Stadium Compliance FSM


Fire damper safety checklist for stadium managers: • Test all fire & smoke control dampers at least once every 12 months


• Do not use Tek screws or makeshift fixes — always follow manufacturer instructions • Refer to BS 9999, DW145 and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 • Demand complete, detailed reports from contractors, received promptly • Maintain a live Fire & Smoke Control Damper Register • Act promptly on remedial actions


• Ensure all dampers are accessible and labelled


Check For Common Installation Issues


Annual maintenance inspections have uncovered historic installation practices that do not meet current standards. Some of the most common issues include improper hanging and support methods, inadequate penetration seals and installation techniques that compromise the overall fire-stopping integrity of the system.


Legacy installations should be checked for self-drilling (Tek) screws which, despite not being manufacturer approved, are commonly found in ductwork connections. Tek screws are not fire-tested and they do not melt quickly enough in a fire, compromising the design of the breakaway joint. If found, remedial action is recommended to replace Tek screws with aluminium or plastic rivets, plastic bolts or other manufacturer approved fasteners.


The revised DW145 guidance also stresses that systems must be designed to allow easy access for maintenance teams to carry out testing, fault-finding investigations and repairs. This is particularly challenging in stadium environments where ductwork may run through areas that become difficult to access once construction is complete. To comply with DW145, each damper must have a labelled access panel and be recorded on a schematic drawing.


Establish A Baseline


If original installation records and fire strategy documents are missing, a comprehensive survey is required to establish a baseline for ongoing maintenance. A specialist contractor will survey the building and locate the dampers, compare the installation with manufacturer instructions, verify fire-stopping and penetration seals and carry out functional testing. They will provide a compliance report, which should include: Location, ID and type of fire or smoke control damper - Ideally, these should be asset tagged and referenced in the report to make future damper inspection and testing easier and consistent. Access status - Either accessed or not, with resolutions if no access was possible, including clear photos.  Inspection notes - Additional information relevant to the damper for example, if Tek screws are present. Test results – Clearly indicating a pass or fail.  Remedial actions - Resolutions for any inaccessible or failed dampers or any non-compliances noted, such as duct requiring cleaning or fire compartment breaches needing repairs.  Photos - Preferably showing the damper or location pre-test, during testing and post testing clearly showing the damper in both the open and closed positions.  Sign-off - Including supervisor name and signature, time and date stamped.


Review Ongoing Maintenance


In accordance with BS 9999, all fire dampers should be function- tested, cleaned and maintained at least annually. However, considering the scale of catering services in stadium operations and the volume of visitors processed weekly, there is a strong case for more frequent inspections.


Update Your Knowledge


The whole industry is going through a steep learning curve in how to properly access fire dampers, with best practice guidance constantly evolving. Stadium managers must keep up to speed with the latest developments to ensure safety and compliance.


BESA Academy offers a short online Fire Damper Awareness training course based on the updated standard, covering core elements of DW145 including legal obligations, best practices in damper installation, compliance standards and documentation requirements. The course takes approximately 45 minutes to complete and provides essential knowledge for facilities teams.


Fire safety is not a one-time task, it is a continuous process of vigilance and improvement. Stadium managers and other duty holders must treat fire and smoke control dampers as integral to their overall fire strategy, or risk non-compliance, enforcement notices, or worse, loss of life in the event of a fire. Take the steps now to audit your systems, correct deficiencies and ensure that all dampers are accessible, testable and fully operational.


FSM


23


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36