Regulations on inspection & testing of Fire and Smoke Dampers
To ensure best practice and a safe environment, there are several regulations, standards and guidelines on inspecting and testing of Fire Dampers and Smoke Dampers.
These are……..
BSI
Most popular
Guidance/Standard
- BS9999: 2017 Annex W Section W1
- Fire Safety in the design, management & use of buildings.
- EN15780
- Code of Practice for Mechanical Ventilation & Air Conditioning in Buildings
DOH
Most popular
Guidance/Standard
- HTM 03 01
- Health Technical Memo Specialised Ventilation for Healthcare Premises
- HTM 05 01
- Managing Health Care Fire Safety
BRE
Most popular
Guidance/Standard
- LPS21084
- Code of Practice for Mechanical Ventilation & Air Conditioning in Buildings
HSE
Most popular
Regulation/Standard
- HSE 1992 – Revision 2013
- Workplace health, safety & welfare 1992 Regulations 5 & 6
NAAD21
Most popular
Guidance/Standard
- Guide to Good Practice Internal Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems and Inspection / Installation of Fire Dampers
BESA
Most popular
Guidance/Standard
- TR19
- Guide to Good Practice Internal Cleanliness of Ventilation Systems
CIBSE
Most popular
Guidance/Standard
- TM26
- Hygiene Maintenance of Office Ventilation Ductwork
CITB
Most popular
Regulation/Standard
- CITB-GET2937
- Fire Damper Inspection and Installation
- CITB-NI14208
- Ductwork Cleaning and Hygene
- 20581
- Risk Assessment Hygene
- 22542
- Inspection, Installation and Testing of Fire Dampers
There are many other regulations and guidance, but we have highlighted the most critical to ensure that you as a building owner or facility manager, are aware of your legal obligations.
BS 9999:2017 Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of building covers Inspection and maintenance of ventilation and air conditioning ductwork and states that:
“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.”
Failure to comply with the above can lead to insurance company invalidating your claim for damages or not renewing your insurance policy. Along with a possible prosecution from EHO or Fire Department.
You could be prosecuted and fined under the Health & Safety (Offences) Act 2009.