Fire and Smoke Damper Testing & Inspection

Fire damper testing is normally carried out as part of a monitoring and compliance service.

Included in our service is photographic documentation; hard and e-copy reports; ceiling and duct locator labels to identify locations (colour coded); entry of damper location on to customer drawings; damper drop tests/re-set; minor damper operational adjustment and/or repair; notification of more major repair recommendations if necessary. The service and inspection can be performed as a “stand alone” service or as part of our regular ventilation and air hygiene monitoring agreement.

Is Fire Damper Testing required?

Yes:- Fire dampers are intended to prevent the ductwork transmitting fire from one area of a building into another. Regular maintenance and testing is essential to ensure correct operation of the fire dampers. BS 9999:2017 addresses this situation by stating that:

“… all fire dampers to be tested by a competent person on completion of the installation and at regular intervals not exceeding 2 years. Spring-operated fire dampers should be tested annually and fire dampers situated in dust-laden and similar atmospheres should be tested much more frequently, at periods suited to the degree of pollution.”

What is involved?

• Identifying the number of dampers on each system and their presence / location either by client-provided drawings and asset register or by a site survey
• Checking/confirming access is available for testing – if not, detailing what access is required
• Checking that each location is identifiable; providing ceiling/wall and duct locator labels to identify each fire damper location (the location of each fire damper will be marked on the ductwork and/or at a visible point on the building fabric if the ductwork is concealed)
• Cross referencing each damper location onto customer hard copy drawings if provided, or indicating each damper on CAD drawings provided in order to establish a cross reference
• Inspection of mounting frame
• Checking sensor/detector
• Inspecting, proving operation and resetting (if of the ‘memory metal actuated’ type)
• Minor damper operational adjustment and/or repair which should be conducted (i.e. WD40 or in accordance with manufacturer recommendations)
• Carrying out any minor repairs whilst on site (optional extra)
• Notification of more major repair recommendations if necessary
• PHOTOGRAPHING EACH DAMPER WITH DIGITAL CAMERA LABEL and IMPORTING TO SERVICE SHEET
• Providing electronic log book record and documentation of fire damper inspection service when completed

How often does it need to be done?

According to BS 9999:2017

“All fire dampers should be tested by competent persons at regular intervals not exceeding two years.

Spring operated fire dampers should be tested annually and fire dampers in dust laden atmospheres should be tested much more frequently to suit the degree of pollution.”

Heating and Ventilation Systems Health Technical Memorandum 03-01: Specialised Ventilation for Healthcare Premises Part B: Operational Management and Performance Verification STATES THE FOLLOWING GUIDANCE:

1.31 Regular tests, at intervals agreed with the local fire prevention officer, will need to be carried out in order to demonstrate the continuing efficiency of the fire detection and containment systems. These may be in addition to the inspections detailed above. Records of these tests should be kept.

4.13 All fire dampers should be tested as part of the annual verification.

How can Air Projects help with Fire Damper Testing?

We have a team of experienced fire damper testing technicians who can provide this service, fully supported by the appropriate compliance documentation on completion. Because fire dampers are a significant method of protection against fire spreading from one area to another if there were a fire in your building, our regular testing can help to ensure that they will work if, and when, called to do so. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the correct operation of the fire dampers.

Benefits of using Air Projects for your Fire Damper Testing

• Compliance met via auditable documented testing programme
• Identification of faults so that rectification can be implemented to prevent failures in the event of fire
• Safety – assurance and peace of mind that regularly tested dampers will work when called upon to do so