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THE REGULATORY REFORM (FIRE SAFETY) ORDER 2005 => Q & A => Topic started by: K Lard on December 01, 2016, 02:54:31 PM

Title: Smoke damper testing.
Post by: K Lard on December 01, 2016, 02:54:31 PM: Can anyone confirm how often smoke dampers linked to the fire warning system should be tested. Do they have to be checked under BS 5839 Pt1 when the weekly test is carried out, and/or when the 6mth/12mth inspection and testing is carried out? The only info I can find is that generally they should be tested over a period not exceeding 2 years unless they are spring operated in which case it is annually. I also believe that the HTM recommends an annual check. (I am not dealing with Hospitals). Any clarification would be helpful.
Title: Re: Smoke damper testing.
Post by: kurnal on December 01, 2016, 07:04:26 PM: Check out the appendix in BS9999.

However I don't know how you have got on but During fire risk assessments I have found countless dampers with the pre installation ties still in place on dampers up to 30 years old. Including university halls of residence.
Title: Re: Smoke damper testing.
Post by: David Rooney on December 02, 2016, 01:13:47 PM: 5839 will only reference an annual cause and effect test to ensure the dampers operate.

I don't know if there is anything specifically for smoke dampers unless it's in ADB.

Are you talking about dampers in ductwork?
Title: Re: Smoke damper testing.
Post by: K Lard on December 05, 2016, 02:57:00 PM: These are in fire resisting doors at low level.
Title: Re: Smoke damper testing.
Post by: wee brian on December 06, 2016, 02:20:15 PM: Often called air transfer grilles.
Title: Re: Smoke damper testing.
Post by: David Rooney on December 06, 2016, 02:36:24 PM: Well unless there is some kind of mechanical mechanism what is there to test?

I thought these simply came with an intumescent filling ??
Title: Re: Smoke damper testing.
Post by: wee brian on December 06, 2016, 03:30:54 PM: The intumescent ones are no good for escape routes so people use an electrically triggered damper inside the grille.

Its a rubbish way of designing a ventilation system but its a free country...
Title: Re: Smoke damper testing.
Post by: Fire Monkey on December 06, 2016, 04:17:52 PM: Hi,

I would argue if the damper and grill is in a fire door it has defacto become part of the door and the fire alarm system (in addition to any other legislation or guide attached to dampers). I would expect the damper to be tested on the same schedule as the fire alarm system by the fire alarm testing company. What rooms/areas does this door cover - if it is a kitchen on an escape route in sleeping accommodation then servicing it would be more important than a low risk area.
Title: Re: Smoke damper testing.
Post by: Fishy on December 07, 2016, 09:29:34 AM: Quote from: kurnal on December 01, 2016, 07:04:26 PM
Check out the appendix in BS9999.

...as Kurnal says, the relevant recommendations for maintenance are in Annexes V and W of BS 9999.
Title: Re: Smoke damper testing.
Post by: K Lard on December 08, 2016, 10:41:15 AM: Thanks for all the replies, I will have referenced BS 9999 and will use that as a basis for my recommendations.