Fire Damper Testing: Protecting Buildings and Lives

No one predicts or wishes for a fire. But in the unfortunate event that one breaks out in a commercial building, the ventilation system can quickly transfer flames and smoke throughout the property. The heat that builds up inside ductwork can also cause nearby flammable materials to ignite, turning a small fire into a major incident within minutes.

That’s where we come in.

At Ductbusters, our qualified and competent specialists carry out fire damper testing, inspection, maintenance, and repair in line with BESA TR/19, BS 9999:2017, and the latest BESA VH001 Fire Damper Maintenance Guide (2025).

Fire Damper Stopping Spread Of Fire

What Is a Fire Damper and Why Is It Important?

Fire dampers are life-safety devices installed within ventilation ductwork, designed to automatically close when a rise in temperature is detected. This prevents flames and smoke from spreading through ducts from one fire compartment to another, giving people valuable time to escape and helping to protect the building structure.

However, like all mechanical safety components, fire dampers can only perform effectively if they are regularly tested and maintained.

BESA-Compliant Testing and Maintenance

Under current guidance (BESA VH001 and BS 9999:2017), fire dampers must be inspected and tested at regular intervals, ensuring they remain in full working order.

• Spring-operated fire dampers should be tested at least once every 12 months.

• Motorised or non-return dampers should follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule and be tested as per risk assessment.

• If your fire dampers are located in dust-laden or contaminated environments, they should be inspected more frequently, at intervals suitable to the degree of pollution.

Our engineers provide a comprehensive service, including visual inspection, drop testing, cleaning, resetting, and reporting. Every fire damper we test is logged, recorded, and reported in line with BESA best practice for full traceability and compliance.

Repair, Replacement and Ongoing Support

Should a damper fail testing, our team is on hand to repair or replace components to ensure your system remains compliant and functional. We also work closely with facilities teams to develop ongoing maintenance programmes that keep systems operating safely all year round.

Why Choose Ductbusters?

With decades of experience in ventilation hygiene and compliance, Ductbusters understands that fire dampers are a vital part of every building’s fire protection strategy. Our competent engineers, trained and assessed to current BESA standards, provide complete peace of mind that your systems will operate correctly when it matters most.

By implementing a regular, BESA-approved fire damper maintenance programme, we help minimise the risk of fire spread, and ensure you remain compliant with all relevant legislation and guidance.

Get in Touch

If you’re unsure when your last fire damper inspection was carried out, or if you’d like to set up a testing and maintenance schedule, contact Ductbusters today.

Our team will make sure your fire dampers are tested, recorded, and ready to perform, protecting your people, your property, and your peace of mind.