Swift Fire Compliance’s Fire Damper Services
Fire dampers form a vital part of a property’s fire safety infrastructure and work by creating a barrier which helps to contain fire and smoke, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building. Not only does this help to limit the amount of damage to equipment, products and property but it greatly reduces the chance of injury or harm to those inside by protecting fire exit routes and facilitating the safe evacuation of occupants.
In order to perform effectively, fire dampers require regular testing and maintenance to ensure that they are functioning as they should be and in top working order. Failure to do so can result in them not responding as they should in the event there is an emergency and the results of this can be potentially devastating for all involved.
At Swift Fire Compliance, our qualified experts carry out professional fire damper testing in Bedfordshire, delivering a reliable and cost-effective service that helps to ensure that your building is safe and compliant.
What Are Fire Dampers and How Do They Work?
Fire dampers are crucial safety devices which are strategically installed in ductwork, HVAC systems and within walls, floors and ceilings. Made of fire-resistant materials, fire dampers are able to withstand high temperatures whilst retaining their structure even during an emergency, acting as the first line of defence against fire.
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In their ordinary state, these devices remain open, allowing air to flow freely, but in the event of a fire, once triggered, they snap shut immediately. When this happens, the airflow is restricted and this helps to block the passage where flames, smoke, and hot gases would pass, keeping them contained to a single area and slowing them from spreading.
Fire dampers are an integral part of a property’s passive fire protection strategy, which work alongside other safety features to help reinforce the overall fire safety. These dampers, when fully functioning, help to greatly reduce property damage, assist firefighting efforts and most importantly save lives.
All you wanted to know about Fire Damper Testing
Want to learn more about fire dampers and why regular testing is so important? Simply complete the form below to receive your copy of our “Ultimate Guide to Fire & Smoke Control Dampers 2025”. Once submitted, you’ll instantly receive an email with a link to the guide.
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The Importance of Fire Damper Testing
The testing of fire dampers is essential in order to ensure that they remain a fully functional part of the building’s fire protection system. Regular function testing and maintenance of fire dampers has a direct impact on whether they work correctly in an emergency, helping to prevent the spread of smoke and flames through ventilation systems, potentially saving lives and minimising the damage to property.
In the event that the crucial components within fire dampers are not regularly function tested and checked, it can result in them failing or malfunctioning during a fire. If this happens, smoke, fumes, and flames could spread rapidly through HVAC systems, putting people’s lives at risk, increasing the amount of damage and the likelihood of harm or injury of those inside.
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Fire damper function testing is not simply ‘best practice’ but is actually a legal requirement which requires sufficient testing along with the proper documentation to demonstrate compliance and be able to avoid liability.
Failing to carry out the necessary testing and maintenance can have serious consequences for those responsible, including fines, penalties and even a prison sentence. Whether it’s from simple neglect or trying to save money, the price of omitting fire damper function testing far outweighs the small amount it costs in testing and maintenance.
At Swift Fire Compliance, our team of specialists have years of experience with fire dampers in properties of every size, type, complexity and across various sectors. We are able to carry out fast, affordable and reliable Bedfordshire fire damper function testing to ensure that your building is safe and complies with the relevant laws and regulations.
The Process of Testing Fire Dampers
The Process of Testing Fire Dampers
The fire damper testing process can vary slightly depending on the type and size of the property as well as how complex the systems involved are, however, in general, they tend to follow a similar series of steps, which are as follows:
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- It starts with a meticulous visual inspection where the technicians will examine the fire damper’s internal components to see if there are any signs of corrosion, dust or dirt.
- The dampers are then thoroughly cleaned and lubricated according to their manufacturer instructions.
- Following this, they will carry out a function test. This involves manually releasing the fusible link, which works to verify that the damper fully closes and creates a proper seal.
- For electro-mechanical dampers, the latching mechanism, operating cable, and remote controller are all inspected.
- Guide channels and springs are checked and cleaned.
- All of these steps are documented with detailed reports and photographic evidence throughout the process.
Annual testing is usually required, but for dust-laden environments or high-risk settings like hospitals more frequent inspections will be necessary.
Professional Fire Damper Testing
At Swift Fire Compliance, our team of dedicated professionals have years of experience carrying out fire damper testing for a wide variety of buildings, properties and premises across a range of industries.
If you are in need of fire damper function testing Bedfordshire and would like to know more about our services, then please do not hesitate to get in touch, and one of our advisors will be happy to help answer any questions you may have.
FAQ’s
Fire Damper Services
Many building managers aren’t even sure if their properties have fire dampers, or when they were last tested. As Essex’s leading fire damper testing specialists, Swift Fire Compliance ensures that all fire dampers are fully operational and compliant, helping to keep both your building and its occupants safe.
