Inspection, Testing & Maintenance
Fire dampers are a vitally important element of any fire safety system and having them properly and regularly tested is essential to ensure that they are in top working order.
At Swiftclean, our team of dedicated specialists are on hand to deliver reliable and cost-effective fire damper testing services for properties of all types throughout Surrey and the surrounding areas.
How Do Fire Dampers Work?
Fire dampers are located within a property’s HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) ductwork which runs throughout the building. They are typically found in buildings such as hospitals, offices, hotels, factories, warehouses, shopping centres and schools.
The dampers are installed in areas where the ductwork ‘breaches’ or passes through fire compartments. There are different types of fire damper but they all work in roughly the same way.
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- When the fire dampers are not in use; they remain open to allow air to flow freely throughout the ductwork
- The sensor is designed to detect a fire (this is usually a fusible link that melts when the temperature exceeds the expected limit) and triggers the damper
- When the fire damper is triggered, it quickly closes and seals the ventilation shut
- The damper blocks smoke, heat and flames from spreading through the ductwork
Why Are Fire Dampers Important?
Fire dampers can quite literally mean the difference between life and death, which is why looking after them properly and ensuring that they are regularly tested is so essential. When they are in full working order, fire dampers help to:
- Prevent the spread of smoke and fire
- Provide vital extra time needed for emergency services to arrive
- Reduce the chance of casualties, serious injuries and fatalities
- Preserve emergency exits and escape routes
- Allow occupants time to safely evacuate
- Stop fire from using the ductwork as a conduit to other areas of the building
- Reduce the amount of damage to the property, its contents and equipment
Our professional Surrey fire damper testing services make sure that your fire dampers are fully functioning and ready to do their job effectively in the event that they are ever needed.
Why Does Fire Damper Failure Occur?
Fire dampers are often tricky to access as they are hidden away in the ductwork which unfortunately means that they can be damaged, blocked or faulty without you even knowing. If this happens then it can cause them to fail when they are needed most.
Some of the most common reasons fire dampers fail are:
- Build-up of particulates, dirt, dust and debris
- Obstructions
- Poor installation
- Rust and corrosion
- Damaged or faulty parts
If even one fire damper fails then it can result in devastating consequences for businesses, so it is crucial they are tested regularly to remain compliant.
Professional Fire Damper Testing Services
For managers, landlords and building owners who are responsible for properties that contain fire dampers in Surrey, it is important to ensure that they are tested at the required intervals.
At Swiftclean, our specialists can provide comprehensive fire damper testing services for organisations of all sizes, types, and complexity.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about our fire damper testing services 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.
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:
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
