Life safety dampers play a crucial role in the passive fire protection system of buildings, preventing the spread of fire and smoke through ductwork. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has established guidelines and requirements to ensure the proper testing and maintenance of these essential components. In this blog, we’ll dissect several standards issued by (NFPA) and how they corelate with proper life safety maintenance and testing.
Standards
- NFPA 80 Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems
- NFPA 90 A Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems
- NFPA 92 A Standard for Smoke Control Systems Using Barriers and Pressure Differences
- NFPA 92 B Guide for Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Areas Published by the American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
- NFPA 105 – NFPA 90 emphasizes coordination with NFPA 105, the “Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives.” This coordination ensures a comprehensive approach to fire and smoke containment within a building. Fire damper testing and maintenance should align with the provisions of NFPA 105 to create a cohesive fire protection strategy.
Testing Procedures:
NFPA outlines specific procedures for testing fire dampers. This includes conducting visual inspections, functional testing, and verification of the damper’s ability to close upon the detection of smoke or fire. Proper documentation of these tests is essential for compliance and future reference.
The Life Safety Dampers inspections checklist:
- Preliminary Work – Reviewing Drawings, Locations, Access, Make, Model,
- Visual Inspections – Installation follows manufactures installation instructions, clean and debris free, Location, Damper Tag #
- Operational Inspections – Drop Testing, Cycle Testing
Testing Frequency:
According to NFPA, fire dampers must undergo regular testing to ensure their functionality. The frequency of these tests depends on factors such as the type of building, its occupancy, and the specific fire damper’s location. Generally, dampers should be tested after installation, during the commissioning process, and at regular intervals thereafter.
Testing Requirements | |||
| Code | Installation | Commissioning | Regular Intervals |
| NFPA 80 | Directly After | Inspectors – Discretion | 1 year after Commissioning, Every 4 years after, 6 years for Hospitals |
| NFPA 90A | N/A | Inspectors – Discretion | N/A |
* Reference – NFPA 80- Chapter 19
**Reference – NFPA 90A – Chapter 7
Qualified Personnel:
NFPA emphasizes the importance of having qualified personnel perform fire damper testing and maintenance. This ensures that individuals responsible for these tasks have the necessary knowledge and expertise to identify potential issues and address them effectively.
Reference – NFPA 80 – Section 19.4.1
Record Keeping:
Maintaining accurate records of fire damper testing and maintenance activities is a key requirement outlined by NFPA. These records serve as a historical reference, aiding in the assessment of a damper’s performance over time. Documentation should include details such as testing dates, any repairs or adjustments made, and the names of personnel involved.
Conclusion:
Adhering to NFPA requirements for the testing and maintenance of life safety dampers is essential for the safety and integrity of buildings. Regular assessments, proper documentation, and coordination with related NFPA standards contribute to a comprehensive fire protection strategy. By following these guidelines, building owners and operators can enhance the reliability of their fire damper systems, ultimately safeguarding lives and property in the event of a fire.
Additional Links:
United Enertech – Testing / Maintenance details: Microsoft Word – UE Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Fire Dampers, Smoke Dampers, and Combination Fire Smoke Dampers.doc (d1xglvva55rdzb.cloudfront.net)
FiDO Fire Damper Jack – FiDO2 Fire Damper Opener – HVAC Jack