To learn more about our fire damper servicing and how we can support you, get in touch today or complete our contact form, and one of our friendly team members will be happy to assist.
What Does Fire Damper Testing Involve?
At Swift Fire Compliance, we provide comprehensive fire damper testing in London. Our process includes:
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- A Visual Inspection – Our team will conduct a detailed visual inspection of all the fire dampers in your building, checking for signs of physical damage, dirt, or obstructions that could impact their effectiveness. We inspect all components to ensure they are in optimal condition.
- Fire Damper Function Testing – After the initial inspection, our team tests each fire damper to ensure it is functioning properly. This involves manually checking the mechanism to make sure it opens and closes as it should then all dampers are returned to their open position.
- Cleaning and Maintenance – We will clean and remove any obstructions, such as dust, grease, or debris, from the dampers to ensure they can operate in case of a fire.
- Fire Damper Reporting – A key aspect of our London fire damper testing service is reporting, with our team providing comprehensive documentation to ensure you have a detailed record of each fire dampers’ condition and performance, including an ‘as found’ photograph, a photograph of the damper being dropped and then finally a photograph of the damper back in its open position, as well as an asset list of all the dampers tested.
- Recommendations for remedials – We will provide recommendations for repairs or replacements of any damaged or faulty fire dampers. We work with trusted suppliers to source the highest-quality replacement parts.
Swift Fire Compliance is one of the leading providers of fire damper testing in London, serving a wide range of commercial and industrial properties. To find out more about our fire damper testing services or to schedule an inspection for your building, get in touch with Swift Fire Compliance today.
More resources and best practice
Fire dampers are in almost constant use, making it essential to ensure they close reliably when needed. By providing a barrier that prevents fire from spreading, properly functioning fire dampers save lives. This makes regular fire damper testing, cleaning, and maintenance not only a legal requirement but also a critical part of any building’s fire safety strategy.
Swiftclean is one of the UK’s leading specialist building services providers, offering fire damper testing, cleaning, and maintenance in line with BS 9999:2017, which now specifies that all fire dampers must be tested, cleaned, and maintained at least annually.
Everyday operation of ventilation systems leads to a build-up of dust, debris, and other contamination on dampers and their moving parts. Regular cleaning and testing ensure they function correctly in the event of a fire. In sensitive environments such as healthcare facilities, Swiftclean also complies with Health Technical Memorandum (HTM) 03-01: Specialised ventilation for healthcare premises, helping clients establish testing schedules in agreement with local fire prevention officers.
As a trusted fire damper testing company, Swiftclean prides itself on meticulous care and expertise. All staff conducting tests are fully qualified and provide clear guidance throughout the process. We offer professional advice, recommendations, and a clear plan for next steps to maintain the safety and compliance of your building.
Fire damper testing should always be carried out by a competent, qualified professional.
Fire Damper – Open
Fire Damper – Closed
One of the main challenges in fire damper testing is identifying, locating, and accessing each damper within a building’s ductwork. Without expert knowledge, dampers can easily be overlooked or left unmaintained, compromising the safety system. Even when located, many dampers are hard to reach, making it essential to have access in order to inspect and test the internal blades properly. Thorough testing requires skill, experience, and the right equipment to ensure every damper operates effectively when it’s needed most.
Following the completion of your fire damper testing, we will provide you with a comprehensive written report to confirm compliance with BS 9999:2017. This report serves as an essential record for your fire safety management and should be kept on file.
Your report will include:
- Before and after photographs of each fire damper
- Damper numbers and exact locations for full traceability
- Detailed findings and outcomes of the inspection
This documentation provides clear evidence of compliance and can be presented to a Safety Compliance Officer or relevant authority if required, giving you complete confidence in the fire safety of your building.
Fire Damper Testing: Areas We Cover
At Swift Fire Compliance, we provide specialist fire and smoke damper testing and inspections nationwide, with locally based teams on hand to deliver a reliable, professional service wherever you are in the UK.
With over 40 years of experience, we are trusted by Housing Associations, Councils, Hotels, Restaurants, Schools, Facilities Management companies, and M&E contractors. Our expertise ensures that your fire safety systems remain compliant, effective, and in peak condition through thorough testing, maintenance, and reporting.
“Fire & Smoke Control Dampers are critical in maintaining building fire compartmentation and protecting fire escape routes. Ensuring that they are compliant and function correctly through thorough, regular, effective inspection and testing, is vital to life safety, by ensuring that they will perform in the event of a fire.”
Gary Nicholls, MD of Swiftclean
