Fire Damper Testing in London
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.
Fire Damper Services
Fire Dampers slow the progression of fire allowing people sufficient time to evacuate a building safely during a building fire. As with any safety apparatus, these need to be regularly tested and maintained in order to ensure that if and when the time comes, they will work and do their job effectively.
At Swiftclean, we specialise in professional fire damper testing in London, with our team carrying out a comprehensive service that ensures your building’s fire safety systems are fully functional and compliant with UK regulations. Regular testing of fire dampers is not only crucial for protecting your property and its occupants but is also a legal requirement.
Fire dampers play a key role in a building’s fire protection system, automatically closing to prevent the spread of smoke and fire through ventilation systems in the event of a fire. Without regular testing, these vital components may fail to operate as intended, increasing the risk of damage and harm.
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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
Why are Fire Dampers so Important?
Fire dampers are designed to close in the event of a fire, preventing flames and smoke from travelling through the ducts and spreading to other areas of the building.
Fire dampers are designed to close in the event of a fire. They have blade stacks which act like a shutter, remaining open when they are not needed to allow air to flow freely throughout the ductwork. In the event of a fire, the damper is triggered, and slams shut which restricts flames and smoke from passing through the fire zones and spreading to other areas of the building.
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Without fire dampers in place, the ductwork and ventilation systems within a building can act like a conduit, transporting smoke and fire quickly to other areas of the property and allowing it to spread rapidly.
The job of fire dampers in a building is to prevent this from happening by effectively sealing the ductwork shut and stopping the transfer of smoke and fire, containing it for as long as possible to its origin.
Over time, fire dampers can become corroded or obstructed by dirt, dust, or debris, or their components may degrade due to wear and tear, making them less effective or completely inoperable. The fire damper may not close properly, allowing the fire to spread more quickly.
Fully tested and functioning fire dampers are so crucial because in the event of a fire they;
- Preserve exit routes
- Reduce the amount of damage to the premises, stock, equipment, goods and belongings
- Allow more time for the safe evacuation of those onsite
- Delay the spread of smoke and fire which could delay or prevent occupants from escaping
- Provide vital extra time needed for emergency services to arrive
Fire damper testing is essential to ensure these systems work as intended in an emergency. Regular inspections ensure that fire dampers close tightly when required, keeping the fire contained within a specific area and preventing it from spreading throughout the building.
Fire damper testing is also a legal requirement in the UK under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Failure to conduct regular testing, every year, as a minimum, can lead to legal penalties and even cause insurance policies to become void, resulting in serious legal and financial consequences for building owners should a fire occur.
At Swiftclean, our team of expert engineers can carry out fast and effective tests, checks and maintenance for fire dampers within buildings of all types, size and complexity. From hotels, stadiums, schools and offices to shops, restaurants, warehouses and factories, we make sure that everything is taken care of for complete peace of mind that your fire dampers are in full working order.
If you would like to know more about London fire damper testing and how we can help you, please do not hesitate to get in touch and one of our advisors will be happy to help.
What Does Fire Damper Testing Involve?
At Swiftclean, we provide comprehensive fire damper testing in London. Our process includes:
- A Visual Inspection – Our team will conduct a detailed visual inspection of all the fire dampers in your building, checking for signs of physical damage, dirt, or obstructions that could impact their effectiveness. We inspect all components to ensure they are in optimal condition.
- Fire Damper Function Testing – After the initial inspection, our team tests each fire damper to ensure it is functioning properly. This involves manually checking the mechanism to make sure it opens and closes as it should then all dampers are returned to their open position.
- Cleaning and Maintenance – We will clean and remove any obstructions, such as dust, grease, or debris, from the dampers to ensure they can operate in case of a fire.
- Fire Damper Reporting – A key aspect of our London fire damper testing service is reporting, with our team providing comprehensive documentation to ensure you have a detailed record of each fire dampers’ condition and performance, including an ‘as found’ photograph, a photograph of the damper being dropped and then finally a photograph of the damper back in its open position, as well as an asset list of all the dampers tested.
- Recommendations for remedials – We will provide recommendations for repairs or replacements of any damaged or faulty fire dampers. We work with trusted suppliers to source the highest-quality replacement parts.
Swiftclean is one of the leading providers of fire damper testing in London, serving a wide range of commercial and industrial properties. To find out more about our fire damper testing services or to schedule an inspection for your building, get in touch with Swiftclean today.
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.
