The Dangers of Incorrect Installation
August 29, 2022
Professional Design, Installation & Maintenance of Sprinkler Systems & Fire Extinguishers
An urgent problem within many building ventilation systems has been identified by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA). They have issued a stark warning about fire safety weakness in their ‘Installation of Fire Dampers and Smoke Dampers’ (DW145) guidance update. The announcement was made immediately due to the urgency of the issue which has been exposed through annual inspections by maintenance contractors. The contractors were noticing that “a huge number of dampers” had been installed incorrectly.
Graeme Fox, head of technical, explained that many did not comply with manufacturers’ instructions and remedial action was needed “without delay”. He said: “We have been alerted to the very dangerous practice of using self-drilling ‘tek’ screws which do not melt when temperatures rise during a building fire. This means spring-loaded dampers will not be released to contain the spread of fire within the zone and ensure the integrity of the fire stopping measure.” He added: “Dampers must be secured by fusible fixings that allow the duct to break away otherwise the collapsing duct could pull the damper out of place and break the seal between the fire zones.”
The BESA bulletin gives contractors the information they require to alert clients to the problem. It also modifies the guidance and statutory requirements covering installation, testing and maintenance of fire dampers and smoke dampers. Clients have a legal obligation to ensure their fire safety systems are fit for purpose in line with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 for England and Wales and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
The revelations highlight the importance of regular professional inspections of HVAC systems, along with the installation of sprinklers. Sprinkler systems provide major advantages when it comes preventing fire, and are promoted all over the world by fire prevention experts. Fire Logistics Limited, are the largest Independent Fire Sprinkler and Extinguisher Company in the North East. Contact us on 0191 214 6400.
Leave a Comment