Fire dampers

[Sherpa]

I have to set up a maintenance schedule for testing dampers, could one of you wiser folks confirm which of the standards dictate the service frequency or is it risk assessment based judgement?....

[deaconj999]

Nowadays the test frequency will most likely be affected by the FRA. In healthcare premises it is recommended as an annual requirement and the overall recommendation is annually in the old BS 5588 part 9 which also recommended no more than 2 years between inspection intervals.

If you can explain more in terms of premises/damper type(s), you might get a more accurate answer, but annual testing would be about average.

[ahmedh]

BS9999 talks about this. Specifically Annex V and W. ADB talks about dampers also.

As already mentioned all fire dampers to be tested by a competent person on completion of the installation and at regular
intervals not exceeding 2 years, and to be repaired or replaced immediately if found to be faulty with spring-operated fire dampers
should be tested annually and fire dampers situated in dust-laden and similar atmospheres should be tested much more frequently, at periods suited to the degree of pollution which suggests risk assessment.

Annex V requires "where there are smoke control systems for means of escape, actuation of the system should be simulated once a week. It should be ensured that any fans and powered exhaust ventilators operate correctly, smoke dampers close (or open in some systems), natural exhaust ventilators open, automatic smoke curtains move into position, etc. " Consideration should be given to sleeping risk as well.

This would suggest that, for example, where you have a smoke control damper, that you check it closes weekly