Fire Damper Services
Fire Dampers slow the progression of fire allowing people sufficient time to evacuate a building safely during a building fire. As with any safety apparatus, these need to be regularly tested and maintained in order to ensure that if and when the time comes, they will work and do their job effectively.
At Swiftclean, we specialise in professional fire damper testing in London, with our team carrying out a comprehensive service that ensures your building’s fire safety systems are fully functional and compliant with UK regulations. Regular testing of fire dampers is not only crucial for protecting your property and its occupants but is also a legal requirement.
Fire dampers play a key role in a building’s fire protection system, automatically closing to prevent the spread of smoke and fire through ventilation systems in the event of a fire. Without regular testing, these vital components may fail to operate as intended, increasing the risk of damage and harm.
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Why are Fire Dampers so Important?
Fire dampers are designed to close in the event of a fire, preventing flames and smoke from travelling through the ducts and spreading to other areas of the building.
Fire dampers are designed to close in the event of a fire. They have blade stacks which act like a shutter, remaining open when they are not needed to allow air to flow freely throughout the ductwork. In the event of a fire, the damper is triggered, and slams shut which restricts flames and smoke from passing through the fire zones and spreading to other areas of the building.
Without fire dampers in place, the ductwork and ventilation systems within a building can act like a conduit, transporting smoke and fire quickly to other areas of the property and allowing it to spread rapidly.
The job of fire dampers in a building is to prevent this from happening by effectively sealing the ductwork shut and stopping the transfer of smoke and fire, containing it for as long as possible to its origin.
Over time, fire dampers can become corroded or obstructed by dirt, dust, or debris, or their components may degrade due to wear and tear, making them less effective or completely inoperable. The fire damper may not close properly, allowing the fire to spread more quickly.
Fully tested and functioning fire dampers are so crucial because in the event of a fire they;
- Preserve exit routes
- Reduce the amount of damage to the premises, stock, equipment, goods and belongings
- Allow more time for the safe evacuation of those onsite
- Delay the spread of smoke and fire which could delay or prevent occupants from escaping
- Provide vital extra time needed for emergency services to arrive
Fire damper testing is essential to ensure these systems work as intended in an emergency. Regular inspections ensure that fire dampers close tightly when required, keeping the fire contained within a specific area and preventing it from spreading throughout the building.
Fire damper testing is also a legal requirement in the UK under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Failure to conduct regular testing, every year, as a minimum, can lead to legal penalties and even cause insurance policies to become void, resulting in serious legal and financial consequences for building owners should a fire occur.
At Swiftclean, our team of expert engineers can carry out fast and effective tests, checks and maintenance for fire dampers within buildings of all types, size and complexity. From hotels, stadiums, schools and offices to shops, restaurants, warehouses and factories, we make sure that everything is taken care of for complete peace of mind that your fire dampers are in full working order.
If you would like to know more about London fire damper testing and how we can help you, please do not hesitate to 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.
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:
FAQ’s
Fire Damper Services
Many building managers aren’t even sure if their properties have fire dampers, or when they were last tested. As Essex’s leading fire damper testing specialists, Swiftclean ensures that all fire dampers are fully operational and compliant, helping to keep both your building and its occupants safe.
To learn more about our fire damper servicing and how we can support you, get in touch today or complete our contact form, and one of our friendly team members will be happy to assist.
What Does Fire Damper Testing Involve?
At Swiftclean, 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.
Swiftclean 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 Swiftclean 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
