Fire Damper Testing Services In London
Serving businesses throughout the UK and the City of London since 1994.
Ferncroft offers expert fire damper testing, helping you maintain your building’s fire safety in line with UK legislation.
The Importance of Fire and Smoke Dampers in Building Safety
Fire and smoke dampers are crucial passive fire protection products that play a vital role in maintaining the safety of your building.
Installed within HVAC and ventilation systems, these dampers help prevent the rapid spread of fire and smoke through ductwork systems.
They act as essential barriers, maintaining the integrity of fire-resistant walls and floors that are fire compartment barriers.
Most importantly, they protect the lives of building occupants by keeping escape routes clear.
They are like the fire doors to your ventilation system.
Regular fire damper inspection and maintenance of fire dampers is not just recommended—It’s a legal requirement under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order.
Failing to maintain them can lead to catastrophic consequences, including the loss of life and significant property damage.
Following the code of practice and ensuring compliance with the British Standard BS 9999:2017 is essential for any responsible person in charge of building safety.
Are You a Facilities Manager or an M&E Project Manager?
How Do Fire Dampers Work?
Fire and smoke dampers are integrated into the ductwork of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (ventilation and air conditioning) systems, especially where ducts pass through fire-rated walls and floors.
The damper closes automatically in the event of a fire, thus preventing the spread of flames and smoke.
Activation Methods:
- Thermally Activated: A fusible link or a bi-metallic strip within the damper will melt when a specific temperature is reached, causing the damper to close. This ensures that the damper moves from an open position to a closed position during a fire.
- Electrically Activated: Linked to a fire alarm system, these dampers close upon receiving a signal from fire or smoke detectors, playing a crucial role in smoke damper testing.
Why Choose
Ferncroft Enterprise?
At Ferncroft, we understand the diverse use of building ductwork and the unique fire safety challenges each one presents.
When partnering with Ferncroft, you aren’t just partnering with a lone outfit; you are partnering with a nationwide LPW group that works closely with some of the biggest companies in the UK.
Whether you manage a commercial office, a healthcare facility, or an industrial site, our maintenance service is tailored to meet your specific needs.
By choosing Ferncroft, rest assured that your fire and smoke dampers are maintained according to best practice standards, providing peace of mind that your building is safe and compliant.
25 YEARS EXPERIENCE
Trusted and chosen for over two decades within all major cities throughout the UK.
FIRE SAFETY COMPLIANCE
Working in line with the latest fire safety regulations and legislation ensuring your company is on the right side of the Law.
FREE NO OBLIGATION SURVEY
Speak with a member of the team to arrange a free site visit and and no obligation survey.
Why Is Regular Fire DAMPER TESTING ESSENTIAL?
Fire dampers are often out of sight and can be overlooked during regular building maintenance. However, their role in fire safety is critical.
Regular testing of fire dampers, also known as fire damper drop tests, ensures that these components are functioning correctly and ready to perform in an emergency.
- Compliance with British Standards: It's a legal requirement under BS 9999:2017 to test fire dampers at least once a year. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties and increased risk to building occupants.
- Peace of Mind: Regular testing assures building owners and responsible persons that their fire safety systems are fully operational.
- Prevention of System Failures: Over time, fire dampers can become obstructed by dirt, debris, or corrosion, which may prevent them from closing properly. Regular visual inspections help identify and rectify these issues.
What does fire testing involve?
Our comprehensive fire damper testing service ensures that each damper is thoroughly inspected and tested to meet the highest safety standards.
Our Testing Process Includes:
- 1. Inventory Creation: We identify and document all fire and smoke dampers within the building, noting their locations within ductwork systems.
- 2. Visual Inspection: Each damper undergoes a visual inspection for signs of corrosion, damage, or obstructions, ensuring compliance with best practices.
- 3. Operational Testing: Dampers are activated and physically 'dropped' to ensure they close correctly. Both thermally and electrically activated dampers are tested.
- 4. Fire Damper Maintenance: Channels and runners are cleaned to ensure smooth operation. Access panels are installed or retrofitted if needed to facilitate future inspections.
- 5. Photographic Evidence: We provide photographic evidence of each damper before and after testing, along with a detailed report for building safety records.
- 6. Maintenance Plan: We develop a tailored maintenance plan to ensure ongoing compliance and optimal performance of your fire dampers.
- 7. Reporting: A comprehensive report includes all findings, recommendations, and any necessary remedial action
- Obstructions and Blockages: Dust, debris, and other obstacles can prevent dampers from closing fully, disrupting air distribution.
- Corrosion: Rust and corrosion weaken the damper's structure, compromising its effectiveness within the fire barrier.
- Poor Installation: Incorrect installation can lead to operational issues and non-compliance with safety standards.
- Mechanical Failures: Broken springs or components can render a fire damper ineffective, especially for spring-operated fire dampers.
One malfunctioning damper can result in the rapid spread of smoke and fire, leading to devastating consequences.
This is why it is crucial to ensure that all dampers are inspected, tested, and maintained at regular intervals.
Our expert team provides comprehensive Fire Damper Services that meet all regulatory requirements. We take pride in delivering thorough inspections with detailed reports, evidence, and recommendations for any necessary repairs.
Our Services Include:
- Identification and Location: We accurately locate and document each fire damper in your building, ensuring all fire/smoke dampers are accounted for.
- Access Panels: We retrofit access doors where necessary to ensure easy and effective inspection, particularly in difficult-to-reach areas.
- Testing and Maintenance: We perform fire damper testing, cleaning, and fire damper drop tests, ensuring each damper is reset correctly.
- Fire Damper Maintenance: We provide ongoing maintenance service to keep your fire dampers in optimal condition.
- Remedial Work: We identify any issues and provide the necessary remedial work to ensure all systems are in top working order.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Fire Damper Drop Test?
Drop testing is a procedure that ensures fire dampers close properly when activated, simulating their response in an actual fire. This test confirms the damper’s ability to prevent the spread of smoke and fire through ductwork.
How often should fire dampers be tested?
Fire dampers should be tested at least once a year, as British Standard BS 9999:2017 requires. Regular testing ensures they are operational and can effectively protect against the spread of fire and smoke.
How effective are fire dampers?
Fire dampers are highly effective in slowing the spread of fire and smoke, provided they are regularly maintained and tested. Their effectiveness ensures valuable time for evacuation and emergency response during a fire.
Are there different types of fire dampers?
Yes, several different types of fire dampers are designed for various applications within a building’s HVAC system. The most common types include:
Curtain Fire Dampers: These are spring-operated and consist of interlocking blades that drop closed when activated.
Motorized Fire Dampers: These dampers are electrically controlled and close upon receiving a signal from a fire alarm system.
Combination Fire/Smoke Dampers: These dampers serve a dual purpose, protecting against fire and smoke spread.
Intumescent Dampers: These dampers expand when exposed to heat, sealing the ductwork to prevent the passage of fire and smoke.
Each type of fire damper is designed to meet specific needs within a building’s fire safety system, and the selection depends on the building’s design and fire safety requirements
we are proud to offer the highest standards in air duct cleaning services. committed to delivering exceptional service that meets and exceeds client expectations.
