The risk assessment of fire damper installations - ASFP risk assessment of fire damper... · 9 THE RISK ASSESSMENT OF FIRE DAMPER INSTALLATIONS. Regulation - ADB The following slides

The risk assessmentof

fire damper installations

June 2010

Paul White

OVERVIEW

The purpose of this presentation is to highlightthat fire dampers form a key part of thepassive fire protection within a building, butare at best often overlooked, but at worst noteven recognised for the job that they might becalled on to do in the event of fire.

It seeks to clarify the regulatory requirementsand fill in the gaps left by the guides to theRRFSO where fire dampers are installed in abuilding

OVERVIEW

2 THE RISK ASSESSMENT OF FIRE DAMPER INSTALLATIONS

What is this?

FIRE DOORS

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


What is this?

FIRE DAMPERS

This is a fire damper and they are generally hidden above ceilings andmounted in a ductwork run, most people don’t know that they exist


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


Test setup for EN 1366-2

FIRE

DAMPERS

BS EN1366-2

The fire damper is subjected to a 300pa pressure difference for the wholeof the test and the leakage recorded as a pass failure criteria


Fire and Leakage Rated Fire Dampers

FIRE

DAMPERS

BS EN 1366-2

Fire damper tests to EN 1366-2 in practice


Fire Dampers

Application and test detailsFor use in normal ventilation ducts at fire boundaries to maintaincompartmentation in the case of fireGenerally 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 etcUnits are mounted in a supporting partition, such that would beused in practice.During the test, the damper must close, and is then subjected toa 300Pa pressure differential.E – Integrity – damper must not leak more than 360 m3/hr/m2

I – Insulation – thermocouples record temperature rise (140/180°C 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

APPLICATIONAND TESTDETAILS


Fire Damper Standards

Product standard

EN 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 standard

EN 13501-3:2005: Fire classification of construction products and buildingelements - part 3: classification using data from fire resistance tests oncomponents 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 testsfor service installations : Dampers

Under development (CEN TC127 WG2 TG4)

FIRE DAMPERS

-2 –

STANDARDS


Regulation - ADB

The following slides give asnapshot of the requirementsin Approved Document B

It is strongly recommendedthat anyone making riskassessments carefullyconsiders the requirements inthis document and does notrely purely on the informationgiven here

It is available as a freedownload fromhttp://www.planningportal.gov.uk/ -search on “approveddocuments”

THE RISK ASSESSMENT OF FIRE DAMPER INSTALLATIONS10

APPROVEDDOCUMENT B

(1)

Regulation - ADB

Mechanical ventilation andair-conditioning systems –Page 60 5.47 Para 2

“Where the ductworksystem serves more thanone part of a sub-dividedescape route, a firedamper should beprovided where the ductwork enters each sectionof the escape routeoperated by a smokedetector or suitable firedetection system. The firedampers should closewhen smoke is detected”


APPROVEDDOCUMENT B

(2)

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”


APPROVEDDOCUMENT B

(3)

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”


APPROVEDDOCUMENT B

(5)

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 buildup of grease which canadversely affect theeffectiveness of anydampers.”


APPROVEDDOCUMENT B

(6)

Regulation - ADB

Fire dampers – Page 86 -10.11

“Fire damper should besituated within the thicknessof the fire separatingelement and be securelyfixed. It is also necessary toensure that, in a fire,expansion of the ductworkwould not push the firedamper through thestructure.”


APPROVEDDOCUMENT B

(7)

Regulation - ADB


“Adequate means of accessshould be provided to allowinspection, testing andmaintenance of both the firedamper and its actuatingmechanism.”


APPROVEDDOCUMENT B

(8)

Regulation - ADB


“Where the use of thebuilding involves sleepingrisk, such as an hotel orresidential care home, firedampers should beactuated by smokedetector-controlledautomatic releasemechanism, in addition tobeing actuated by thermallyactuated devices......... (caveatson certain types of alarm systems and abilities ofpeople to leave the area) ............


APPROVEDDOCUMENT B

(9)

Regulation - ADB

Fire dampers – Page 86 -10.13 cont.

“Note: Fire dampers actuatedonly by fusible links are notsuitable for protecting escaperoutes. However, an ESclassified fire and smokedamper which is activated bya suitable fire detectionsystem may be used”


APPROVEDDOCUMENT B

(12)

Regulation - ADB


“Fire dampers should betested to BS EN 1366-2:1999and be classified to BS EN13501-3:2005. They shouldhave 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 classificationequal to, or greater than, 60minutes.”


