Ductwork runs throughout the entire building, maintaining fresh air and heat. Wherever the ductwork has to breach a fire compartment, we install fire dampers NSW. There are several types of fire dampers, but their working principle is the same. In case of a fire incident, the fire damper closes itself to maintain the barrier between different fire compartments.
What do we mean by Fire Compartment?
A building is made up of several fire compartments to prevent the spread of smoke and fire. A passive fire prevention expert divides the structure into fire compartments to delay or stop the spread of fire and smoke when a fire breaks out. These compartments are usually entire floors of buildings, but in purpose-built structures, such as hotels, a fire compartment can also be a single room.
Steps before testing of dampers
First, identify all the fire dampers in your building. A schematic physical inspection can achieve this. To locate fire dampers throughout the ductwork, and making them accessible, is an essential and legal requirement for fire safety.
You may also need to install Builders’ hatches and access panels. Our team can assist with this as part of annual inspections NSW services.
What involves an annual inspection of fire dampers NSW?
1. First, a visual inspection of your fire dampers NSW will locate surface damage or anomalies in the installation. Our technicians ensure that the line of sight is unobstructed to perform a successful visual inspection. Because the damper closes automatically, we see that it is not blocked and penetrated by any object that will affect the frame operation.
2. To begin the annual inspections NSW, we assure that our technician performing the test is wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and other safety requirements. We also ensure that the relevant people get prior notification about the inspection. These include the property manager, the fire alarm monitoring station, the local fire AHJ, department directors, and building occupants.
3. If there is a fusible link, we remove it before commencing of testing of fire dampers NSW. When dynamic dampers are present, testing in typical HVAC operation with airflow is the best method to determine its proper operation if there is an actual event. On the other hand, static dampers do not require airflow during annual inspections NSW. Successful performance during the examination will confirm there is no interference due to rust or chipped blades.
4. Some fire Dampers are automated, but usually mechanically activated with a fusible thermal link. There are four mechanical types of fire dampers; curtain, single-Blade, multi-blade and ceiling dampers. As per the standards, annual inspections NSW require examining 20%. This way, we effectively test the 100% functionality of all Fire Dampers over five years.
Fire and Smoke Dampers can be subject to poor installation, corrosion, cumulative dust, microbial growth, blockages and impediments, and mechanical malfunction. A visual inspection and complete testing of fire dampers NSW are your reassurance that your system is fully operable, and it is the only way to achieve compliance.
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