Fire Dampers form an important part of a buildings safety and fire prevention system and in addition to being a legal requirement they are necessary in order to comply with your insurance provider.
Regular duct cleaning, maintenance and testing is also required in order to remain compliant and we have listed the most common questions and answers below to help those responsible for premises understand more about Fire Damper testing.
What is a Fire Damper?
Fire dampers are mechanisms located in ducts where they pass through fire walls and fire-rated floors; they are designed to close automatically if there’s a fire. Without working fire dampers, fire barriers are ineffective, so keeping them fully functional is vital for fire safety.
A Fire damper is defined in BS 9999:2017 Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings as a moveable closure within the ductwork which is operated automatically or manually to prevent the passage of fire.
Typically Fire Dampers are installed inside ductwork where it passes between fire rated walls and floors.
What is a Fire Damper Drop Test?
A Fire damper drop test is a test performed to prove the operation of a Fire Damper. It is called a drop test because when performed the Fire Damper should drop to the closed position.
In the closed or dropped position Fire Dampers help to reduce the spread of fire and smoke which reduces damage to property and helps save lives.
As fats, oil and grease from fryers travel through extraction ducts fire dampers can become clogged causing them to jam or stick in the raised open position.* Fire Dampers should be inspected and if necessary cleaned annually as part of a scheduled maintenance plan which we provide as part of our Aftercare package.
* Fire Dampers are not typically found in Kitchen Extract Systems. They will occasionally be installed in old or non-compliant kitchen extract systems.
Who can Test Fire Dampers?
It is a legal requirement to have your Fire Dampers inspected and tested annually according to BS 9999:2017. According to the regulations testing must be carried out by a competent person.
In order to be deemed competent we recommend the person should be trained and be carrying out testing as part of a planned maintenance schedule recording the tests and wherever possible utilising photographs as evidence of compliance.
What Qualifications do I need to Test Fire Dampers?
According to ACoP5 (41, 42, 43), The Regulatory (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Fire Scotland Act 2005 the testing of Fire Dampers must be carried out by a competent person. The definition of a competent person according to the HSE:
“A competent person is someone who has sufficient training and experience or knowledge and other qualities that allow them to assist you properly. The level of competence required will depend on the complexity of the situation and the particular help you need.“
We therefore recommend persons carrying out Fire Damper testing have undertaken Fire Damper training within the last 3 years and have completed Fire Damper Testing throughout that period.
Both the training and experience should be documented and recorded.
What is the difference between a Fire Damper and a Fire Smoke Damper?
A Fire Damper is designed to limit the spread of fire, while a smoke damper is designed to limit the spread of smoke. Fire Dampers are triggered by the presence if heat and smoke dampers are triggered by the presence of smoke.
As smoke travels faster than fire if ductwork only has Fire Dampers fitted smoke can travel through the duct before the fire damper is activated causing damage to property and people.
How do you Reset a Fire Damper?
To reset a fire damper you must follow the manufactures instructions, however most fire dampers are spring loaded and are held under compression with a simple hook attached to a fire damper link.
This link is the part that melts under heat allowing the fire damper to drop or close shut. Simply close the mechanism (which may need a jack type tool to compress the spring mechanism) and attach the hook to the link to retain the mechanism in position.
Please note: Fire Dampers vary and you should consult and follow the manufacturers guidelines at all times.
What records should I keep for Fire Damper Testing?
In order to be compliant in addition to the testing of Fire Dampers property owners must also maintain up to date and accurate records of all cleaning, maintenance, repair work and testing. These records should where possible should contain photographic evidence relating to all work carried out.
Why do Fire Dampers Fail Testing?
Fire Dampers can fail testing for many reasons, however, the most common problems are related to the mechanism closing. This can be due to:
- Mechanical failure, corrosion
- Build up of grease, dust or debris that inhibits the mechanism from closing and creating a seal
- Installed incorrectly (blades must be at the top)
- Transit tape still in place following installation
- Missing fusible link
- Insufficient access to test
- Twisted springs
- Obstructions
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