HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING PREVENTING THE SPREAD
Liam Rayner of M&G Fire Protection, analyses the role of fire dampers in building safety and why having them regularly serviced is the key to protecting both your premises and people’s lives.
Fire safety is a critical responsibility for building owners, and one often-overlooked aspect is the regular inspection and maintenance of fire dampers. These essential components prevent the spread of fire and smoke through a building’s ductwork, helping to protect lives and property in the event of a fire. Without proper servicing, a malfunctioning fire damper can compromise an entire fire safety system, leaving occupants vulnerable.
The role of fire dampers in
building safety Fire dampers are designed to close automatically when a fire is detected, limiting the fire’s spread and giving occupants valuable time to evacuate. Whether installed in commercial offices, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, or residential buildings, these dampers are essential in containing fire and smoke within a specific area, preventing it from moving through ductwork and endangering more lives.
Dampers can be triggered by a fusible link, which melts at a specified temperature (typically between 75°C and 100°C), or they can be integrated with a building’s fire alarm system, closing when smoke or heat is detected. However, without regular servicing, they can become obstructed, corroded, or non-functional, putting buildings and lives at risk.
Fire damper services M&G specialises in keeping fire dampers in peak condition, ensuring compliance with regulations such as BS 9999 and HTM 03-01. Our services cover all aspects of fire damper maintenance, including inspection, testing, cleaning, repairs, and upgrades.
Inspection and testing Annual fire damper testing is a legal requirement, yet many building owners neglect this essential safety measure. At M&G, our specialists carry out thorough inspections and testing, including:
• Identifying damper locations and assessing accessibility.
• Drop testing mechanical dampers to verify proper closure.
• Functional testing of motorised dampers, including actuator performance and signal verification.
• Visual assessments to detect blockages, corrosion, or structural damage.
• Providing full compliance reports, complete with photographic evidence and remedial recommendations.
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• With the introduction of stricter safety regulations under the Building Safety Act, failing to comply with these requirements can result in legal consequences. Our comprehensive testing services ensure building owners meet their obligations while keeping occupants safe.
Cleaning and maintenance Dust, debris, and obstructions can impair a fire damper’s ability to function. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensuring dampers operate effectively in an emergency. Our team provides: Full damper cleaning to remove hazardous build-ups; lubrication of moving parts for smooth operation; actuator and linkage checks for motorised dampers; and replacement of worn or damaged seals and springs.
By keeping dampers in optimal condition, we help building owners avoid unexpected failures and ensure their fire protection systems remain fully operational.
Remedial and repair works Damaged or poorly installed fire dampers pose a serious risk. Common issues include broken actuators, rusted components, and dampers being wedged open due to poor airflow design. Our repair services address these problems efficiently by:
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