Fire dampers are located within ventilation and air conditioning ductwork and designed to prevent the spread of fire inside the actual ductwork. As such, it’s important to make fire damper testing part of a building’s overall fire prevention strategy and factor it into your maintenance regime.

When functioning as they should, these fire damper installations should effectively prevent the spread of fire and smoke throughout a building by closing when heat is detected. As these doors will automatically open or close, it’s crucial to check that the actual detection system and mechanism in place are working, so that they are ready to activate should a fire break out.

Our services include:

• Fire Damper Identification
• Fire Damper Testing
• Fire Damper Cleaning
• Fire Damper Maintenance
• Fire Damper Repair
• Fire Damper Testing Records

In accordance with British Standards 9999:2017 Annex W.1, all fire dampers should be drop tested, cleaned and maintained at regular intervals, not exceeding 2 years, whilst spring operated fire dampers should be tested at least once a year. This is because general usage of a ventilation system can create gradual contamination of a fire damper mechanism, which must be removed using the correct fire damper testing tools and procedures.

You may also want to increase your fire damper testing frequency to keep them in good working order all year round and in line with the current legal requirements. J&I can help you do this by scheduling regular maintenance checks and performing our industry standard fire damper

If a building is your responsibility, remember that the consequences of faulty fire dampers could be serious. In the event that there is a fire, these devices can save lives by preventing the unnecessary spread of smoke and fire to other parts of the building, giving people enough time to evacuate and the fire department a better chance of containing the blaze.

If someone in the building was to actually die as a result of a fire that could have been controlled with operational fire dampers, you could be liable for prosecution under the Corporate Manslaughter Act.

You would also find it harder to claim for fire damage on your insurance unless you can provide reports which prove you have had your fire dampers tested and maintained.

Ultimately, testing a fire damper using the correct methods and by working with an organisation that has the appropriate fire damper testing certification is an important preventive measure for any building that values the health and safety of its employees, tenants and visitors.

The risk and consequences of not following fire damper testing requirements:

• A potentially unsafe building
• Risk of a fine
• Difficulty making insurance claims for fire damage
• Possible corporate manslaughter liability
• Loss of reputation and business

For any fire damper and ductwork-related issues, J&I offer a reliable and effective service, adapted to suit any commercial or domestic environment. Contact us today to see how we could help!