Stop the spread of fire through ducts, walls, floors, and ceilings with the help of our fantastic new fire damper division – soon to be BESA certified. We maintain and install all makes and models and complete Fire Stopping works around the dampers to maintain integrity, ensure safety and long life reliability of your equipment.
To help you understand fire & smoke dampers and the services we offer, take a look at our guide below to find out all you need to know.
What are fire dampers?
In essence, fire dampers are fire safety curtain devices made from metal situated in buildings’ air ventilation duct systems which fall in the event of a fire. They are life-saving pieces of equipment and are an essential element of a building’s fire safety. Fire dampers are strategically positioned where ductwork passes through fire compartment walls, floors, or zones within a building. They are designed to stop flames and smoke spreading throughout a building by containing the fire in a certain zone for a period of time, thereby allowing time for the building to be evacuated and enable fire fighters to reach the blaze within that contained area.
What types of fire dampers are there?
There are two kinds of Fire Damper:
Mechanical (‘E’ class) dampers
- Stop the spread of fire but don’t stop the spread of cold smoke
- Unsuitable for escape routes and areas with a sleeping risk
- Use a fusible link to trigger them when temperatures reach 72 degrees celsius inside the ductwork
Motorised Fire and Smoke Dampers (‘ES’ class)
- Fitted to escape routes or areas with a sleeping risk that can prevent fire and smoke spreading
- Linked to a smoke detector and equipped with a thermal sensor to trigger them rather than a fusible link
- Will close off in the event of a fire or detection of smoke
Why do we need to test the dampers?
Gravity plays an important role of the operation of fire dampers as they fall upon release – this closure is vital in the prevention of smoke and fire. However, in cases where dampers have been installed incorrectly, the operation of these dampers is virtually impossible.
British Standards 9999:2017 appendix W advises that all fire dampers should be tested at regular intervals within twelve months. This is vital as, in the case of the death of an employee or tenant due to a fire caused by poorly maintained ductwork and fire dampers, then those responsible are liable to prosecution under the Corporate Manslaughter Act of 2007.
How does testing work?
When testing a Fire Damper, our operatives will carry out an internal visual inspection of the dampers to identify the following:
- Damage or obstructions to the curtain
- Internal blades operating and closing fully
- Spring mechanism working effective
- Channels and side rails clear of obstructions
- Fusible link in-tact and the correct type is fitted
- Dirt, dust, or levels of contamination that could prevent closure or correct operation in the event of a fire
- Drop testing the Fire Damper to ensure it is working correctly
- Any other faults.
As part of our service…
Following our survey and testing of your fire dampers, we can provide you with a written report detailing the position of each damper as well as the test date, name of the operative, alongside their written notes and recommendations if any faults are identified or further action is required. Photographs will also be provided to show the condition of each damper on the date of inspection and after testing has taken place.
To help you achieve fire damper compliance for your premises, get in touch with our expert team at 01376 519 627 or email us on info@mgfire.co.uk.
