Fire Damper Inspection & Testing

A fire damper inspection will usually include locating and identifying each damper, checking access, inspecting the condition of the damper, and testing that it operates correctly.
The inspection should also confirm whether the damper is suitably labelled and whether any access panels are missing, damaged, or difficult to reach.
Following the visit, a report will be provided showing the condition of each damper, any faults found, and any recommended remedial works.

The Responsible Person for the building is responsible for making sure suitable fire safety arrangements are in place, including the inspection and maintenance of fire dampers where they are installed.
This may be the building owner, employer, landlord, managing agent, or facilities manager, depending on how the premises is managed.
Using a competent contractor helps ensure the dampers are inspected, tested, and recorded correctly.

Fire dampers must be accessible so they can be inspected, tested, maintained, and repaired when required.
If a damper cannot be accessed, it may not be possible to confirm whether it is working correctly. This can create compliance issues and may affect the building’s fire compartmentation.
Where access is poor or missing, additional access panels may be required.

If a fire damper fails during testing, the issue should be recorded clearly in the inspection report.
Common failures may include the damper not closing correctly, being damaged, seized, obstructed, or inaccessible.
Any failed damper should be reviewed and repaired or replaced as required to help restore the building’s fire safety protection.