The Importance of Fire Damper Maintenance
Fire damper maintenance plays a crucial role in a building’s fire safety system, making it essential that these dampers are maintained properly by a competent and experienced company. At Lunar Ltd, we ensure compliance with fire safety regulations and industry standards.
Why Regular and Competent Fire Damper Maintenance is Essential
When not in use, fire and smoke dampers allow air to flow freely through a building’s ductwork. However, during a fire, they become vital in stopping the spread of fire and smoke. Proper fire damper maintenance ensures that these dampers function correctly in the event of a fire, helping to protect the building and its occupants. Without regular inspection, cleaning, and testing, these dampers could fail, leading to severe damage or injury.
Fire Damper Maintenance Regulations
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsibility for fire damper maintenance and other fire safety systems falls on the building owner or operator.
The BS 9999 standard outlines best practices for fire damper maintenance and testing, ensuring that all fire dampers meet specific fire resistance criteria. It also specifies that:
“All fire dampers should be tested by a competent person at regular intervals not exceeding one year and must be repaired or replaced immediately if found to be faulty.”
At Lunar Ltd, we recommend a full service of your fire and smoke dampers at least once a year, with inspections every 6 months to ensure compliance and safety.
Best Practices for Fire Damper Maintenance
To meet the BS 9999 standards, specific steps should be followed for effective fire damper maintenance:
General Maintenance for All Fire Dampers:
- Inspect internal components for corrosion, dirt, or dust.
- Clean and lubricate the damper as per manufacturer’s guidelines, and conduct a drop test.
- Document the entire process with digital photographic evidence.
Electro-Mechanical Fire Damper Maintenance:
- Inspect the latching mechanism, cables, and remote controllers.
- Ensure all parts, such as damper guide channels, springs, and shutters, are clean and operating smoothly.
- Report any defects and document the maintenance activities.
Intumescent Fire Dampers:
Regular fire damper maintenance is crucial for intumescent dampers to ensure they remain clear of blockages and function properly.
Thermal Fuse and Intumescent Air Valves:
These components should be regularly removed and replaced according to manufacturer guidelines to allow thorough cleaning and inspection.
Choose Lunar Ltd for Expert Fire Damper Maintenance
At Lunar Ltd, we prioritise fire damper maintenance to ensure safety and compliance with industry standards. Contact one of our experts today to schedule an inspection and service, ensuring that your fire dampers are always in optimal condition.
