BESA TB/001 Service manual

TECHNICAL BULLETIN
1 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this technical bulletin is to inform members of additional considerations when
testing and maintaining re and smoke dampers. It should be used alongside BESA publications:
DW/145: Guide to Good Practice for the Installation of Fire and Smoke Dampers; DW/144: Sheet
Metal Ductwork; TR/19: Internal Cleanliness of Ventilation systems and SFG 20: The denitive
standard for planned maintenance.
TB/001
Figure 1: Example of
fusible link
operated re damper
2 TECHNICAL INFORMATION
2.1 STANDARDS
British Standard 9999:2008 - Code of Practice for Fire Safety in the Design, Management & Use of
Buildings, publishes industry standards for the denition, maintenance and testing of Fire dampers. It
states that all Fire dampers should meet the criteria of re resistance for a stated period of time and
that:
“Any grille or opening through the enclosure for ventilation purposes should be protected by a re damper”
“All re dampers should be tested by a competent person at regular intervals not exceeding two years, and to be repaired
or replaced immediately if found to be faulty. Spring-operated re dampers should be tested annually and re dampers
situated in dust-laden and similar atmospheres should be tested much more frequently, at periods suited to the
degree of pollution.”
In addition; guidelines have been introduced by the department of health that encourage regular
testing of re dampers. In Part B of Health Technical Memorandum 03-01, re dampers are required to
be tested and maintained annually. Inspection and functional testing of smoke and re dampers
should be specied by the manufacturer.
2.2 SPRING OPERATED FUSIBLE LINK FIRE AND SMOKE DAMPERS
Spring Operated Fusible Link Fire Dampers are designed to "Fail" at 72° C. The fusible link releases the
spring loaded re damper to contain the re within the ductwork space. This ensures that the re does
not spread through the ductwork ventilation system. The dierent types of fusible link are:
✔ Cassette Unit
✔ Rigid Bar
✔ Chain Link
If a fusible link has failed it cannot be repaired and must be reported to client.
2.3 INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND TESTING
All volume dampers are set up during commissioning and should not normally be subject to further
adjustment unless modications are made to the ductwork distribution system. If it is essential to
move the damper for maintenance purposes extreme care should be taken to ensure that the damper
is returned to the position as set when commissioned. In the event of a ductwork modication, the
system should then be re-commissioned.
Installation: To enable the Fire Dampers to be tested and reset access panels need to be installed. Access panels shall
be quick release insulated neoprene sealed panels, all manufactured and installed to BESA specication DW/144.
Required location of access panel, along with party responsible for provision of the panel is prescribed in Table 3 of
BESA publication TR/19.
FIRE AND SMOKE DAMPER
MAINTENANCE
1|2

2|2
3 IMPLEMENTATION
3.1 TESTING AND REPORTING PROCEDURE
Basic testing and reporting procedure is set out in BESA publication SFG 20. This section is to inform
members of minimum requirements for testing and reporting. Additional procedures maybe required
by the client. All contractors need to have sucient training to carry out mechanical work. Please
contact the BESA training department on [email protected]om for support in the form of
a seminar, presentation or training course. Testing should include but is not limited to the following
steps.
✔ An inventory of all dampers to be tested.
✔ All Fire/Smoke dampers will be manually released to ensure the integrity of the spring loaded
shutter.
✔ The Fusible link should be inspected for any deformity or damage.
✔ The Fire/Smoke Damper will be cleaned and lubricated within the closed position.
✔ The Fire/Smoke Damper shall then be opened and re-set.
✔ Any severe corrosion found shall be reported to the client.
Reports should include but are not limited to the following items:
✔ Test results with client information including position within the building/system, date, and
name of operative shall be recorded and any comments noted if further action is required.
✔ Asset register to include damper location and ID number.
✔ Inspection results including details of failed damper operation.
✔ If drawings are provided, update and annotate details.
✔ Digital photographic evidence of damper condition prior to and after testing procedures un
less otherwise specied by client.
✔ Explanation of failed operation and recommended corrective or remedial action.
4 SCOPE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TB/001 Fire and Smoke Damper Maintenance is designed to be used in conjunction with BESA publications which are
regularly reviewed by the BESA Technical Department to ensure they reect current British, European and industry
standards. Please refer to BS9999 and HTM 03-01 for additional information. The BESA would like to thank members
of the Vent Hygiene Group for supplying content. All content correct at time of publishing.
Note: this document is based on knowledge available at the time of publication and is meant for general purposes, not
for reliance on in relation to specic technical or legal issues, in which case you should always seek independent advice.
No responsibility of any kind for any injury, death, loss, damage or delay however caused, resulting from the use of the
advice and recommendations contained herein, is accepted by the authors or others involved in its publication
(including the Building Engineering Services Association). 19/01/2016
TECHNICAL BULLETIN
TB/001FIREANDSMOKEDAMPERMAINTENANCE