Damper remedial guidance for building compliance
Swift Fire Compliance has published a free guide explaining fire damper testing, maintenance and remedial works for existing buildings.
The company says the guide responds to updated standards introduced under the Building Safety Act 2022 and focuses on legal obligations linked to fire and smoke control dampers.
Industry data referenced in the source material indicates that 70% of fire dampers fail initial inspections across the UK.
Fire dampers form part of fire compartmentation systems and close automatically to slow the spread of fire and smoke through ventilation ductwork while maintaining escape routes.
Regular inspection and testing are required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO) at least every 12 months.
More frequent inspection may be required in higher risk environments.
Guide focuses on remedial work and inspection records
Swift Fire Compliance explains that the publication Beyond the Function Test: Fire & Smoke Damper Remedials Made Clear concentrates on remedial works and compliance recovery in existing buildings.
The guide follows the company’s Ultimate Guide to Fire & Smoke Dampers 2025 and concentrates on practical steps that duty holders can take when defects or compliance gaps are identified.
Content includes legal compliance requirements under the RRFSO alongside guidance related to BS 9999 and DW145.
The guide also explains how to identify common fire damper defects, how remedial actions may be addressed and how remedial compliance reports can be interpreted.
Guidance is also provided on maintaining records so duty holders remain prepared for regulatory audits.
Challenges around installation and maintenance records
Gary Nicholls, Managing Director of Swift Fire Compliance, said: “The industry is continually adapting to changes in legislation; the biggest challenge lies in a lack of initial installation and maintenance records, which are now required by law.
“Fire and smoke control dampers might be hidden from view, but in the event of a fire, they are the difference between safety and catastrophe.
“As statutory guidance continued to evolve, responsible parties must ensure effective inspection, testing and remediation to ensure buildings are truly safe and compliant.”
The guide is available for download from Swift Fire Compliance.