Safeguarding retail spaces with essential fire damper testing
At Swiftclean, we believe compliance isn’t just a box-ticking exercise – it’s about protecting lives, businesses, and the continuity of operations. That’s why, for over four years, we’ve partnered with a global facilities management provider to uphold rigorous fire safety standards across multiple high-traffic retail centres in London and the Southeast of England.
Why Fire Damper Testing Matters
In busy retail environments, fire dampers play a crucial role in preventing the spread of fire and smoke through ventilation systems. Regular testing and cleaning ensure these systems function correctly during a fire, protecting patrons, staff, and property while ensuring compliance with strict industry regulations.
A Collaboration Built on Trust
Since April 2021, Swiftclean has been entrusted with a comprehensive contract covering fire damper function testing and cleaning across several prestigious shopping centres. This global facilities management partner, known for delivering integrated services across cleaning, security, catering, and technical support, relies on our expertise to maintain safety compliance seamlessly while ensuring minimal disruption to day-to-day operations.
How We Work Together
Martin Hembling, our Commercial Director at Swiftclean, shares:
“We initially tendered for the cleaning of kitchen extract systems and fire and smoke damper testing and successfully secured both contracts. From onboarding, we worked closely with the client to understand their needs, determine cleaning frequencies, and plan out-of-hours services where necessary.”
Monthly review meetings with site teams ensure we address issues proactively and align our cleaning schedules with operational needs. By handling small remedial works—like fitting access doors and replacing fusible links—during scheduled visits, we reduce the need for return trips, maintaining compliance efficiently and cost-effectively.
At the end of the first year, we reviewed cleaning frequencies to enhance operational benefits while ensuring regulatory compliance. Our adaptable approach and strong working relationship led to our successful re-tender, securing the partnership for an additional five years.
The Result: Compliance with Confidence
Our rigorous testing protocols and detailed cleaning procedures help our client maintain the fire safety standards that protect both people and property within these busy retail environments. This partnership exemplifies how long-term collaboration, and continuous improvement can deliver critical safety outcomes while supporting operational efficiency across the retail sector.
If you’re seeking a partner to support your compliance journey while maintaining seamless operations, Swiftclean is ready to help.
