The Risk Assessment of Fire Damper Installations

8/12/2019 The Risk Assessment of Fire Damper Installations

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The risk assessment

of

fire damper installations

June 2010

Paul White


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OVERVIEW

The purpose of this presentation is to highlightthat fire dampers form a key part of the

passive fire protection within a building, but

are at best often overlooked, but at worst not

even recognised for the job that they might be

called on to do in the event of fire.

It seeks to clarify the regulatory requirements

and fill in the gaps left by the guides to the

RRFSO where fire dampers are installed in a

building

OVERVIEW

2 THE RISK ASSESSMENT OF FIRE DAMPER INSTALLATIONS


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What is this?

FIRE DOORS

Everyone knows what a fire door is and most people see one every day



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What is this?

FIRE DAMPERS

This is a fire damper and they are generally hidden above ceilings and

mounted in a ductwork run, most people dont know that they exist



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Ad hoc testing to BS476-20/22

FIRE

DAMPERS

BS476 -20/22

This shows a fire damper during the old style of ad hoc testing to BS 476



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Test setup for EN 1366-2

FIRE

DAMPERS

BS EN1366-2

The fire damper is subjected to a 300pa pressure difference for the whole

of the test and the leakage recorded as a pass failure criteria



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Fire and Leakage Rated Fire Dampers

FIRE

DAMPERS

BS EN 1366-2

Fire damper tests to EN 1366-2 in practice



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Fire Dampers

Application and test detailsFor use in normal ventilation ducts at fire boundaries to maintaincompartmentation in the case of fire

Generally tested for Integrity (E), Insulation (I) (if required) andReduced Leakage (S) (again, if required)

Also considered are horizontal, vertical, fire from inside tooutside, fire from outside to inside, symmetry etc

Units are mounted in a supporting partition, such that would beused in practice.

During the test, the damper must close, and is then subjected toa300Papressure differential.

E Integrity damper must not leak more than 360 m3/hr/m2

I Insulation thermocouples record temperature rise(140/180C max)

S Leakage rating damper must not leak more than 200m3/hr/m2, at ambient and during the fire test. The smallestexample must also not leak more than 200 m3/hr/m2

FIRE DAMPERS

APPLICATION

AND TEST

DETAILS



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Fire Damper Standards

Product standardEN 15650: 2010 Fire dampers

Published (CEN TC156 WG9)

Test standard

EN 1366-2:1999: Fire resistance tests for service installations: Fire dampers

Published, but under review (CEN TC127 WG2 TG4)

Classification standardEN 13501-3:2005: Fire classification of construction products and buildingelements - part 3: classification using data from fire resistance tests on

components of normal building service installations

Published (CEN TC127 WG7)

Extended field of application standard

prEN 15882-2: Extended applications of test results for fire resistance tests

for service installations : DampersUnder development (CEN TC127 WG2 TG4)

FIRE DAMPERS

-2

STANDARDS



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Regulation - ADB

The following slides give asnapshot of the requirementsin Approved Document B

It is strongly recommendedthat anyone making riskassessments carefully

considers the requirements inthis document and does notrely purely on the informationgiven here

It is available as a freedownload from

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/-search on approveddocuments

THE RISK ASSESSMENT OF FIRE DAMPER INSTALLATIONS10

APPROVED

DOCUMENT B

(1)


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Regulation - ADB

Mechanical ventilation andair-conditioning systems Page 60 5.47 Para 2

Where the ductworksystem serves more thanone part of a sub-divided

escape route, a firedamper should beprovided where the ductwork enters each sectionof the escape routeoperated by a smokedetector or suitable fire

detection system. The firedampers should closewhen smoke is detected


APPROVED

DOCUMENT B

(2)


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Regulation - ADB

Mechanical ventilation andair-conditioning systems

Page 60 - 5.48 Note

Fire dampers activatedonly by fusible links arenot suitable for protectingescape routes. Howeveran ES classified fire andsmoke damper which isactivated by a suitable fireprotection system may beused


APPROVED

DOCUMENT B

(3)


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Regulation - ADB

Ventilation ducts, flues etc. Page 86 - 10.9

Where air handling ductspass through fire separatingelements the integrity ofthose elements should bemaintained

There are 3 basic methodsand these are:

Method 1: protection usingfire dampers;

Method 2: protection usingfire resistant enclosures;

Method 3: protection usingfire-resisting ductwork


APPROVED

DOCUMENT B

(5)


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Regulation - ADB

Ventilation ducts, flues etc.Page 86 - 10.10

Method 1 (e.g. Dampers) isnot suitable for extractductwork serving kitchens.

This is due to the likely build

up of grease which canadversely affect theeffectiveness of anydampers.


APPROVED

DOCUMENT B

(6)


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Regulation - ADB

Fire dampers Page 86 -10.11

Fire damper should besituated within the thicknessof the fire separatingelement and be securely

fixed. It is also necessary toensure that, in a fire,expansion of the ductworkwould not push the firedamper through thestructure.


