Fire Damper Testing

The simple answer is yes it is a legal requirement– and regularly. There is a duty of care on those responsible for fire dampers to make sure they are both regularly tested, and tested when they are first installed on the premises.

British Standard (BS) 9999 2017 stipulates that any dampers installed require more frequent testing than previously thought (as mentioned above they need to be at least tested annually). The use of buildings code of practice ensures those responsible must make sure to test fire safety systems and to maintain them routinely.

Fire protection cannot be provided if devices/tools are faulty/out of date, thus proving the importance of testing fire dampers and ensuring they are cleaned to an optimal working condition.

A fire damper is a crucial component of a building's fire safety system. It’s installed in ductwork to prevent the spread of fire and smoke between rooms. When exposed to high temperatures, the damper automatically closes to contain the fire, protecting occupants and the structure. Regular inspections ensure that these dampers function correctly in an emergency.

In the UK, fire dampers must be inspected and tested at least once a year, as per building regulations (BS 9999). This ensures they remain fully operational and free of blockages or damage that could prevent them from working in an emergency.

During an inspection, a qualified engineer will locate and access the fire dampers within the ductwork, then test each one to ensure it closes properly. They’ll also check for any obstructions, corrosion, or damage, and document the inspection results. Any issues will be reported, and repairs will be recommended if necessary.

The building owner or facility manager is typically responsible for ensuring fire and smoke dampers are tested and maintained in accordance with safety regulations. It is important to hire a qualified professional to carry out the inspections, ensuring compliance and building safety.

According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is the employer’s responsibility to maintain their fire safety systems.

•  As the buildings responsible person if you are made aware of faults to any fire safety equipment and do not act on them, you could be held responsible for any implications and be prosecuted in a court of law.

• If you run a business or own a building it is your responsibility to book regular fire damper tests and ensures that a proper maintenance plan is followed.
  
  

Foreign materials such as dirt, combustible dust, and debris can accumulate within the ductwork. These foreign materials can impair the proper functioning of the fire dampers, leaving the building occupants at risk in the event of a fire. Typical issues also include obstructions to access the fire damper, poor installation hinges damage to parts , misalignment, bent tracks, damper coil spring twist, corrosion, heavy contamination or damaged frames or blades.

It might take only one faulty damper to allow the spread of a fire, therefore it is imperative annual fire damper testing (i.e. fire damper drop testing) and inspections are completed by competent engineers.