System Hygienics carries out safety checks of fire dampers for two hospitals
Following a successful survey of fire dampers in the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, System Hygienics was also referred to Poole Hospital. According to Robert Cornish of System Hygienics, Both hospitals were unsure how many fire dampers their buildings contained and where they were, but they were both keen of locate them and assess their effectiveness.
System Hygienics used its extensive experience and knowledge in fire safety to not only locate the fire dampers but also inspect, assess, produce a photographic record, test them and provide recommendations.
Robert Cornish explains, ‘We follow the ductwork routes physically through the building and locate the fire dampers visually where they are installed. Normally they are above an internal firewall, so we have some clues and we know what we are looking for. Plus, if one has failed and it has dropped, this often leads to a lack of ventilation in the room.’
Among legislation relating to fire dampers is the Health Technical Memorandum HTM 03-01, which gives very clear guidance that all fire dampers should be tested at regular intervals not exceeding two years. Spring-operated dampers should be tested every 12 months and at even greater frequencies if in a dust-laden environment.
In addition The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 places a duty of care on the building owner to take such general precautions as well ensure, so far as reasonably practical, the safety of the building and people within it — including the maintenance of systems.
