Fire Damper Testing in Birmingham

Fire dampers are crucial passive fire protection products that help to prevent the quick and dangerous spread of fire and smoke through building ductwork which penetrate fire and smoke barriers.

Comprehensive Inspection & Testing Services

If a fire breaks out in your property, then the effectiveness of the fire detection, protection and suppression systems you put in place will determine the outcome for the building, its contents and occupants.

Fire dampers are passive fire protection devices that help to slow down fire from travelling through ductwork and spreading to other parts of the property. Maintaining these fire dampers is crucial in order to ensure that they are in full working order if they are ever needed.

At Fire Damper Compliance, our team of specialists work to deliver comprehensive fire damper testing services to help make sure that your premises are safe and legally compliant.

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:

  • Identify and locate each fire damper

  • Retrofit access doors if any of these are inaccessible

  • Carry out fire damper testing, cleaning and drop testing and reset each fire damper

  • Provide accurate records of fire damper testing, cleaning and drop testing, including before and after photographs of cleaning

  • Identify any problems and recommend remedial action

  • Carry out remedial work where required

The Importance of Fire Damper Testing

An essential part of any buildings fire safety system, fire dampers slow the progression of fire which works to;

  • Slow it from spreading to other areas
  • Preserve vital escape routes
  • Give more time for occupants to safely evacuate
  • Greatly reduce the amount of damage to the building and its contents
  • Provide additional time for emergency services to arrive

Because fire dampers are tucked away hidden inside ductwork, they are difficult to access which makes it tough to check on them like you might with other equipment such as fire extinguishers. If fire dampers are not regularly checked, tested, and maintained they can fail when they are needed the most due to faulty parts, obstructions, damage and many other reasons.

Just one faulty fire damper can put the safety of the building and the lives of those inside in jeopardy which is why it is so important they are tested regularly to ensure that they are in full working order if they are ever needed to do their job.

What Do Our Fire Damper Testing Services Cover?

At Fire Damper Compliance, our professional Birmingham fire damper testing services help to keep your people and your property safe.

Our fire damper testing includes visual inspections of the fire damper, a drop test and comprehensive reporting which covers things like;

  • A full inventory of all fire dampers and where they are located in the building which will be matched with current records.
  • One by one each fire damper is inspected for correct installation as well as visible signs of damage, corrosion, faults or any obstructions.
  • Every fire damper is drop tested, which means manually releasing them to check their effectiveness.
  • All runners and channels are cleaned.
  • A report is created detailing results of the drop tests, if there were failings and any recommendations for repairs or replacements.

Fire Damper Compliance

At Fire Damper Compliance, we can deliver professional, reliable and cost-effective servicing, maintenance and testing of fire dampers in Birmingham for buildings and properties of all size, type and complexity.

To find out more about our fire damper testing services please do not hesitate to get in touch or alternatively fill out the contact form and a member of our friendly team will get back to you.

FAQ’s

Firstly, the fire dampers are located and visually inspected to check for signs of corrosion, faults, broken parts, poor installation, damage or blockages and if necessary cleaned.

At this point the drop test is carried out by releasing the damper by hand, causing the shutters to fall, close, and seal off the duct. At this point the tester can then examine the condition of the seals and the mechanisms to ensure that they are all working as they should be.

Detailed records are taken of the test for the report and each fire damper is properly reset.

Fire dampers are installed within HVAC ductwork, typically where they pass through fire resistance rated doors, walls and floors. They are designed with blades / shutters that remain open when not in use to allow air to flow freely through the ducts.

There are different types of fire dampers, but most of them contain a thermal sensor which melts when the atmospheres temperature indicates the presence of fire. When this happens, the sensors trigger the dampers and the blades spring shut, sealing the duct tightly and slowing the spread of smoke and fire.

There are a number of reasons that fire dampers can fail when they are needed the most which is why it is so important that they are checked and tested regularly.

Some of the most common causes of fire damper failure are;

  • Blockages such as wires, cabling and foreign materials
  • Accumulation of dust, dirt, debris and particulates affecting the seals
  • Poor or incorrect installation
  • Faulty or broken parts
  • Corrosion or rust

It can take just one faulty damper to allow fire to spread so it is imperative that they are tested at least every 12 months in order to remain compliant with relevant fire safety legislation.

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.

  • Bedfordshire
  • Birmingham
  • Brighton
  • Colchester
  • Coventry
  • Essex
  • Hertfordshire
  • Leeds
  • Leicestershire
  • Liverpool
  • London
  • Manchester
  • Newcastle
  • Northamptonshire
  • Surrey
  • & More

“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