Testing Services for Fire Dampers
When a fire breaks out in a building, the effectiveness of the fire safety system in place will determine the outcome for the property, its contents and the occupants.
Fire dampers are a crucial passive fire protection device that works to prevent fire and smoke from passing through the ductwork where it can spread rapidly to other areas of the building. A key element of ensuring these dampers work properly is to maintain them with yearly checking, testing and servicing.
At Swiftclean, our team of experts are on hand to help protect your premises and everyone inside with our fast, efficient and affordable fire damper testing services.
Why Are Fire Dampers So Important?
When a fire breaks out in a building, flames and smoke can travel quickly through the ventilation system to other parts of the property, putting the lives of those inside in danger.
Fire dampers are installed within ductwork and have shutters which under normal conditions remain open. If the fire damper sensor detects a fire, then it triggers the damper and activates the shutter which springs closed and seals off the duct, delaying the spread of smoke and fire.
The importance of having fully functioning and effective fire dampers in place cannot be underestimated, because in the event they fail it can lead to;
- Compromised escape routes
- Fire quickly spreading to other areas of the building
- People inside becoming trapped by fire or overwhelmed by smoke
- Less time for occupants to evacuate safely
- More of the building and its contents suffering from fire damage
At Swiftclean our specialists deliver comprehensive testing for fire damper in Manchester to help make sure that your building is safe and legally compliant.
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What Happens During Fire Damper Testing?
At Swiftclean our fire damper testing services help to keep your property, its contents and all occupants safe.
Here is an overview of what is covered during a visit from our fire damper testing team.
- A full inventory is created detailing all the buildings fire dampers and their location.
- Each fire damper undergoes an inspection checking for visual signs of corrosion, damage, obstruction or fault.
- One by one, every fire damper is drop tested – manually released to ensure they are dropping and sealing effectively.
- All of the damper channels and runners are cleaned.
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:
Compliant Fire Dampers
At Swiftclean, we deliver professional, reliable and cost-effective testing, servicing and maintenance of fire dampers in Manchester for premises and organisations of all size, type and complexity.
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If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our fire damper testing services then please do not hesitate to get in touch or fill out the contact form and a member of our friendly team will get back to you.
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
