Fire damper testing at a large hospital site
Length of project:
Four weeks
The brief:
To survey and inspect every fire damper in specific parts of the hospital’s site – 593 in total
Details of the project:
Our FCS experts are qualified and trained to conduct annual fire damper inspections, helping to keep these crucial elements of a building’s fire safety infrastructure fully working.
We were asked by the hospital’s management team to conduct the annual inspections of its fire dampers in specific areas. We worked with the team to schedule the inspections to cause the least disturbance possible on this busy site.
Why was the work requested?
Fire dampers are a vital safety device, creating a barrier that will contain a fire in a room and prevent it from spreading, threatening lives and causing untold damage.
The devices are installed in ductwork at the junctions of walls and ceilings and are an important part of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
Compliance is a legal requirement – fire dampers must be properly maintained and tested annually to ensure they work in an emergency.
What did the project involve?
The client provided detailed drawings of the buildings we were required to work on – the hospital’s team knew exactly how many fire dampers were in operation and their locations.
We used the drawings to familiarise ourselves with the layout and work out the best approach to inspecting all 593 dampers in situ. As we needed to access the devices’ locations via ladders, we were fully aware of the need for safety measures to protect patients, staff and our own team.
The type of work our experts carry out...
Why were you successful in securing this project?
Our team has extensive experience of carrying out fire damper inspections, particularly in healthcare settings, and has a thorough understanding of the importance of patient safety.
Incorrect installation, poor maintenance, metal corrosion, a build-up of dust and debris and the general wear and tear of a building’s fabric can contribute to a failing fire damper. Our comprehensive service ensures that we can quickly spot if a damper is failing.
What is the process?
When a fire breaks out in a building, the heat and smoke activates a fusible link, triggered at 72oC, in the fire damper device – or melts the solder holding it together – so that its mechanical curtain or blade immediately closes.
Being fully compliant with fire safety regulations means that it is essential for building owners and managers to arrange regular inspections and testing by qualified professionals.
Our experts are adept at assessing and monitoring a fire damper’s compliance. We can then make the necessary recommendations to ensure its safe operation in case of fire.
The technology:
We compile detailed digital reports on each damper and their compliance. Our work is recorded on PlanRadar, the construction and real estate management software that provides streamlined digital checklists. These support efficient and thorough data collection and contribute to the essential ‘golden thread’ of information required to evidence compliance.
The software helps us to pinpoint the exact locations of fire dampers, adding the information and photographic evidence before generating a report that assesses their condition. Our clients have full access to the information via a website link or QR codes linked to individual dampers. Our team can also do the necessary remedial work if any dampers need replacing or repairing.
Solutions:
We inspect each fire damper using three assessment criteria: its accessibility, installation and the drop test. We activate each damper – they are physically ‘dropped’ to check they are in full working order – as part of the approved testing regime set out in BS9999.
The team also thoroughly inspects where each one is sited, identifying any issues with services, pipes or wires that may render the device non-compliant and ineffective in stopping a fire from spreading.
Each fire damper manufacturer has specific guidelines that must be adhered to, as well as the requirements of the test standard BS EN 1366 – 2. This includes the spacing between dampers and other services.
Were there any challenges?
We worked closely with the hospital’s team to structure the inspections to cause the least possible disturbance to the daily schedule of operations and treatment clinics.
We understand that cleanliness and hygiene are extremely important in a clinical setting and were also mindful of keeping the medical equipment clean and safe. We worked in cordoned-off areas and were careful when opening the ventilation doors.
The team and its skills:
Our team, led by Diego Diaz, consists of Callum Doyle, Joel Thornton (and latterly joined by Matthew Chetwyn), who all have detailed knowledge of fire safety laws and regulations and experience in compiling the detailed reports required.
Regularly working in hospitals, they are also conscious of the need to be careful and respectful when working around patients, doctors and nurses. We are proud of the positive feedback we receive and praise for always going ‘above and beyond’ with our service.
The end result:
This was a very successful project – we inspected all 593 dampers and have committed to completing any remedial work that might be needed. We developed a strong working relationship with the hospital team, which was extremely supportive and responsive to the way we worked. We are also proud of our efforts in limiting the disturbance to people and services.
Contact us today to discuss our fire damper services:
We strive to be in constant communication with our clients. To discuss, just drop us a line. We look forward to working with your business.