All fire safety systems need to be tested frequently to ensure they are working appropriately. Legally, employers have a duty to ensure that fire dampers are regularly tested and are working effectively. Failure to do so could lead to prosecution.
One of the most important parts of any fire safety system is fire dampers. What are they and how do you ensure that they’re in good working order?
What are fire dampers?
Fire dampers are used whenever there is a fire-resistant wall in the property through which runs a ducting vent. Fire dampers prevent fire and smoke from spreading through the vent from one room to another. They are duct fittings that are activated when a certain heat is reached, closing the ducting and preventing the spread of fire. There are a number of different types of fire damper each of which is more suitable for different applications.
Fire damper testing and the law
It is a legal requirement for fire dampers to be tested at least annually. BS 9999:2017 states that arrangements should be made for all fire dampers to be tested at regular intervals by a competent person upon completion of the installation, and at least once a year afterwards.
How to test fire dampers
Fire dampers should be tested regularly to ensure that when needed, they will work effectively. To test the dampers, there are certain steps to follow. These are:
Locate the dampers
The first step in the testing process is to locate all of the dampers. They should be located in the right place within the fire containment zone to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. Once you have located the dampers and ascertained that they’re in the correct location, it’s important to ensure they can be fully accessed. The regulations state that every damper should be fully accessible and located near an access point.
A visual inspection
A thorough and careful visual inspection of the dampers should be carried out. This is designed to ensure that there is no corrosion, damage or blockages to the dampers that may hinder their operation. Any visible signs of damage may mean that the damper needs to be replaced. Each damper should be cleaned and lubricated as required. It’s important that this stage is carried out carefully.
The Fire Damper Drop Test
Fire dampers are typically held open by a fusible link. This is a device that releases a fire damper to close the vent when a set temperature is reached. To test the dampers, the fusible link can be released manually. All fire dampers should close fully when the fusible link is released. In an emergency situation, if this link fails to operate, then smoke and fire will continue to spread.
After each fire damper has been activated and seen to be working properly, it will then be reset. If they are not working they should be replaced immediately. Any delay in replacing faulty dampers increases the risk of fire and means that you a no longer compliant with the regulations.
Cleaning the runners and channels
The runners and channels in which the fire dampers operate should be cleaned. Any debris will be removed to ensure that they do not obstruct the operation of the dampers.
Inventory and report
An inventory of damaged dampers will need to be compiled. A schedule for any remedial work will also need to be drawn up. Finally, a comprehensive report should be prepared that outlines the details of the testing process. This will outline the location of the dampers and any maintenance that has been undertaken. It should also set out the agreed repairs and replacements following the testing process and include detailed exception reports on any failures.
How ECS Can Help
ECS is one of the North’s leading environmental and commissioning services providers. We provide a trusted fire damper testing and survey service to ensure your building’s ongoing security and the integrity of your fire safety infrastructure.
Our complete fire and smoke damper compliance service includes:
- The surveying of buildings where detailed plans or drawings are not available
- Dampers are labelled and referenced back to a PDF report
- Detailed report including damper manufacturer, size and type
- Photographic evidence of all dampers open and closed, any damper defects and accessibility issues
Contact us to find out more about our services.