For Safe, Compliant Buildings
Do you own, manage or are in charge ofoversee a property, shop, buildings or premises? If so, have you ever thought about what could happen if a fire was to break out?
Most people, employers and businesses are aware of their typical fire prevention, detection, protection and suppression systems such as smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and sprinklers etc. They also know where they are located and how often they must be checked, tested and maintained in order to ensure that they are in full working order and compliant with the relevant fire safety standards.
However, when it comes to fire dampers, because of their location hidden away inside ductwork, it is not unusual for them to go completely ignored, unchecked and untested for years at a time which is extremely dangerous, not to mention against the law.
At Swift Fire Compliance, our team of dedicated, expert engineers carry out a professional fire damper testing and maintenance service that works to ensure your building and everyone who uses it is safe.
Read more
What is the purpose of fire dampers?
Fire dampers are crucial passive fire protection products that are fitted inside heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. They help to prevent the spread of smoke and fire inside the ductwork where they pass through fire barrier walls, doors and floors. Without functioning dampers in place, smoke and fire can pass through the ductwork and spread rapidly to other areas of the building.
Fire dampers have blades that open and close and are designed to act a bit like roller shutters. When not in use they remain open, allowing the free flow of air throughout the ducts until they are activated either thermally or electrically, triggering the damper so the blades quickly slam shut.
Sealing the duct off creates a barrier which works to;
- Hold back the fire from passing through the fire resistant barrier
- Prevent smoke and fire from travelling through ductwork to other areas of the building
- Maintains the integrity of fire escape routes
- Gives those inside more time to safely evacuate
- Provides vital extra minutes needed for emergency services to arrive
Why do fire dampers need testing?
Fire dampers are a crucial part of fire safety for any large building from warehouses, public buildings, factories and commercial spaces to offices, flats and HMO’s. They need to be kept in top working order because if not, they could be the difference between life and death for those who live, work or visit the property.
Not only are fire dampers tucked away inside ductwork where they cannot be easily seen to check , but they remain open constantly, unless they are triggered by a fire. This means that there is no way to tell that they are working and will close properly if they are needed, and a fire breaks out. The only way to check that they are working is to carry out regular checks, tests and maintenance.
Fire damper testing services
At Swift Fire Compliance, our team of experienced fire safety specialists are here to help ensure that your property and its occupants are safe with our fast, reliable and cost-effective Essex fire damper testing services.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about fire damper drop testing and maintenance, then please do not hesitate to get in touch and one of our knowledgeable 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:
Read more
- 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
