Fire Dampers Save Lives
When a fire breaks out in a property, an effective fire safety system will have various elements including detection, notification, protection, and suppression. Fire dampers are not well known by all and are an effective passive fire protection device that play a critical role in determining the outcome of a fire for the building, its contents and those inside.
At Swiftclean, our dedicated team of specialists work to deliver professional, reliable, and cost-effective Newcastle fire damper testing services that help to ensure that they are in top working order and ready to do their job in case they are needed.
What Are Fire Dampers?
Fire dampers are a key part of any effective fire safety system and are fitted within HVAC ductwork in areas where they pass through fire rated barriers such as walls and floors. Under normal conditions, the shutters or blades of the damper always remain open to allow air to circulate freely.
If a fire was to break out, then the damper’s sensor (usually a thermal element) will melt due to the atmospheres rise in temperature, and this triggers the shutters to quickly close. This works to effectively seal the duct and greatly reduces the time it takes for smoke and fire to travel and spread to other areas of the building.
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What Can Cause Fire Dampers to Fail?
Because fire dampers are out of sight and can be difficult to access, they can be easily forgotten about by those whose responsibility it is to maintain them. However, if they are not regularly tested, checked, and maintained then they can fail to work properly at the time they are needed the most.
Some of the most common reasons that fire dampers fail include;
- Obstructions or blockages
- Poor or improper installation
- Build-up of dust, grease, dirt, grime, and debris
- Wear and tear
- Broken or faulty parts
- Corrosion and rust
If even one fire damper was to fail or not work effectively then it can mean the difference between life and death as it can lead to;
- Fire and smoke using the ductwork to spread quicky to other areas of the building
- Fire not being contained and a small, manageable fire turning into a much bigger and more dangerous one
- Compromised escape routes
- Less time for people to safely evacuate
- Increased damage to the property and its contents
- Those inside becoming overwhelmed by smoke
- Occupants becoming trapped by fire
This is why it is a legal requirement that fire dampers are tested by a competent person at intervals not exceeding one year, but this should be done more frequently in properties that are more heavily polluted with dust, grease, grime etc.
Swiftclean Fire Damper Services
We work to deliver comprehensive fire damper testing, servicing and maintenance that is suitable for properties, businesses and organisations of all size, type, and complexity.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our testing services for fire dampers in Newcastle then please do not hesitate to get in touch or fill out the contact form and a member of our team will get back to you.
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:
When you choose Swift Fire Compliance, you can be confident that every aspect of your fire and smoke damper compliance is handled with care and expertise. Our team will:
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
