Fire Dampers are an important part of a buildings fire safety system and without proper maintenance and inspection they will not perform as expected, which could result in the spread of a fire.
As with all fire systems, they need regular and professional testing to make sure they are properly maintained and working correctly.
What is Fire Damper?
Fire dampers can be found in the ductwork of ventilation systems, including heating and air conditioning. Fire dampers work by creating a shield against live flames, delaying the spread of smoke and fire enabling people to exit a building safely.
Why test your Fire Dampers?
Ensuring that your fire dampers are inspected is essential as it ensures that you’re complying with Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This legislation makes it a requirement are installed correctly and are fully operational. The purpose of testing fire dampers is to search for any damages, such as corrosion or objects that could be stuck within the damper, where if any are found, it can affect their functionality and so they must be replaced, or repaired where needed.
If you wish to find out more about our Fire Dampers Testing services, or require any additional information, contact us on 0330 133 5290 or email us info@iaqservices.co.uk.
Compliance Guidelines
According to Standard BS9999:2017, all fire dampers need to be tested after installation by a competent person and compliance guidelines require annual fire damper testing is carried out. If a fire damper is found to not be operating correctly, we can carry out remedial works to ensure the damper is operating to comply with BS9999 standards.
You must also ensure that your fire dampers are tested annually without test dates more than a year apart, and if any faults are found within your fire dampers, they must be fixed immediately, or replaced if necessary.
Assessment
Before the testing process of your fire dampers, we must assess your site with the locations of all fire dampers, and where they’re located around your building.
It is common for all fire dampers to be documented within building plans, fire risk assessment and fire strategy documents. If this information is unavailable, then the inspection will allow us to list all damper locations around the site.
Remedial Works
If your Fire Damper systems are found to be in an unsatisfactory condition according to BS9999 – remedial works can help you resolve the issues and ensure that they are working correctly to ensure compliance.
What is a fire damper drop test?
A fire damper drop test involves manually testing the shutter to ensure the link that recognises high heats is working and closes the curtain quickly and correctly. From this test we can see if any issues are present with your fire dampers, and we can advise on the best next steps.
Our technicians can test your Fire Damper systems to help you comply with legal requirements and make sure they are operating correctly and as intended.
During your fire damper test
During your fire damper test, there are a few things that you can expect to see. Each fire damper will tested individually for any signs of damage or variables that could affect your fire damper, such as corroded parts or whether your dampers are being constructed.
As part of the test, your fire dampers will also be thoroughly cleaned from all of the build up of dust and debris. Any evidence of these issues, if identified, will be supplied through photographic proof.
After your fire damper test
After testing, it can be the case that the Fire Damper is not working correctly and defects are found.
Some of the common issues that are found in testing are:
- Mechanical Failures - Missing fusible links, corrosion of parts
- Insufficient Access
- Build up of debris, dust or grease that prevent the damper from operating correctly.
Arrange Fire Damper Testing or Remedial Works
If you require more information that can be tailored to your needs, fill in the form below and request a callback. Alternatively, you can give us a call on 0330 133 5290 and our team will be happy to discuss the options with you. If you’re looking to reset your fire dampers, take a look at our Fire Damper Reset Tool, a handy piece of kit to aid in resetting or activating curtain blade fire dampers.
Fire Damper Reset Tool MK II
The Fire Damper Reset Tool has been designed as an aid in resetting or activating curtain blade fire dampers.
The standard Inner core dampers between 250 – 400mm can be reset. Swapping in the included extension core dampers up to 550mm can be reset.
The tool can be used to reset larger dampers if an object such as a block of wood or Unistrut is temporarily placed in the lower track of the damper to raise the tool sufficiently.
You can view our Fire Damper Reset Tool MK II here on our website today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do fire dampers need to be inspected?
It is recommended that fire dampers are tested every 12 months as outlined by industry standard BS9999 and technical bulleting BESA VH001, however if a fire damper is situated within an environment where the build of dust is much more dense, then they should be inspected more often than once a year.
Can a Fire Damper fail?
Yes, fire dampers can be obstructed over time by a build up of dirt, dust and debris. If fire dampers aren’t tested correctly or regularly, there’s a chance you’re leaving people at risk in the event of a fire. Even one faulty fire damper can allow the fire to spread and so it’s worth having them maintained every year.
What is the cost of fire damper testing?
The cost of fire damper testing depends on the building, how much information is available at the time of testing, and more. We can provide a transparent quote on a per damper basis, however if this information is unknown then an investigation visit may be required.
Can I carry out a fire damper inspection myself?
If you wanted to test your fire dampers yourself, there is no law stating that they must inspected by a 3rd party expert. Despite this, if a fire was to breakout and the dampers failed to activate, you will be required to present evidence of who completed the damper test, which consists of the training the individual has received, along with their accreditations and experience.
Is fire damper testing a legal requirement?
Fire damper testing is a procedure that must be followed when a fire damper is put in place, as all fire dampers must be tested by a professional after being installed. After the first test, the next inspection should not exceed a two year period.