The British Standard 9999 Code of Practice for Fire Safety in the Design & Use of Buildings states “…any grille or opening through the enclosure for ventilation purposes should be protected by a fire damper”.

All fire dampers must be tested upon installation.  

Fire dampers are designed to prevent a fire from being able to spread through the ductwork to other areas of a building. The technical definition of a fire damper is “mechanical device that is operated automatically or manually and is designed to prevent the passage of fire and which, together with its frame, is capable of meeting for a stated period of time the fire resistance criterion for integrity”.  Quite often installed fire damper devices have a fusible link, which is defined by BS 99999 as a ‘device that releases a component such as a fire damper or fire shutter at a set temperature.’ Basically when the fusible link comes into contact with high heat, the link will melt, causing the damper to close and stop the spread of fire.

With modern technology and the introduction of more complex fire systems, many companies now opt to have their fire dampers operated automatically. A buildings fire alarm system can now be linked to automatic fire dampers electronically. Basically, if a fire is detected in a part of the building, an electric signal is sent to the fire damper telling it to close and prevent the fire spreading through.

Fire dampers play a crucial role in buildings’ fire safety systems, which is why it is important that they operate correctly. The difference between a well-maintained fire damper and a poorly maintained fire damper could be the difference between life and death if there is a fire in your building. With this in mind, it is important to make sure that your fire dampers are inspected, tested and maintained on a regular basis.

Regularly testing and maintaining your fire dampers can save lives.

 

 

 

 

 

BS 9999 fire damper maintenance legislation

With the enactment of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is now the employer’s responsibility to maintain their fire safety systems. BS 9999:2017 also states that: Arrangement’s should be made for all fire dampers to be tested by a competent person on completion of the installation and at least annually, and to be repaired or replaced immediately if found to be faulty. Spring – operated fire dampers, should be tested annually and fire dampers situated in dust-laden and similar atmospheres should be tested more regulary.

Safeflow Ventilation Ltd are UK experts in fire damper maintenance and testing, we provide a comprehensive fire damper drop testing service. We will carry out the tests on your behalf and create a report on the condition of the fire dampers. All fire dampers should be tested as part of your annual or bi-annual verification.

Fire Safety Legislation Compliance 

Fire dampers are installed within the duct system to prevent the spread of fire. If a fire breaks out and gets into your ventilation system are you sure that the condition of your fire dampers will not prevent them from fulfilling this essential role? 

All fire safety systems must be regularly & professionally maintained to ensure the safety of building occupants - a faulty fire damper will not prevent the spread of fire. 

Provision of an essential fire safety service should be considered whereby all your fire dampers will be cleaned, lubricated, drop tested and reset to ensure they are in good working order. 

Faults such as damaged linkages can also be replaced. 

What Is A Fire Damper Inspection Report?

A fire and smoke damper test completed by our expert team at Safeflow Ventilation Ltd will provide you with a detailed report including;

• Photographic evidence 
• Inventory of all tested Fire & Smoke dampers, including the location, damper number, damper result and if the damper failed then we will also provide a detailed explanation and the corrective plan or actions taken.

Having your Fire Dampers tested regularly, allows you to have peace of mind that your fire system is working and in order, highlighting any issues along the way and allowing you to make plans for replacements and upgrades over a scheduled period.  Giving the highest priority to preventing the spread of fire should the worst ever happen.

According to the BS 9999 fire damper legislation, you must ensure that your fire dampers are repaired or replaced immediately if found to be faulty. It is highly recommended that you create a maintenance plan to help you budget and schedule repairs, ensuring your fire dampers remain in a fully working condition.

Whose Responsibility Is Fire Damper Maintenance?

According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is the employer’s responsibility to maintain their fire safety systems. If you run a business or own a building it is your responsibility to book regular fire damper tests and ensures that a proper maintenance plan is followed.

Our Fire Damper Testing Service

Safeflow Ventilation offer a comprehensive fire damper testing and maintenance service throughout the UK we look after many national brands and public service buildings including NHS, David Lloyd, Holiday Inn, Kier, Europa, Crowne Plaza etc. For a full list of exactky wat is included in our fire damper inspections click here.

For more information about fire damper maintenance legislation and how to ensure you are compliant, callus today on 0333 358 3382.

You can see afull copy of the BS 999:2008 code of practice document here.