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Fire dampers are critical components in building safety systems designed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through ductwork. They are essential in maintaining the integrity of fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings, ensuring that in the event of a fire, smoke and flames are contained, allowing for safer evacuation and minimising damage to the building.
Working similarly to fire alarms, equipped with heat-sensitive mechanisms, the temperature of fires or smoke causes the dampers to close, cutting off oxygen supply, sealing and restricting the fire to a certain area of the building. Once the fire has been controlled, the dampers can be reset and opened with little effort, though this needs to be properly managed to ensure it’s back in its full working order. When this system doesn’t work effectively, the spread of fire is not contained effectively and can put the safety of occupants at risk.
Fire dampers are often found in large buildings with complex HVAC systems in any sector, including education, commercial, high-rise buildings and healthcare, under the Fire Damper Regulations. Certain types of buildings are required by law to have effectively-working fire dampers depending on the floor area size and to have these regularly inspected.
All fire safety systems and appliances should be checked at least annually (depending on its location and use) and maintained to the highest level, including a thorough inspection, drop test, reset of the system, and cleaning of dust and debris that could affect the operation of the damper. To comply with British Standard EN 1366-2, accurate records must be kept of the testing, the date and the actions taken.
To avoid penalties and to ensure your fire dampers are in safe working order, contact Taybur to get your fire dampers serviced and inspected.
