Fire Damper Testing – why is it important?

Tucked away in ducts and risers, fire dampers can often be out of sight and, in some cases, out of mind. But these devices are critical to a building’s fire safety. They’re designed to prevent fire and smoke from spreading through ventilation systems, buying precious time for evacuation of inhabitants and necessary emergency response.

According to Government statistics, the Fire and rescue services attended 133,072 fires in England.  Over 38,000 of these were building fires.  Alongside this, other reports suggest “an alarming 70% failure rate in initial fire damper inspections across UK buildings, highlighting a widespread problem that could have devastating…consequences”.

Are your fire dampers compliant?

Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, building owners and managers have a legal obligation to ensure that all fire safety systems, including fire dampers, are properly maintained. The Building Safety Act 2022 further emphasises this by introducing the roles of Accountable Persons and Duty Holders, who are responsible for the safety of higher-risk buildings. This includes ensuring that fire dampers are regularly inspected and maintained.

The British Standard BS 9999:2017 provides guidance on the design, management, and use of buildings concerning fire safety, including the maintenance of fire dampers. Additionally, the updated BESA DW145 (2024) guidance sets a new benchmark for industry best practices, emphasising the importance of evidence-based compliance.

How often should you conduct fire damper testing?

BS 9999:2017 recommends that all fire dampers are tested at regular intervals not exceeding one year. However, in environments with higher levels of dust or pollution, such as hospitals or industrial settings, more frequent testing is likely necessary. The NAAD-22 guidance also suggests stricter testing regimes for higher-risk buildings.

Who can test fire dampers?

Testing should always be carried out by competent individuals with the necessary training and experience. Unqualified personnel may not correctly identify issues or may inadvertently cause damage during testing. It’s essential to ensure that those responsible for testing are knowledgeable and familiar with the types of dampers installed and the relevant standards and regulations.  enevo offer comprehensive Fire Damper testing, from accredited experts who follow all relevant standards, including BESA DW/144 and TR19, to ensure your building meets stringent fire safety requirements.

What is a fire damper drop test?

A drop test involves manually releasing the damper to ensure it closes properly. This test verifies that the damper will function correctly in the event of a fire. The process includes:

• Visual inspection for any signs of damage or obstruction.
• Manual release of the damper to check for proper closure.
• Cleaning and lubrication of moving parts.
• Resetting the damper to its original position.

Photographic evidence should be taken throughout the process to document the condition and functionality of the damper(s).

Getting access to fire dampers for testing purposes

One common challenge is getting access to the fire dampers, especially if they were installed without thought or consideration about future or ongoing maintenance. Unfortunately, inaccessible dampers cannot be tested, which poses a significant compliance issue. Solutions to avoid this could include installing access panels or builder’s hatches to facilitate regular inspections and maintenance.

Required evidence of fire damper testing

Proper documentation of regular fire damper testing is crucial. This includes:

• Maintaining a register detailing the location and type of each damper.
• Keeping records of inspection dates and findings.
• Acquiring and retaining photographic evidence of the damper before and after testing.
• Keeping details of any remedial actions taken.

Maintaining comprehensive records not only ensures compliance but also offer vital and valuable information for future maintenance and audits.

Fire damper testing is not just a regulatory requirement; it’s a key component of building safety. Regular inspections and maintenance can prevent the spread of fire and smoke, protecting both lives and property. Building owners and managers must take proactive steps to ensure that all fire dampers are accessible, functional, and properly documented.

If you’re unsure about the compliance status of your fire dampers, get in touch with enevo today to see how we can help. Regular testing and maintenance are investments in safety that can have life-saving implications.