Smoke and fire dampers facilitate occupants escape from buildings, resulting in a reduction to property damage in the event of a fire. Both application operations in the event of a fire ensure that its operation will strengthen the buildings protection and will, along with, other fire protection solutions enable an easier and safer access to its building for fire fighters.
Within the UK fire protection systems designers and engineers incorporate fire and/or smoke dampers into the many types of modern buildings.
Fire dampers are crucial passive fire protection products and are used in air conditioning, ventilation and heating systems.
A Fire Damper is designed to operate when its fusible link, which is attached to the damper, melts at its designed temperature (usually 72˚C) causing the dampers’ door to close. Fire Dampers are designed to be installed within ductwork at the intersection of fire rated barriers in building zones like partitions at the point of duct penetration to retain the fire rating of the wall or floor and to protect its compartmentation. The fire damper secures the integrity of the existing barrier thus preventing fire penetration before temperatures reach the fire rating level of the barrier itself.
Fusible link examples – These are three of many different fusible links that are fitted within a Fire Damper
Fire Damper examples – There are many variants to size of Fire dampers solutions available, fire dampers are applied to the duct work system within a buildings air duct system. The below image is industry known as a “curtain” fire damper.
Smoke Dampers are defined as a “device“ installed in ducts and air transfer opening of an air distribution or smoke control system designed resist the passage of air and smoke. The smoke damper device operates automatically and is controlled by a smoke detection system control unit that provides audible and visual warnings and alarms.
Smoke dampers are electronically controlled from an input, normally triggered from an interface connection supplied from the buildings Fire Alarm detection system control panel. On activation the smoke damper closes to shut of air duct systems and to prevent the passing of smoke from a buildings compartment into another. The closure of the smoke prevents the passing of smoke, that may be present within the air duct, to pass into escape routes and other compartments, enabling safe exit for occupants in the event of a fire.
What are the responsibilities regarding testing & maintenance?
As the building owner / responsible person you need to ensure that all fire and smoke dampers within your building(s) are located, serviced, and tested (whether that be a drop test or otherwise). K2 Fire and Security can help to ensure you meet the regulatory requirements and support you in compiling an asset list and schedule to ensure regular checks are carried out and any defects are remedied for continued safe operation.
According to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is the employer’s responsibility to maintain their fire safety systems.
- As the buildings responsible person if you are made aware of faults to any fire safety equipment and do not act on them, you could be held responsible for any implications and be prosecuted in a court of law.
- If you run a business or own a building it is your responsibility to book regular fire damper tests and ensures that a proper maintenance plan is followed.