Playing with Fire

Having a fire damper installed isn’t just good sense, it’s the law. According to The Fire Services Act 1981 & 2003, The Safety, Health and Welfare Act 2005 and The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, it is the responsibility of the main duty holder to ensure that proper fire risk precautions are provided and maintained on a regular basis. The Fire Services Act and associated legislation is in place to ensure the safety of property residents (such as employees and non-employees) in the event of a fire. The person who is in control of the premises, whether that be the employer or owner of the building, must guarantee that a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment is carried out.

Risk

The risk of a fire spreading throughout a building via the ventilation ductwork is a very real possibility in the event of a fire. Poorly maintained systems that fail to meet the fire safety guidelines as determined by The Fire Services Act and associated legislation, act as a huge fire risk. If fire and smoke dampers are not properly maintained, they will fail to perform to standard in the event of a fire and thus put the lives of everyone in the premises at risk. However, it’s not just the lives of occupants that are put in danger. A fire will damage the property, often requiring expensive repairs long after the flames have gone out.

Compromised

Finding a problem with your fire damper sooner rather than later could be the meaning of life and death. The later the problem is detected, the bigger the impact. Fire dampers should be tested in real conditions. This showcases their performance and displays how they would behave in various kinds of walls or ceiling installations when faced with different pressures through the ventilation system. Insurance companies see a lack of co-ordination in the project chain as a fire hazard as it compromises fire safety. They may even choose to withhold cover or dispute liability charges following the event of a fire.

Deluxe Envirogroup

We carry out professional Fire Damper Drop Tests & maintenance programmes as well as developing asset registers alongside any remedial works required.