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Fire dampers are a vital part of any building’s fire safety system. They act as a barrier to stop fire and smoke from spreading through ventilation ducts, protecting lives and property in the event of a fire. To ensure they work as intended, regular fire damper inspections are required by law.
A thorough fire damper inspection checks that these safety devices are in good working condition and free from damage, obstructions, or signs of wear. But what exactly happens during an inspection? Let’s take a closer look.
Fire dampers must be regularly tested and maintained to comply with BS 9999:2017, which states that all fire dampers should be tested at least once a year by a competent person. This ensures they are ready to activate in the event of a fire, sealing off ventilation ducts to contain flames and smoke.
A fire damper that fails to operate properly can allow fire and toxic smoke to spread quickly through a building, putting lives at risk. Inspections help identify and fix any potential issues before they become a hazard.
A fire damper inspection follows a detailed process to ensure everything is in working order. The key steps include:
The inspection begins with identifying all fire dampers within the building. This is typically done using building schematics or architectural plans, which show where dampers are installed in the ductwork.
If plans are unavailable, a physical survey is conducted to locate each fire damper manually. This ensures no dampers are missed and that every unit is accounted for during testing.
Once identified, each fire damper undergoes a visual inspection to check for any obvious signs of wear or damage. The inspector will look for:
Even minor defects can affect how well a fire damper performs in an emergency, so anything unusual is recorded for further action.
The most crucial part of the inspection is the drop test. Fire dampers are usually held open by a fusible link, which is designed to melt at a high temperature, triggering the damper to close.
During the drop test, the inspector manually releases the fusible link to ensure the damper shuts completely. If the damper does not close fully, or if it gets stuck partway, it will need cleaning, repair, or replacement.
During this process, the inspector will also:
Photographs are often taken at different stages to document the condition of the damper before, during, and after the test.
Once the inspection is complete, a detailed fire damper validation report is created. This includes:
If repairs are needed, these will be noted in the report, and a plan can be put in place to resolve any problems as soon as possible.
After the inspection, building owners or managers receive a full compliance report outlining the condition of their fire dampers. If any dampers fail the test, they must be repaired or replaced immediately to ensure the building remains compliant with fire safety regulations.
At ACB, we work closely with clients to ensure any necessary repairs are carried out quickly and efficiently. Our team provides expert guidance on keeping fire dampers in top condition, helping businesses stay compliant and, most importantly, keeping people safe.
With over 20 years of experience, ACB specializes in fire damper inspections, validations, and testing to ensure all dampers are fully functional and compliant with legal requirements.
Our trained professionals follow strict industry standards to inspect, test, and maintain fire dampers in commercial and industrial buildings.
We provide:
A thorough fire damper inspection ensures your building is as safe as possible in the event of a fire.
A properly functioning fire damper is a critical part of a building’s fire safety system. Regular fire damper inspections and tests help identify any faults, keep systems compliant, and ensure dampers will work when needed most.
If you need professional fire damper validation and testing, ACB is here to help. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and keep your building fire-safe.