What are fire dampers?
Fire damper maintenance: a modern building contains ventilation systems to ensure optimum ventilation of the premises. In order to prevent fires from spreading to other fire compartments, it is necessary to provide appropriate fire dampers in the ventilation ducts.
How does a fire damper work?
In normal operation, the dampers are in the open position. In the event of a fire, the fire damper is automatically closed via a triggering device. This prevents the spread of smoke and fire.
Fire dampers are therefore an essential component in ventilation systems! Especially to ensure the safety of people and the building. Ventilation dampers must therefore be maintained regularly, as heavy soiling can impair their functionality.
This can have fatal consequences in the event of a fire!
Who is responsible for maintenance?
According to the Workplace Ordinance and the respective state building regulations, the owner or operator of the property is personally obliged to have the maintenance and inspection carried out professionally.
How often should fire dampers be maintained?
According to the Workplace Ordinance, fire dampers must be checked for proper functioning at least once a year, but at least every 15 months.
What needs to be maintained?
The following points should be carried out as part of a fire damper test:
- Check that the closing element opens and closes properly and smoothly
- Checking the mechanical and electronic components
- Cleaning the release element and the damper blade
- If corrosion is present, it must be removed if possible
- Check whether the installation was carried out in accordance with ÖNROM H 6031 and the manufacturer’s specifications
- Closure between building structure and fire damper
- Check whether the CE marking is present
- Check the manufacturer’s specifications (sticker, type plate, etc.)
- Check the terminal box and wiring in the area of the fire dampers
- Checking the remote reading for opening the damper (via central fire alarm system)
- Checking the visual indication of the status (open or closed)
Which documents need to be checked during maintenance?
- Check whether the as-built plans of the ventilation system still match the actual conditions
- Checking that the fire compartment plans and approval notices are up to date
Are maintenance-free fire dampers to be checked?
Even “maintenance-free” fire dampers are subject to a corresponding regular inspection obligation. The term “maintenance-free” can therefore be misleading: the maintenance carried out must be documented accordingly in an inspection logbook.
Who reminds you of the maintenance?
As these are relevant components, they are subject to routine statutory inspections. To avoid missing any more deadlines in the future, the MyBuilding24 app can help you with this. Furthermore, all documentation can be carried out in the app in order to be able to provide complete documentation if required.
Glossary – Standards:
- ÖNORM H 6031 Workplace Ordinance §13
