In our last article we set out why fire damper testing belongs near the top of every maintenance schedule. This follow up looks at what actually happens during testing, what engineers tend to find, and how to place the work inside an autumn PPM plan that you can manage across sites.
What fire damper testing reveals
Fire damper testing is not a quick look with a torch. Each damper is identified, accessed and function tested so we can confirm it will close correctly when triggered. That includes checking the release and reset, confirming that access panels are usable and safe, and recording the visible condition of the component and surroundings.
It is common to find issues that paperwork will not show. Dust and grease can obstruct the blade. Mechanisms can seize or corrode. Sometimes the problem is simple lack of access, which means no one can test the damper at all. Testing tells you what is really happening inside the ductwork rather than what is assumed.
“It is rarely a tick box. Testing often uncovers things the client had no idea about, and that is where the value is.” – Liam Hodgson, Client Services Manager at BCS
Put testing inside the PPM cycle
September and October are when many facilities teams set their annual PPM plans. The sensible approach is to place fire damper testing alongside HVAC servicing, electrical inspection and other statutory checks. When the task sits inside the same cycle, it is budgeted, scheduled and completed rather than drifting into a one off that slips a year or two.
“We ask clients to treat fire damper testing like their HVAC maintenance. If it is not planned, it is too easy to forget.” – Mark Biffin, Director at BCS
This matters even more for hotels, student halls and care environments where occupancy is high and ventilation runs round the clock. In these buildings, a missed test is not just a compliance gap. It is a real risk to people and to reputation.
What you receive after testing
Our fire damper testing service delivers a clear report. You will receive photographic evidence, condition notes and a pass or fail outcome for each unit, with practical recommendations where issues are found. The report is designed to satisfy compliance and insurance requirements and to help you plan next steps.
If faults are found
When a damper fails, the report explains why and lists the actions needed. Remediation is available as a separate package carried out by our technical engineers. Typical works include freeing seized mechanisms, installing or improving access panels and clearing obstructions. Keeping testing and remediation as separate packages gives you full visibility of both stages and clear control over spend and scheduling.
Closing the loop
Fire dampers live out of sight, which makes them easy to forget. Testing brings them back into view and autumn is the right time to do it. Once you know the condition of each damper you can plan remediation where needed and lock the whole process into your PPM cycle for the year ahead.
