A damper that fails to operate is not passive fire protection. It is a gap in your compartmentation. Surveyed and drop-tested by brigade-experienced professionals.
Fire and smoke dampers are fitted within ventilation ducts and air handling systems to prevent fire and smoke spreading between compartments. They are a critical part of your building's passive fire protection, yet they are among the most neglected elements in routine maintenance.
Under BS 9999:2017, fire dampers must be inspected and drop-tested at least annually. Smoke dampers in life-safety systems may require more frequent testing. Failure to maintain dampers can compromise your entire compartmentation strategy and leave the responsible person exposed to enforcement action.
Many dampers are installed in concealed locations above ceilings and within risers. Without a systematic survey by qualified professionals, there is no way to confirm they are present, accessible, and functional.
Important: Fire dampers can seize, corrode, or be obstructed by building works carried out after installation. An annual inspection is the only reliable way to confirm they will close when activated.
Every fire and smoke damper is located, identified, and individually drop-tested to confirm correct operation. Dampers that fail to close fully are flagged for remediation.
R&W offers annual retainer contracts for damper testing, ensuring your building remains compliant year after year without the need to re-scope each visit.
BS 9999:2017 requires fire dampers to be inspected and drop-tested at least annually. Smoke dampers forming part of a life-safety system may require testing every six months.
A drop test confirms that the damper closes fully when its fusible link or actuator is triggered. The damper is manually released, its closure is observed and recorded, and it is then reset to its open position.
A fire damper closes when it detects heat, typically via a fusible link rated at 72°C. A smoke damper closes in response to a signal from the fire alarm or building management system. Some installations use combination fire and smoke dampers.
Failed dampers are documented in the inspection report with photographic evidence and a prioritised remediation schedule. Common causes include seized mechanisms, corrosion, obstruction, or missing fusible links.
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