Page 124 - HIL Operatives Training Manual V4 16022024_Neat

O P E R A T I V E S T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 4

The breaking of the element closes the damper blades –like a metal curtain or drop-down
shutters –within the ducting and prevents fire from travelling into the neighbouring workspace.
It contains the fire within the space it starts in and allows people who may be close to the fire
to safely evacuate.

Fire dampers can also close following an electrical signal from a fire alarm system which uses
detectors away from the damper, that indicate heat or smoke in the buildings occupied spaces
or in the HVAC duct system.
26.2 Fire Damper Maintenance
Fire damper maintenance is both a legal requirement and a critical part of building fire safety
management.
Compliance to current regulations means these fire dampers must form part of a planned
preventative maintenance regime where spring operated fire dampers should be tested
annually and be repaired or replaced immediately if found to be defective.

26.3 What Can Go Wrong?
As the damper is held open with a small and slightly delicate component, these can break or
be activated accidentally. If this happens, conditioned air from the ventilation system cannot
flow and offices can overheat. It’s because of this that people sometimes take matters into
their own hands.

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