Essential Fire Damper Services
A fire in the ductwork of a building can be devastating, but having effective fire dampers in place can work to greatly reduce the spread of smoke and fire to protect the building and those inside.
However, if the fire dampers in place are not properly maintained, cleaned, checked and tested then it can lead to them failing when they are needed the most. At Swiftclean, our experts work to deliver reliable, efficient and cost-effective fire damper testing services throughout Hertfordshire and surrounding areas.
What Are Fire Dampers?
Fire dampers are installed inside HVAC ductwork, usually where there are fire resistant walls and floors. They have a sensor that detects the rise in temperature which when triggered, activates the barrier so that it closes and seals it shut.
The damper works to slow smoke and fire from travelling through the ducts to other areas of the building, infiltrating fire resistant structures and compromising escape routes. This helps to minimise damage to the property and its contents as well as keeping occupants safe.
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Why is Fire Damper Testing Important?
Fire dampers are hidden within the ducts of the building, where they are out of sight and often difficult to access. This means that without even knowing it, they can be damaged blocked or faulty, causing them to fail at the moment they are needed the most.
If just one fire damper was to fail it can lead to;
- Fire and smoke travelling through the ducts quickly to other areas of the building
- Escape routes and exits becoming inaccessible
- An increased amount of damage to the property, its contents, stock and equipment
- Less time for those inside to safely evacuate
- Harder for emergency response to access or control
- More chance of casualties, serious injuries or even fatalities
These are just some of the reasons why regularly testing fire dampers is essential to check that they are fully functioning and compliant. Our professional Hertfordshire fire damper testing services take care of this for you to ensure that your dampers are in top working order.
Why Do Fire Dampers Fail?
There are a number of different causes or reasons for fire damper failure, such as;
- Build-up of particulates, dirt, dust and debris
- Obstructions
- Poor installation
- Rust and corrosion
- Damaged or faulty parts
Making sure that fire dampers are thoroughly and regularly tested at the recommended intervals means that any issues can be identified and quickly resolved, ensuring the safety of those inside and compliance to the relevant fire safety laws and legislations.
Professional Fire Damper Testing
For building owners, managers and landlords, it is important to make sure that not only do the buildings you are responsible for have adequate fire safety systems in place but that they are properly tested.
At Swiftclean, our specialists provide comprehensive fire damping testing services which consist of;
- Fire damper testing and maintenance schedule
- A full inventory of all fire dampers and their location within the building
- An individual inspection of each damper for any signs of damage, corrosion or obstructions
- A drop test of each fire damper to check the effectiveness, after which they are properly reactivated
- Cleaning of the runners and channels
- Notes on any recommendations for repairs or replacements
- A detailed report outlining all the relevant details above, what was done, any findings and suggestions.
If you would like to have the complete peace of mind that comes from having your fire dampers in Hertfordshire professionally tested by experts then please get in touch and one of our 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.
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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