APPROVEDDOCUMENT B

(14)

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


APPROVEDDOCUMENT B

(15)

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


APPROVEDDOCUMENT B

(1)

Other publications - ASFP

ASFP Grey BookAbout to be published inits second editionContains details ofregulation, standardstesting etcAlso gives some guidanceon project planning andinstallationIt is planned that it will listcertificated products withapproved installationmethodsAlso has sister documentsabout fire rated dusts,structural steel protectionand fire seals


ASFP

GREY BOOK

Other publications - HVCA

HVCA DW144and DW145

DW144 is underreview for itssecond edition

For dampers thisis supported byDW145 whichwill be referredto for damperinstallations


HVCA

DW144 &DW145

Other publications – Dept of Health

HTM 05-02Written to coverhealthcare premisesDescribes fire dampers interms of BS EN 1366-2classified E and ESFire and smoke dampersclassifed ESTransfer grilles should befitted with fire and smokedampersWhere walls do not passthe ceiling, ducts throughthe ceiling should beprotected with firedampers


DEPARTMENTOF HEALTH

HTM 02-05

(1)


HTM 05-02 {cont}Fire & Smoke dampers incompartment wallsmotorised to close onsignalFire & Smoke dampers insub compartment walls -link only

PW 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


DEPARTMENTOF HEALTH

HTM 02-05

(2)


HTM 05-02 {cont}Installationrequirements are given,but unfortunately thisdoes not say “usemanufacturersinstructions”, ratherwhat not to do, also arequirement for ceilings

It requires details of alldampers to be includedin the fire strategy anddrawings for complexbuildings


DEPARTMENTOF HEALTH

HTM 02-05

(3)

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 anddrawings for complexbuildings


DEPARTMENTOF CHILDREN,SCHOOLS &FAMILIES

BB100

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 offeredIt 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 productsstill comply with anyassessments that may havebeen made


CERTIFICATION

STANDARD

Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order - RRFSO

RRFSOThere is a series ofpublished guides to meetingthe requirements of theRRFSO

Information on fire dampersis vague, but is generally asfollows:

1) laundry chutes (smoke and firedampers)

2) dampers in ducts should be correctlyinstalled

3) the fact that in cooking processesventilation ducts and dampers shouldbe considered.


RRFSO

-1-


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 safeguard the means of escapeagainst this hazard.


RRFSO

-3-


RRFSOUnfortunately, fire dampersare not referred to in themaintenance check listsection, which is a key areawhere they should be, or inthe frequency of checkingsection, also key.

Therefore we need to turnto BS9999 for furtherguidance


RRFSO

-3-


BS9999Annex V (normative): Routineinspection and maintenance offire safety installationsThis requires smoke controlsystems and their componentsto be tested as often asweekly, 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 riskassessor.


BS9999

-1-


BS9999Annex W (normative): Routineinspection and maintenance ofventilation and air conditioningductworkThis requires simple firedampers (spring operated – soprobably 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 considerationgiven to the rest of thedocument


BS9999

-2-

Risk assessment

Considerations/Key areasThe positioning of the product

The application of the product (fire, or fireand smoke)

The supporting construction into which thedamper is fitted

What testing has been undertaken?

What assessment information is available?

What maintenance regimes are in place?

RISKASSESSMENT

-1-


Risk assessment

Positioning of the productIs it known where all the fire, and fire and smoke, dampers are installed -schedule and drawingIs there clear access, both outside and inside for cleaning and maintenanceAre there any gaps around the damper between it and the supportingconstruction?Is the fire damper mounted within the wall?The last might be 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 assessedfor equivalency) to BS EN 1366-2, BS 476 cannot confirm the S low leakagecriteria

RISKASSESSMENT

-2-


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 turnedoff.

Dampers having an E classification are, however, recommended and mustbe 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 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 leastto 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

RISKASSESSMENT

-3-


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

RISKASSESSMENT

-4-


Summary

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

However, through reference to ADB and BS9999, aclear path can be drawn

Additional help is given in the ASFP Grey Book andHVCA DW145

There must be clear records of where dampers arepositioned, that they are installed correctly and thatthey are maintained correctly, including the state ofany seal around the damper at the interface betweenit and the supporting construction

SUMMARY


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


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


WRONG

WRONG

-3-

!


RIGHT

RIGHT

-1-

The damper is within the plane of the wall, the installation is complete andwithout any damage to the seal around the damper.

Note: However, it needs to be checked that damper has been tested in a battinstallation, especially for ES requirements


The risk assessment of firedamper installations

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The risk assessment of fire damper installations - ASFP risk assessment of fire damper... · 9 THE RISK ASSESSMENT OF FIRE DAMPER INSTALLATIONS. Regulation - ADB The following slides