APPROVED

DOCUMENT B

(7)


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Regulation - ADB


Adequate means of accessshould be provided to allowinspection, testing andmaintenance of both the fire

damper and its actuatingmechanism.


APPROVED

DOCUMENT B

(8)


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Regulation - ADB


Where the use of thebuilding involves sleepingrisk, such as an hotel orresidential care home, fire

dampers should beactuated by smokedetector-controlledautomatic releasemechanism, in addition tobeing actuated by thermallyactuated devices......... (caveatson certain types of alarm systems and abilities of

people to leave the area) ............


APPROVED

DOCUMENT B

(9)


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Regulation - ADB

Fire dampers Page 86 -10.13 cont.

Note: Fire dampers actuatedonly by fusible links are notsuitable for protecting escaperoutes. However, an ES

classified fire and smokedamper which is activated bya suitable fire detectionsystem may be used


APPROVED

DOCUMENT B

(12)


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Regulation - ADB


Fire dampers should betested to BS EN 1366-2:1999and be classified to BS EN13501-3:2005. They should

have an E classificationequal to, or greater than, 60minutes. Fire and smokedampers should also betested to BS EN 1366-2:1999and be classified to BS EN13501-3:2005. They shouldhave an ES classification

equal to, or greater than, 60minutes.


APPROVED

DOCUMENT B

(14)


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Regulation - ADB

Fire dampers Page 86 -10.15 Note 1

Note 1: Fire dampers testedusing ad-hoc proceduresbased on BS476 may only beused be appropriate for fan-

off situations.In all cases, fire dampersshould be installed astested.

PW Note: You cannot get an E or

ES classification if you test toBS476, so dampers for sleepingrisk areas and escape routes needto be tested to EN1366-2


APPROVED

DOCUMENT B

(15)


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Regulation - ADB

ADB refers to a lot of second tierdocuments and also referencesother guides.

This BS5588 series is referred toand is still apparently valid,although effectively withdrawn.The department forCommunities and LocalGovernment (CLG) still says thatit contains good and safeinformation. It is replaced by BS9999 and this where we getsome clear guidance onmaintenance requirements (exBS 5588-12)

ADB also recommends the useof third party certificatedproducts


APPROVED

DOCUMENT B

(1)


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Other publications - ASFP

ASFP Grey BookAbout to be published inits second edition

Contains details ofregulation, standardstesting etc

Also gives some guidance

on project planning andinstallation

It is planned that it will listcertificated products withapproved installationmethods

Also has sister documents

about fire rated dusts,structural steel protectionand fire seals


ASFP

GREY BOOK


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Other publications - HVCA

HVCA DW144and DW145

DW144 is under

review for its

second edition

For dampers this

is supported by

DW145 which

will be referred

to for damper

installations


HVCA

DW144 &

DW145


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Other publications Dept of Health

HTM 05-02Written to coverhealthcare premises

Describes fire dampers interms of BS EN 1366-2classified E and ES

Fire and smoke dampers

classifed ESTransfer grilles should befitted with fire and smokedampers

Where walls do not passthe ceiling, ducts throughthe ceiling should be

protected with firedampers


DEPARTMENT

OF HEALTH

HTM 02-05

(1)


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HTM 05-02 {cont}Fire & Smoke dampers incompartment wallsmotorised to close onsignal

Fire & Smoke dampers insub compartment walls -

link onlyPW Note: motorised wouldprobably be better for regulartesting

Ducting serving firehazard rooms should beprotected with dampers, orif duct is passing through,

no dampers, but fireresisting duct


DEPARTMENT

OF HEALTH

HTM 02-05

(2)


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HTM 05-02 {cont}Installationrequirements are given,but unfortunately thisdoes not say usemanufacturers

instructions, ratherwhat not to do, also arequirement for ceilings

It requires details of alldampers to be includedin the fire strategy and

drawings for complexbuildings


DEPARTMENT

OF HEALTH

HTM 02-05

(3)


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Other publications Dept of C S F

BB100Generally as ADB

References the ASFPGrey Book

Product certification

for property protectionfire dampers shouldalso satisfy LPS1162

It requires details of alldampers to be includedin the fire strategy and

drawings for complexbuildings


DEPARTMENT

OF CHILDREN,

SCHOOLS &

FAMILIES

BB100


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Certification standard - LPCB

The LPCB run a certificationscheme for fire dampers. TheLPS 1162 document containsall the tests that LPC requirethe product to undergo, beforecertification may be offered

It also states that to meet it, acompany must have full BSEN ISO 9001 accreditation.The LPCB visit the factory atleast once a year to confirmby measurement that thecertificated products maintainall the tested dimensions,and confirm that the products

still comply with anyassessments that may havebeen made


CERTIFICATION

STANDARD


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Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order - RRFSO

RRFSOThere is a series of

published guides to meeting

the requirements of the

RRFSO

Information on fire dampers

is vague, but is generally as

follows:1) laundry chutes (smoke and fire

dampers)

2) dampers in ducts should be correctly

installed

3) the fact that in cooking processes

ventilation ducts and dampers shouldbe considered.


