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FIRE DAMPERS
INSTALLATIONS & REPLACEMENTS
Fire and smoke dampers are fitted in ductwork to prevent the spread of fire, they are usually used whenever there is a fire resistance wall.
​Fire dampers are responsible for slowing or stopping a fire inside of a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, helping to minimise any damage to the structure itself and most importantly to protect the people within the building.
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Why do Fire and Smoke Dampers
need to be installed?
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Fire Compartmentation in buildings is generally provided by separating elements such as walls, floors, and ceilings. These separating elements are penetrated by ductwork system in order to supply and extract air throughout all areas of the structure. The ductwork passing through the separating elements creates an unobstructed route for fire and smoke to spread throughout the building.
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The installation of fire dampers in line with these separating elements creates a passive barrier that will activate in the event of a fire and prevent the spread of fire and smoke. These fire dampers will need to be sealed into the fire break. Please see our page on fire stopping for more information.
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Why do Fire and Smoke Dampers
need to be replaced?
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The requirement to remedy any defects found with fire dampers is as important as the testing and maintenance itself.
A defect with the surrounding fire break or a mechanical fault with the fire damper unit itself will result in a decreased
efficiency to slow the spread of fire or render the fire break completely ineffective.
Arrangements 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 much more frequently, at periods suited to the degree of pollution.
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The risk and consequences of not following
fire damper testing requirements
As the building owner / responsible person on-site you need to ensure that all fire and smoke dampers within your building(s) are located, serviced, and tested (whether that be a drop test or otherwise). Hydro-X Fire can help to ensure you meet the regulatory requirements and support you in compiling an asset list and schedule to ensure regular checks are carried out and any defects are remedied for continued safe operation.
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According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is the employer’s responsibility to maintain their fire safety systems.
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As the buildings responsible person if you are made aware of faults to any fire safety equipment and do not act on them, you could be held responsible for any implications and be prosecuted in a court of law.
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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.
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