Annual Inspections, Passive Fire Protection

Fire Dampers are generally passive fire protection systems which are specially designed in the way that it gets close when there is a rise in temperature so as to stop the spread of fire.

Fire Dampers are used for avoiding fire, so proper steps should be taken for proper maintenance of these dampers. It is useful to stop the spread of fire which is caused inside the duct work and also prevent transmission of flame where air ducts penetrate fire barriers.

Initially, proper testing should be done at the time of its installation that is operational testing should be done of fire damper in order to ensure that it is working properly and there is full access to it as well as its components, verification should be done that all the devices are placed properly in their appropriate places, and other important verifications. All this testing done should then be documented which has all detailed information about the fire damper and instructions regarding its installation.

After the period of one year of installation of fire dampers, it is necessary to be inspected according to the National Fire Protection Standard and then the frequency should be every 4 years and 6 years for hospitals.

The following activities must be performed at the time of inspection:-

1] The fusible links where it is applicable should be removed for testing purpose.

2] All dampers should be operated so as to verify that they close properly and fully to stop spread of fire.

3] If the latch is being provided than it should be checked and moving parts lubricated if necessary.

4] There is no interference due to rust, misalignment, damaged frames or blades, defective hinges or parts, or bent tracks should be confirmed.

5] All inspections done of fire and smoke dampers should be documented properly which includes the details like the location of inspection, date of inspection, inspector, and applicable deficiencies.

6] If the damper is not operating properly than the repairs shall begin without doing any delay.

fire dampers are intended for installation in ducts and air transfer openings that are specially designed to resist the passage of air and smoke. Other safety measures which should be taken care of are:-

• It should be checked on a proper basis that the external components of each damper for signs of physical damage, obstructions preventing proper functioning, defective and missing parts, and proper labeling.

• Verification should be done regarding the proper sealing of the damper.

• Ensure that the damper is able close fully.

• There should be no blockage from the closure and must not be penetrated by any foreign objects as it affects fire damper operations.

• It should be ensured that if fusible link is damaged than it is being replaced with a link of the same size, temperature, and load rating.

Thus testing and safety measures are very important to be done so as to make sure that fire dampers works at its best at the time of fire and life safety event where it is most important to work. It is necessary for doing inspections regularly so that the system is always ready because we never know when the unexpected event is going to occur.

Source: http://brdsvcfs.articlealley.com/safety-guidelines-for-maintenance-of-fire-dampers-2320590.html