Everything You Need to Know About Fire Damper Testing

Fire damper testing typically involves two stages:

1. Visual Inspection: A qualified fire damper inspector will visually check each fire damper for:

• Physical damage: Dents, corrosion, or any signs of misalignment.
• Obstructions: Any objects blocking the damper’s movement.
• Clearance: Adequate space around the damper for proper operation.
• Labelling: Proper identification and certification information on the damper.

       2. Operational Testing: The inspector will then test the functionality of each damper:

• Automatic Closing: Verify that the damper closes automatically when exposed to heat (usually simulated with a special tool) or when the fire alarm system is activated.
• Manual Closing: Ensure the damper can also be closed manually using a designated lever or switch.
• Movement: Confirm smooth and unrestricted movement of the damper during closure.

How Often Should Fire Dampers Be Tested?

The recommended frequency of fire damper testing in the UK depends on the type of building and its occupancy:

• Low-risk buildings: Typically annually.

• High-risk buildings: May require more frequent testing, every six months or even quarterly, depending on the specific risk factors. For example, electronics stores, or stores that sell other products that have a greater fire risk, would require more frequent testing.

Can anyone conduct fire damper testing?

Fire damper testing should only be carried out by a qualified and competent person. This could be:

• A qualified fire damper inspector certified by a third-party accreditation body.
• A competent person employed by a fire safety company with relevant experience and training in fire damper testing.

Following the inspection and testing, the inspector will provide a detailed report that includes:

• Details of each fire damper inspected.
• Findings of the inspection and testing.
• Any identified faults or defects.
• Recommendations for remedial actions, if necessary.

Do fire dampers contribute to ventilation?

No. They are an automatic safety feature that stops ventilation. By stopping ventilation, it helps to mitigate the spread of a fire. Fire dampers should not be active in any other instance other than if it is being tested, or if there is a fire. If they activate outside these circumstances, they are likely to be faulty.

How do you know if a fire damper isn’t working?

Ideally, you’d want to know if your fire damper isn’t working before a fire occurs. A simple way to tell is if the system providing ventilation isn’t providing any at all, even if the system is on.

In the case of a fire, you would realise your fire damper is faulty if the flames are visible through the ventilation outside. In some cases, you may literally be able to see flames coming out from vents.

Are there legal consequences for not having fire dampers?

Yes, there can be punishments for not having fire dampers in the UK, or for having them but not maintaining them properly. Here’s how it can play out:

• Enforcement Action: The most likely consequence would be enforcement action from the local fire authority. They have the power to issue an enforcement notice requiring the building owner to install fire dampers or fix any deficiencies in existing ones.

• Fines: If the enforcement notice is ignored, the fire authority can impose fines. The amount can vary depending on the severity of the offence and the size of the building.

• Prosecution: In serious cases, the responsible person (usually the building owner) could face prosecution under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. This could result in a significant fine or even imprisonment.

• Building Insurance: As mentioned earlier, most building insurance policies require evidence of regular fire damper testing to remain valid. Not having fire dampers or failing to maintain them could invalidate your insurance, leaving you financially liable for any fire damage.

Where can I buy ventilation with fire dampers?