Smoke exhaust dampers and shutters for smoke extraction are used in case of fire to vent smoke and heat in the smoke evacuation shafts. These are normally closed and open in emergency situations to create smoke-free zones for the safe evacuation of people. In standby position they maintain their fire resistance. Smoke evacuation shutters and dampers are suitable for use in ventilating protected lobbies, venting to shafts either naturally or mechanically. They open to evacuate smoke in emergency situations whilst maintaining fire resistant integrity in standby position.