Fire Damper Testing in Brighton

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.

For Safe, Compliant Properties

Fire dampers are a fundamental fire protection device that can make all the difference in the event of a fire breaking out. They require regular testing and maintenance in order to ensure that they are working effectively so that they can help to protect buildings and their occupants from the devastation of fire.

At Swift Fire Compliance, our dedicated engineers are experts at fire safety and carry out comprehensive, reliable and affordable Brighton fire damper testing services that make sure that this critical fire protection product is fully functioning, safe and compliant.

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How Do Fire Dampers Work?

Fire dampers are a movable closure within a duct that under normal conditions are designed to remain open, allowing air to flow freely. However, when the sensors detect a rise in temperature that indicates a fire, the damper is triggered and seals shut. This creates a fire-resistant block to slow the progression of fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas of the building.

Fire Damper Services

At Swift Fire Compliance, our experts deliver professional, reliable and cost-effective fire damper testing for properties, businesses and organisations of all type, size and complexity.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our testing services for fire dampers in Brighton then please get in touch and a member of our team 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:

  • 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

FAQ’s

Fire dampers are an essential part of any buildings fire safety system but they need to be sufficiently maintained and regularly tested to keep them in full working condition. If fire dampers are not checked and tested at the required intervals, then they might not function properly in the event that a fire did occur.

There are a number of issues that can cause fire dampers to fail such as;

  • Accumulation of debris, dirt, dust and grime
  • Blockages and obstructions
  • Rust and corrosion
  • Damaged or faulty parts
  • Poor installation

The way that fire dampers are tested is by a ‘drop test’ which consists of two parts.

  • Firstly, the fire dampers are all located and accessed. Any debris, dust and dirt is removed and the fire damper is cleaned to ensure that the shutters can close effectively. Once cleaned a visual inspection is carried out to check for any obvious blockages, obstructions, broken parts or corrosion. Any parts that are excessively worn or faulty need to be replaced.
  • The second part is the drop test itself which involves manually releasing the fire damper so that the shutters close. Once closed the seal’s integrity and mechanisms can be inspected to make sure there are no faults or problems. They are then properly reset.

Any faults need to be reported so that they can be immediately rectified. A report is produced documenting;

  • The location of all fire dampers
  • Information on the type of dampers
  • Photographs
  • Drop test results
  • Details on any remedial work required

It is a legal requirement that fire dampers get tested by a competent person on completion of the installation and then annually at regular intervals not exceeding 1 year. Fire dampers that are located in dust-laden atmospheres or those with high pollution should be tested much more frequently.

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