Professional UK-wide fire damper testing, inspections, reporting & remedial work. Keeping your buildings safe, compliant, and fully protected.

What Is Fire Damper Testing and Why Does It Matter?

Fire dampers are an essential passive fire protection component hidden within your building’s ductwork. In the event of a fire, they are designed to close automatically to stop smoke and flames from spreading through ventilation shafts and service routes.

When a damper fails to operate correctly, fire can spread rapidly between floors and compartments, which is why annual testing is mandatory under BS 9999:2017.

A damper only performs its life-saving job if it closes when triggered. Fire Damper testing ensures it does.

Proper fire damper testing identifies:

Damaged fusible links or failed actuators
Misaligned blades that cannot close
Dust, debris, or grease build-up preventing operation
Missing fire stopping
Poor or unsafe installation
Dampers that are not accessible for testing

Fire Damper Testing & Inspection Services

We provide a complete end-to-end fire damper testing service, from locating assets and conducting drop tests to supplying complete compliance documentation.

Fire Damper Testing & Drop Tests

During a fire damper drop test, our engineers activate the mechanism, either through fusible link release or actuator operation, and observe the damper as it closes. We then check that the blades close fully, inspect the housing for obstructions and confirm that the release mechanism works at the correct temperature or signal. As well as this, we ensure the damper can be safely reset

If the damper fails, we identify the cause and advise on remedial action. This fulfils annual testing duties under UK regulations and supports your insurance and fire risk assessments.

Fire Damper Inspections

A fire damper inspection goes beyond basic functional testing. Our engineers check:

  • Physical condition of the damper
  • Alignment of blades
  • Fire stopping around the duct penetration
  • Secure and correct installation
  • Presence and condition of access doors
  • Evidence of damage, corrosion, obstructions, or contamination

We also verify that each damper is installed in the correct fire compartment wall or barrier, as misplacement is one of the most common defects in older buildings.

Access Surveys & Compliance Upgrades

Inaccessible dampers often lead to years of missed tests and insurance noncompliance.

Many dampers are impossible to test simply because there is no access door. In line with BESA DW144 and TR19® requirements, we assess accessibility, recommend compliant access door installation, supply and fit new access doors where required, and re-test dampers once access is created.

☑ Fire Damper Services & Remedial Works

Over time, dampers accumulate dust, dirt, lint and other contaminants,  especially in systems without filtration or in extraction ducting.

Even a small build-up can prevent closure. During testing, we:

  • Clean both sides of the damper housing
  • Remove contaminants restricting movement
  • Ensure the track, blades, and spring mechanisms are free of obstruction
  • Identify any damaged or worn parts


If fire damper services or remedial work is required, we provide clear recommendations and can carry out many repairs in-house.

Fire Damper Testing Requirements in the UK

Fire damper testing requirements in the UK are clearly defined, and annual testing is a legal obligation under current regulations. According to BS 9999:2017, all fire and smoke dampers must be tested at commissioning and at least once every 12 months thereafter. Each inspection must include complete cleaning, a visual check, reset and photographic evidence, along with accurate documentation to prove compliance. Dampers must also remain accessible to allow future testing to take place safely and correctly. In some settings, such as hospitals, commercial kitchens, manufacturing facilities and other high-contamination environments, fire damper testing requirements may involve more frequent inspections due to faster dust and debris build-up.

Our Fire Damper Testing Process

We confirm the number, type, and location of all dampers using drawings or on-site surveys.

Dampers are triggered manually or via the alarm system to verify their full closing action.

We clear contamination, check the frame and blades, and ensure the damper can return to the correct open position.

The damper is restored and checked for smooth operation before normal airflow is reinstated.

You receive a detailed  report, photographic evidence, and remedial schedule if required.

Fire Damper Inspection Costs

The cost of fire damper testing depends on:

  • Number of dampers on site
  • Accessibility of each location
  • Requirement for additional access doors
  • Contamination levels
  • Travel and site size
  • Whether remedials are required during testing

We offer transparent pricing with no hidden extras. request a quote for an accurate site-specific cost breakdown.

Who We Work With

We support fire compliance for organisations across:

  • Healthcare and NHS buildings
  • Education and universities
  • Retail and leisure
  • Hospitality
  • Manufacturing and industrial sites
  • Office buildings
  • Local authorities and public sector facilities

Whether your site has 10 dampers or 1,000+, our nationwide team ensures full statutory compliance.


Fire Damper Testing & Inspections

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