Fire Damper Testing

A fire damper, or fire damper system when used collectively, is a commonly used fire protection device, installed throughout most commercial buildings. Integrated into ductwork including heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems, this essential equipment acts as a key line of defence against the otherwise fast spread of fire through vulnerable ducting, minimising migratory airflow and maintaining the integrity of fire compartments through its creation of a ‘barrier’. The ability of fire dampers to significantly delay the spread of fire whilst protecting fire exit routes allows occupants the time and routes required to evacuate quickly and safely.

Fire dampers are key elements of most commercial fire safety systems, fitted into ductwork systems including air conditioning, heating, and ventilation in order to help delay the spread of fire through ducting across otherwise secure fire compartments. This delay is created using barrier mechanisms - activated by various triggers - that close automatically in the event of a fire, blocking an otherwise clear passage for flames. This lifesaving equipment is available in two main forms; thermally activated dampers triggered by the melting of a ‘fusible link’, and electronically activated or ‘spring mechanism’ dampers, triggered by fire detectors.

In accordance with BS9999:2017, fire damper systems are required to be tested immediately following installation, and annually in the time following. It should, however, be noted that this requirement is the listed minimum acceptable frequency and that systems installed in high-risk buildings should be subject to more frequent testing in order to ensure the safety of their users. Hospitals and medical facilities, in particular, must abide by the HTM 03-01: Specialised ventilation for healthcare premises Part B: Operational management and ™ performance verification, which often stipulates more frequent assessment of fire dampers.

Ingot Services are proud to deliver comprehensive fire damper testing to all commercial property types on a bespoke basis. Our expert team of HVAC technicians and fire safety specialists are fully qualified in delivering assessment services in accordance with BS:9999 and HTM 03-01 regulations. Contact our team today for a no-obligation evaluation and quote.

Fire damper testing is typically composed of two main activities: visual assessments, and drop testing. Drop testing assesses the functionality of fire damper devices using a fusible link or mechanism trigger point - a system designed to hold open a shutter in normal temperature conditions and melt or trigger as a result of sensors in the event of a fire, dropping the shutter, and creating a physical barrier to fire.

During testing, the fusible link or mechanism is accessed by a qualified professional, who manually triggers the system, ensuring functionality, and that the damper closes fully. Upon the completion of a satisfactory test, the damper is ‘passed’, reset correctly, and the next in the system is tested. All dampers present within a building’s ductwork system must be assessed.

Fire dampers are a key element of modern commercial fire safety systems. Installed throughout hospitals, restaurants, retail space, warehouses, offices, and more, this specialised equipment uses heat detection to combat the passage of flames through otherwise vulnerable ductwork. Their automatic closure in the event of a fire creates a barrier designed to prevent migratory airflow, and help maintain the integrity of fire compartments.

Without fire dampers, otherwise strong fire walls and floors may be compromised by the existence of ductwork and its associated airflows - both of which typically create a swift and direct passage for fire. The ability of dampers to create a physical barrier blocking this ‘path’ plays a critical role in delaying spread, minimising damage, and allowing building users the time and routes needed to evacuate quickly and safely.

The cost of fire damper testing varies significantly in line with the scale and complexity of the project. The size, layout, and accessibility of the system, alongside the number of devices requiring testing, and your selected provider can impact quotes significantly. As a result, the vast majority of fire damper testing providers will charge within a set price range, but according to individual circumstances.

Ingot services are proud to offer our clients a free, no-obligation consultation, during which we’ll evaluate your testing requirements and establish a fair price, which can be later sent over email.

Fire damper testing is crucial to maintaining the safety of any commercial space, alongside its compliance with fire safety regulations.

Typically undertaken by registered industry professionals, this assessment process works to access, inspect, test, and provide evidence of both fuse mechanism and motorised systems’ functionality. Throughout the testing portion of the assessment, a ‘drop test’ is undertaken, throughout which the mechanism is accessed by a qualified professional, who manually triggers the system. Once triggered, the damper should close fully, creating a physical barrier designed to delay the spread of fire in the event of an emergency. Upon the completion of a satisfactory test, the damper is ‘passed’, reset correctly, and the next in the system is tested. All dampers present within a building’s ductwork system must be assessed.

In the past, facilities managers have been given little or no record of where fire dampers are installed; many have been unaware that they were there at all.

Whilst fire dampers were previously overlooked in facility safety and management records, they are now subject to strict legal regulation. In accordance with the Regulatory Reform Order 2005, (Fire Safety), fire dampers must be inspected at regular intervals using drop testing in accordance with BS:9999 2017guidelines. This is a legal requirement. In addition, this regulation places the responsibility of fire safety system maintenance on the employer, holding building owners liable for the failure of an untested fire damper system - meaning those neglecting regular testing may be unable to claim insurance or face prosecution in the event of a fire.

Specialist commercial facilities may be subject to stricter regulation regarding testing. Hospitals and medical facilities, in particular, must abide by the HTM 03-01: Specialised ventilation for healthcare premises Part B: Operational management and performance verification, which often stipulates more frequent assessment of fire dampers.

The amount of time taken to complete afire damper testing is influenced by a number of factors, primarily the ease of accessibility (e.g. are the fire damper locations recorded, and will they require the use of specialist equipment to reach?), and the number of fire dampers requiring testing. Whilst a project at a small restaurant with easily accessible dampers may be completed relatively quickly, a large-scale service to a complex and extensive building such as a hospital may take between weeks and months.

Ingot Services understand that ongoing testing can prove hugely disruptive to operating businesses and commercial facilities. For this reason, we have developed a fully tailored fire damper testing service, available on a 24-hour basis, meaning cleaning can be undertaken during regular hours of closure. Contact our team for a free, no-obligation assessment and quote today.

BS 9999, or the British Standard 9999, is an extensive code of practice, offering recommendations concerning fire safety in the design, construction, management, and use of commercial buildings. Its guidance aims to ensure the fire safety of buildings throughout their entire life cycle.

Within the context of fire dampers, the BS 9999 code stipulates that ‘any grille or opening through the enclosure for ventilation purposes should be protected by a fire damper’, whilst insisting that fire damper systems are tested immediately following installation. After this point, it suggests that ‘all fire dampers [should] be tested by a competent person on completion 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 regularly.’