks, detection is what triggers the vents to open. We install, test and maintain smoke alarm and fire alarm systems so your AOVs get the signal the moment they need it.

Fire Risk Assessments

Your fire risk assessment should confirm how smoke ventilation fits into your building’s fire strategy. Our PAS 79-compliant assessments review AOVs alongside every other precaution.

Areas We Cover

Safetec Protection tests, services and repairs AOVs and smoke ventilation systems across Bournemouth, Poole, Christchurch and throughout Dorset, Hampshire and the surrounding areas. From a single block to a managed portfolio, our Poole-based team keeps your smoke control systems ready for use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an automatic opening vent (AOV)?

An automatic opening vent is a window, vent or hatch — usually at the top of a stairwell or in a corridor — that opens automatically when a fire is detected. It releases smoke and hot gases from the building, keeping escape routes clearer for residents and improving visibility for firefighters.

Why do AOVs need regular testing?

AOVs only protect a building if they open when a fire occurs. Regular testing identifies faults such as failed actuators, control panel issues or vents that do not open fully, so they can be repaired before an emergency. Testing also helps demonstrate that your fire safety systems are being properly maintained.

Which buildings need AOV testing?

Any building fitted with automatic opening vents or a smoke ventilation system needs them testing and maintaining. They are most common in blocks of flats, where they protect communal stairwells and corridors, but are also found in other multi-occupied and commercial buildings.

Do you repair and install AOVs as well as test them?

Yes. Safetec Protection can arrange installation, servicing, maintenance, repair and testing of all AOVs and smoke ventilation systems throughout Dorset, Hampshire and the surrounding areas.

Can I combine AOV testing with other fire safety tests?

Yes. You can combine AOV testing with fire alarm, smoke alarm and emergency lighting tests to benefit from our multi-package discount, or include it in one of our compliance and testing packages alongside your fire risk assessment and health and safety report.

Keep Your AOVs Ready When It Matters

A faulty AOV can leave stairwells filled with smoke at the very moment residents need to escape. Our team tests, services and repairs automatic opening vents and smoke ventilation systems so your block stays compliant and your escape routes stay clear. Combine AOV testing with your fire alarm, smoke alarm and emergency lighting tests to benefit from our multi-package discount.