Introduction and Purpose

The Fire and Smoke Damper Asset Survey is a comprehensive inspection and documentation exercise undertaken to identify, locate, assess, and record all fire and smoke dampers within a building or estate.

Scope of Survey

The scope of the survey is to review available information such as As fitted drawing, fire strategy drawings and existing fire damper schedules.

If these are not available a full building survey will be completed. This is a physical trace of all ductwork to identify hidden or undocumented dampers.

Once completed a full report and maintenance plan in line with BS 9999 and manufacturer guidance will be produced and a testing quotation provided.

This survey ensures comprehensive identification and documentation of fire and smoke dampers, allowing the responsible person to maintain compliance and occupant safety effectively.

Purpose:

To ensure that all fire and smoke dampers within the ventilation system operate correctly and remain compliant with UK fire safety legislation, including the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and applicable British Standards.

Scope of the Service:

This basic service includes the inspection, functional testing, and reporting of all accessible fire dampers (FDs) and smoke control dampers (SCDs) located within ventilation systems throughout the premises.

What’s Included:

1. Site Preparation and Planning

- Review of site drawings, damper register (if available), and fire strategy plan.

- Risk assessment and method statement (RAMS) prepared in advance.

- Confirmation of safe access to damper locations.

2. Visual Inspection

For each damper:

- Confirm damper location and ID (or assign one if absent).

- Inspect damper housing and surrounding ductwork for damage, corrosion, or signs of blockage.

- Check fusible link, damper blade integrity, correct installation and orientation.

3. Functional Testing

Depending on the type of damper:

- Fire Dampers (Mechanical / Fusible Link): Manual release (drop test), verify closure and reset.

- Motorized Dampers: Operate via manual override, verify open/closed positions and response.

4. Light Cleaning

- Remove minor dust or debris.

5. Reporting and Documentation

- Detailed inspection/test report with damper ID, type, test result, defects, photos, and recommendations.

- Update or create damper asset register if needed.

6. Certification

Provide a certificate of inspection and testing indicating compliance with:
- BS 9999:2017
- Annual fire safety maintenance requirements under the Fire Safety Order

What’s Not Typically Included (Unless Requested)

- Installing access panels

- Repairs or component replacements

- Commissioning or system rebalancing

- Smoke extract system testing

- Fire alarm integration testing

Frequency Reminder

Fire and smoke dampers should be inspected and tested at least annually, or more frequently if the fire risk assessment deems it necessary (e.g., hospitals, care homes, or other high-risk environments).

Purpose:

To correct any defects identified during the annual inspection and testing of fire and smoke dampers, ensuring continued compliance with UK fire safety legislation and the building’s fire strategy.

What’s Included in Remedial Works:

1. Fault Diagnosis and Reporting

- Review of test results and photographic evidence to confirm failed or non-compliant dampers.

- Categorisation of defects (e.g. mechanical failure, electrical fault, access issue, installation issue).

- Documentation of damper status in the asset register and remedial action plan.

2. Mechanical Repairs

- Replacement of damaged or seized components such as fusible links, damper blades, springs, or pivots.

- Realignment of damper blades for proper operation.

- Installation of additional fixings where required

- Cleaning of internal mechanisms to remove debris or rust.

3. Actuator and Electrical Repairs (for Motorized Dampers)

- Replacement of failed actuators or end switches.

- Repair of wiring or reconnection to BMS/fire alarm interface.

- Testing of signal response and fail-safe functionality.

4. Access Improvements

- Installation of access panels where needed for future inspections.

- Labelling or relabelling of damper locations.

- Adjustments to ductwork or ceilings for safe access.

5. Re-Testing and Certification

- Functional retesting of repaired dampers to verify operation.

- Updated certification and remedial action documentation.

- Reintegration of dampers into ongoing maintenance plans.

Additional Optional Works (If Required):

- Full replacement of damaged or obsolete dampers.

- Fire-stopping repairs around damper housings.

- Upgrades to motorised dampers.

- Integration with new fire alarm or BMS systems.