Fire safety should be high on your list of priorities when managing a building.

It is essential that all equipment is kept in safe, working order. This will help save lives in the event of fire. If the manager of the building fails to stop any risks, every occupant of the premises would suffer. In addition to this, key legislation would not have been followed. In the long run this would result in a large fine or potentially imprisonment.

 

Complying with fire safety regulations

A piece of fire safety equipment that is often looked over are fire dampers, which are vital to your building. They are installed along the premises’ ventilation system and prevent smoke and fire spreading to other areas of the building.

 

What are Fire Dampers?

Fire dampers are vents that are installed within the ductwork of your building. During normal operation they are dormant, it is only in the event of a fire that this safety mechanism would be activated. When activated, the vents close shut to prevent fire and smoke entering other areas of the building.

The mechanism behind fire dampers is an automatic and simple process. The links that keep the vents open are melted in high temperatures (such as the event of a fire), causing them to close shut.

 

What are fire damper vents?

These vents double in their health and safety value. In normal circumstances, keeping fire dampers open helps maintain a healthy flow of air through the building. Then, on the flip side, if a fire were to break out, closing this mechanism prevents unwanted smoke and flames from passing through these same vents.

Fire dampers aren’t the only fire safety equipment required in your business premises. Fire doors, walls and extinguishers are also crucial in minimising the spread of fire.

 

How can Automatic Opening Vents protect your property?

Automatic Opening Vents (or AOV) are the pieces of equipment that ventilate buildings as well as prevent them from fire. Some more advanced systems have inbuilt CO2, humidity, and temperature receptors to create a more beneficial indoor environment. The AOV system is triggered when the fire alarm is sounded.

Some advanced AOV systems are designed with CO2, humidity, temperature sensors to create the most comfortable indoor environment. The opening of the AOVs is triggered by an alarm, allowing smoke to leave the building.

By preventing the spread of smoke through AOV, this allows escape routes to be more visible and allow firefighters to access the building easier.

  

How often should you test Fire Dampers?

Fire dampers should be tested after installations then every two years afterwards. This is a minimum requirement set out by British Standard BS 9999, most systems will require testing more frequently. This equipment is tested for: reduced leakage, insulation, and integrity. Regular testing is crucial to ensure your premises are as protected as possible should a fire occur.

 

To summarise, fire dampers shouldn’t be overlooked when installing fire safety equipment as the property’s manager. This equipment will safeguard you, your employees, and your premises. Additionally, there is a requirement to ensure compliance with the Fire Safety Order.

At Artius Fire Protection we help your business protect against fire through fire risk assessments, guidance and installation of fire safety equipment and fire training.