Fire Damper
Fire dampers prevent fire and smoke spread in ventilation systems by sealing ducts when high temperatures are detected, aiding evacuation and firefighting efforts.
Why you NEED Fire Dampers
Fire dampers play a crucial role in maintaining safety within buildings by preventing the spread of fire and smoke through ductwork. At Protest ES Ltd, we understand the importance of these devices and are committed to offering top-notch fire damper services, ensuring your building's safety and compliance with fire safety regulations.
A common myth about fire dampers is that they can be tested and maintained infrequently without affecting their performance. In reality, regular inspection and maintenance are crucial for ensuring their effectiveness.
Fire dampers are designed to prevent the spread of flames and smoke through ductwork in the event of a fire, but over time, factors like dust accumulation, corrosion, or mechanical failure can impede their function.
BESA's "Guide to Good Practice: Fire Dampers" provides comprehensive guidelines for the installation, inspection, and maintenance of fire dampers. According to BESA, fire dampers should be:
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Inspected upon installation and at least every 12 months thereafter.
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Tested for proper operation and closing performance.
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Maintained and repaired by qualified personnel to ensure they function correctly during a fire emergency.
Did you know?
BS999 (British Standard Code of Practice) stipulates that fire dampers should be tested and inspected at least once a year.
This annual testing and inspection ensures that the dampers will operate as designed in the event of a fire, sealing off the ductwork to halt the spread of fire and smoke.
Regular testing and inspection will detect any issues or malfunctions in the dampers that could hinder their performance. These issues could include obstructions, damage to the damper or its components, or problems with the damper’s closing mechanism.
By identifying and rectifying these issues during regular testing and inspection programmes, we can ensure that the dampers are always ready to perform their crucial safety function. Thus, keeping duty holders, persons deemed responsible for maintenance, their buildings, their staff and their visitors safe and legally complaint.
There are as many as 100 million fire and smoke dampers installed in UK buildings and each one should be tested at least annually.
What do Fire Damper Inspections involve?
Regular inspection of fire dampers is essential to ensure they are in optimal working condition. Our team of certified professionals conducts thorough inspections, identifying any potential issues that could compromise safety. We adhere to all industry standards, ensuring that each inspection is both comprehensive and reliable.​
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To guarantee the longevity and effectiveness of your fire dampers, regular maintenance is essential. Our expert technicians are experienced in performing routine maintenance tasks that prevent malfunctions. Should any issues be detected, we are equipped to carry out prompt and efficient repairs to restore your dampers to full functionality.​
The Fire Damper is a crucial safety barrier
The fire damper is an essential component in building safety systems, designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through ductwork in the event of a fire. Installed within the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, these devices automatically close when a rise in temperature is detected, usually triggered by the melting of a fusible link or the activation of a heat-sensitive device.
How often should Fire Dampers be professionally inspected?
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Fire dampers should be professionally inspected at least once every four years in most commercial buildings
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It is important to follow any local codes or regulations, as some jurisdictions may require more frequent inspections based on specific risk assessments
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Always document each inspection and any maintenance performed to maintain compliance and ensure safety records are up-to-date.
Why you should use Protest ES Ltd fire safety experts
Protest ES Ltd fire experts are BRE and BM TRADA certified.
Our DBS checked and qualified technicians will provide assurance that every aspect of your building’s fire dampers are functioning correctly in accordance with fire regulations.