For Legally Compliant Properties
Fire safety should be a priority for everybody who owns, manages or oversees a building or property, whether it’s commercial, industrial, residential or owned by a public body.
Fire dampers are a crucial part of any fire system and need to be checked, tested and maintained regularly in order to ensure that they are working effectively and able to do their job if a fire were to break out.
At Swift Fire Compliance we provide essential Coventry fire damper testing services that help to ensure compliance with the relevant fire safety standards, legislation, regulations and BS 5588-9 code of practice.
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What Is a Fire Damper and How Does It Work?
A fire damper is a passive fire protection device which is fitted within a buildings HVAC infrastructure where the ducts pass through fire compartments such as fire-resistant walls and floors. They are designed to keep smoke and fire contained and slow them from spreading to other areas of the building.
Fire dampers resemble a box with shutters or blades that remain open to allow the free flow of air throughout the ducts. There are different types of dampers but for the most part they are activated by a thermal element which senses the rise in temperature and triggers the damper, causing it to spring shut. This works to prevent the fire from being able to travel rapidly through the ductwork and reaching other areas of the property.
Why is it Important to Test Fire Dampers?
The difference between having fully functioning fire dampers and dampers which fail can literally be the difference between life and death which is why it is a legal requirement for them to be regularly checked, tested and maintained.
Fire dampers that are in top working order help to;
- Reduce the rapid spread of fire and contain it on the correct side of the fire barrier longer
- Allow more time for occupants to safely evacuate
- Limit the amount of damage done to the property, stock, equipment and belongings
- Help to preserve vital fire escape routes
- Keep exit paths clear for occupants and firefighters
- Provide more time for emergency services to arrive
If even a single fire damper fails, it can lead to;
- Smoke and fire spreading rapidly through the ductwork and the building
- Occupants becoming overwhelmed by smoke or trapped by the fire
- Compromised escape routes
- More damage to the property and its contents
A bigger fire that is more dangerous and harder to put out - Less time for people to safely escape
Professional Fire Damper Services
At Swift Fire Compliance we know just how important it is to check, test and maintain fire dampers to help keep your property and those inside safe from the dangers of fire. Our team work to deliver comprehensive services for the testing of fire dampers in Coventry, so that you can have peace of mind knowing your building is compliant.
If you have any questions about our services or would like to find out more then please get in touch and one of our friendly advisors will be happy to help.
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.
Our commitment:
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
