Fire Damper Testing in Bedfordshire
Fire dampers are crucial passive fire protection products that help to prevent the quick and dangerous spread of fire and smoke through building ductwork which penetrate fire and smoke barriers.
Swiftclean’s Fire Damper Services
Fire dampers form a vital part of a property’s fire safety infrastructure and work by creating a barrier which helps to contain fire and smoke, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building. Not only does this help to limit the amount of damage to equipment, products and property but it greatly reduces the chance of injury or harm to those inside by protecting fire exit routes and facilitating the safe evacuation of occupants.
In order to perform effectively, fire dampers require regular testing and maintenance to ensure that they are functioning as they should be and in top working order. Failure to do so can result in them not responding as they should in the event there is an emergency and the results of this can be potentially devastating for all involved.
At Swiftclean, our qualified experts carry out professional fire damper testing in Bedfordshire, delivering a reliable and cost-effective service that helps to ensure that your building is safe and compliant.
What Are Fire Dampers and How Do They Work?
Fire dampers are crucial safety devices which are strategically installed in ductwork, HVAC systems and within walls, floors and ceilings. Made of fire-resistant materials, fire dampers are able to withstand high temperatures whilst retaining their structure even during an emergency, acting as the first line of defence against fire.
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In their ordinary state, these devices remain open, allowing air to flow freely, but in the event of a fire, once triggered, they snap shut immediately. When this happens, the airflow is restricted and this helps to block the passage where flames, smoke, and hot gases would pass, keeping them contained to a single area and slowing them from spreading.
Fire dampers are an integral part of a property’s passive fire protection strategy, which work alongside other safety features to help reinforce the overall fire safety. These dampers, when fully functioning, help to greatly reduce property damage, assist firefighting efforts and most importantly save lives.
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Swiftclean commitment:
- Identify and locate each fire damper
- Retrofit access doors if any of these are inaccessible
- Carry out fire damper testing, cleaning and drop testing and reset each fire damper
- Provide accurate records of fire damper testing, cleaning and drop testing, including before and after photographs of cleaning
- Identify any problems and recommend remedial action
- Carry out remedial work where required
The Importance of Fire Damper Testing
The testing of fire dampers is essential in order to ensure that they remain a fully functional part of the building’s fire protection system. Regular function testing and maintenance of fire dampers has a direct impact on whether they work correctly in an emergency, helping to prevent the spread of smoke and flames through ventilation systems, potentially saving lives and minimising the damage to property.
In the event that the crucial components within fire dampers are not regularly function tested and checked, it can result in them failing or malfunctioning during a fire. If this happens, smoke, fumes, and flames could spread rapidly through HVAC systems, putting people’s lives at risk, increasing the amount of damage and the likelihood of harm or injury of those inside.
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Fire damper function testing is not simply ‘best practice’ but is actually a legal requirement which requires sufficient testing along with the proper documentation to demonstrate compliance and be able to avoid liability.
Failing to carry out the necessary testing and maintenance can have serious consequences for those responsible, including fines, penalties and even a prison sentence. Whether it’s from simple neglect or trying to save money, the price of omitting fire damper function testing far outweighs the small amount it costs in testing and maintenance.
At Swiftclean, our team of specialists have years of experience with fire dampers in properties of every size, type, complexity and across various sectors. We are able to carry out fast, affordable and reliable Bedfordshire fire damper function testing to ensure that your building is safe and complies with the relevant laws and regulations.
The Process of Testing Fire Dampers
The fire damper testing process can vary slightly depending on the type and size of the property as well as how complex the systems involved are, however, in general, they tend to follow a similar series of steps, which are as follows:
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- It starts with a meticulous visual inspection where the technicians will examine the fire damper’s internal components to see if there are any signs of corrosion, dust or dirt.
- The dampers are then thoroughly cleaned and lubricated according to their manufacturer instructions.
- Following this, they will carry out a function test. This involves manually releasing the fusible link, which works to verify that the damper fully closes and creates a proper seal.
- For electro-mechanical dampers, the latching mechanism, operating cable, and remote controller are all inspected.
- Guide channels and springs are checked and cleaned.
- All of these steps are documented with detailed reports and photographic evidence throughout the process.
Annual testing is usually required, but for dust-laden environments or high-risk settings like hospitals more frequent inspections will be necessary
Professional Fire Damper Testing
At Swiftclean, our team of dedicated professionals have years of experience carrying out fire damper testing for a wide variety of buildings, properties and premises across a range of industries.
If you are in need of fire damper function testing Bedfordshire and would like to know more about our services, then please do not hesitate to get in touch, and one of our advisors will be happy to help answer any questions you may have.
FAQ’s
How does a fire damper work?
The main purpose of a fire damper is to restrict fire and smoke from crossing through fire barriers, or using the buildings ductwork to travel and infiltrate other areas of the property. They are installed near areas with fire resistant walls, doors and floors to protect their integrity and contain the fire at its source.
Under regular conditions the damper remains open, allowing air to flow freely. There are different types of dampers that are activated with either a sensor, fusible link or electronic alert which when triggered in the event of a fire, will cause the damper to quickly slam shut.
This barrier helps to prevent the fire from spreading, reducing the amount of damage, preserving exit routes and providing more time for occupants to safely evacuate.
What is a fire damper drop test?
A fire damper drop test generally consists of two parts:
Part 1 – This involves carrying out visual checks on the fire damper, making sure everything looks in working order. They should be thoroughly checked and inspected for signs of damage, corrosion or blockages that could prevent the damper from closing all the way or working effectively.
Part 2 – This involves manually releasing the fire damper which is known as the ‘drop test’. The ‘shutter’ should fall and seal off the duct, following which the tester can then examine the damper, it’s parts and mechanism to make sure that it is all working properly and in good condition. If the fire damper is working as it should be and there are no issues to be found, then it is reset.
Why do fire dampers need testing?
If fire dampers are not properly tested, checked and maintained then it is possible that when they are needed, they may fail to work effectively or at all, the consequences of which can be severe.
Fire damper failure is not uncommon due to their placement. They are often in difficult to access areas which makes them hard to clean or even check. Some of the most common reasons that fire damper fail include:
- Build ups of dirt, dust and debris preventing them from sealing shut
- Blockages and obstructions such as wires or cables that have been unknowingly fitted by workmen through the damper opening
- Poor installation
- Broken or faulty parts such as the fusible link or electronic trigger failing
- Rust or corrosion that can lead to the blades or springs becoming jammed
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Please call us or email info@swiftclean.co.uk for further advice and a free quote.
