Fire and smoke dampers play a very important role in a building’s fire safety system, which is why it is imperative that they are maintained properly by a competent company. In this blog, we aim to give you a good understanding of what the legal requirements and best practices surrounding damper maintenance are.
Why regular, competent damper maintenance is important
When not required, the fire and smoke dampers installed in a building’s ductwork will permit the flow of air through the ductwork passage. However, when a fire breaks out, they play an invaluable role in stopping the spread of fire and smoke to other areas of the building, as they will close, creating a barrier to contain the flames and fumes. If the dampers are not inspected, cleaned, tested and serviced at regular intervals, the likelihood of considerable damage and risk of injury and loss of life for the building’s occupants is significantly increased.
Damper maintenance regulations
As stated in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 England and Wales, it is the building owner or operator’s responsibility to maintain fire safety systems in their building.
BS 9999 provides a best practice framework for fire safety and includes standards for damper maintenance and fire damper testing. It states that all fire dampers should meet the criteria of fire resistance for a stated period and that:
‘All fire dampers should be tested by a competent person at regular intervals not exceeding one year, and to be repaired or replaced immediately if found to be faulty. Spring-operated fire dampers should be tested annually and fire dampers situated in dust-laden and similar atmospheres should be tested much more frequently, at periods suited to the degree of pollution.’
So that you are covered in any eventuality, we at Lunar Ltd, recommend that your dampers receive a full service at least once a year, are inspected at 6-monthly intervals and have 3-monthly functionality tests carried out by a competent servicer.
Best practice actions for fire and smoke damper maintenance
The standard for planned maintenance, also sets out the below specific actions that need to be taken when fire dampers are inspected and tested:
For all fire and smoke dampers: Visually inspect the fire damper’s internal components for signs of corrosion, dirt or dust. In line with the manufacturer’s instructions, clean and lubricate the damper and perform a drop test. Collect digital photographic evidence of damper condition prior to, during and after testing procedures.
For all electro-mechanical fire and smoke dampers: Inspect latching mechanism, operating cable and remote controller (incl. indicator lamp). Ensure cleanliness of, damper guide channels, springs and around the units on completion. Check and ensure correct operation of shutter mechanism. Ensure free fall of damper(s). Check and ensure security of all access doors and gaskets. State possible sources of air leakage. Report any defects and record all actions undertaken.
Collect digital photographic evidence of damper condition prior to, during and after testing procedures.
For all air transfer fire and smoke dampers: Inspect latching mechanism, operating cable and remote controller (incl. indicator lamp). Ensure cleanliness of damper guide channels, springs and around the units on completion. Check and ensure correct operation of shutter mechanism. Ensure free fall of damper(s). Check and ensure security of all access doors and gaskets. Check for air leaks.
Report any defects and record all actions undertaken.
Collect digital photographic evidence of damper condition prior to, during and after testing procedures.
Intumescent block fire dampers: This type of damper can become blocked and impeded.
They should therefore be part of the maintenance programme.
Thermal fuse and Intumescent air valves: Remove and replace units in accordance with manufacturers guidance as required to allow cleaning and inspection.
For safe, compliant damper maintenance and peace of mind, talk to one of our experts about booking a survey and maintenance visit.