RRFSO

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RRFSOHowever, fire dampers arereferred to indirectly asfollows:

1) In a checklist: Are any holes orgaps in walls, ceilings and floorsproperly sealed, e.g. whereservices such as ventilation ductsand electrical cables pass throughthem?

2) Ventilation systems: Whereventilation systems might assistthe spread of flames, smoke andhot gases from a fire it will benecessary to take steps to safe

guard the means of escapeagainst this hazard.


RRFSO

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RRFSOUnfortunately, fire dampers

arenotreferred to in the

maintenance check list

section, which is a key area

where they should be, or in

the frequency of checkingsection, also key.

Therefore we need to turn

to BS9999 for further

guidance


RRFSO

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BS9999Annex V (normative): Routineinspection and maintenance offire safety installations

This requires smoke controlsystems and their componentsto be tested as often as

weekly, however it is not clearwhat constitute smokedampers. This could possiblyrefer to dampers that are usedto protect escape routes andareas with sleeping risk. Thisshould be considered by thedesigner and perhaps the risk

assessor.


BS9999

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BS9999Annex W (normative): Routineinspection and maintenance ofventilation and air conditioningductwork

This requires simple firedampers (spring operated so

probably curtain fire dampers)to be tested every two years ormore often if conditions aresuch that they get dirty quicker.

Both annexes should belooked at in their entiretybefore drawing anyconclusions, and consideration

given to the rest of thedocument


BS9999

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Risk assessment

Considerations/Key areasThe positioning of the product

The application of the product (fire, or fire

and smoke)

The supporting construction into which the

damper is fitted

What testing has been undertaken?

What assessment information is available?

What maintenance regimes are in place?

RISK

ASSESSMENT

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Risk assessment

Positioning of the productIs it known where all the fire, and fire and smoke, dampers are installed -schedule and drawing

Is there clear access, both outside and inside for cleaning and maintenance

Are there any gaps around the damper between it and the supportingconstruction?

Is the fire damper mounted within the wall?

The lastmightbe allowed if the duct and the joint with the wall are installed usinga tested method

Application escape route or area with sleepingrisk

Does the fire damper have an ES classification (or equivalency throughassessment) when mounted in the supporting construction being used e.g.masonry, dry wall, batt, other fire stopping etc?

Has the damper been installed to the manufacturers instructions or at least to thedocumented satisfaction of the BCA?

Note to get an ES classification, the damper must have been tested (or assessed

for equivalency) to BS EN 1366-2, BS 476 cannot confirm the S low leakagecriteria

RISK

ASSESSMENT

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Risk assessment

Application are the fans immediately turnedoff in the event of a fire incident

Dampers tested ad hoc to BS 476 may be acceptable if the fans are turned

off.

Dampers having an E classification are, however, recommended and must

be used if the fans are left on.

If the fans are left on, curtain fire dampers are not recommended as theymay be held open by residual airflow

Does the fire damper have an E classification (or equivalency through

assessment) when mounted in the supporting construction being used e.g.

masonry, dry wall, batt, other fire stopping etc?

Has the damper been installed to the manufacturers instructions or at least

to the documented satisfaction of the BCA?

Note to get an E classification, the damper must have been tested (orassessed for equivalency) to BS EN 1366-2

RISK

ASSESSMENT

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Risk assessment

Maintenance regimeDoes this exist for the fire dampers?

Is the responsible person aware of thisrequirement?

Do adequate records of testing andinspection exist?

Do the records note any and all remedialaction to the fire damper and to the sealbetween it and the supporting construction

Refer to Annex V and Annex W of BS9999

RISK

ASSESSMENT

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Summary

The requirements for the risk assessment of firedampers are not clear from the RRFSO

However, through reference to ADB and BS9999, a

clear path can be drawn

Additional help is given in the ASFP Grey Book and

HVCA DW145There must be clear records of where dampers are

positioned, that they are installed correctly and that

they are maintained correctly, including the state of

any seal around the damper at the interface between

it and the supporting construction

SUMMARY



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WRONG

WRONG

-1-

The damper is not in the plane of the wall and the duct is not protected.

Has the damper been tested in association with batt? If fire resisting, is the

duct supported around its outside at its joint with the wall



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WRONG

WRONG

-2-

The dampers are not in the plane of the wall, the duct is not protectedand it is unlikely that the dampers have been tested passing through a

hole in a steel beam



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WRONG

WRONG

-3-

!



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RIGHT

RIGHT

-1-

The damper is within the plane of the wall, the installation is complete and

without any damage to the seal around the damper.Note: However, it needs to be checked that damper has been tested in a batt

installation, especially for ES requirements



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The risk assessment of fire

damper installations

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The Risk Assessment of Fire Damper Installations