You need to secure a fire damper testing solution, but do you know what to ask for and how to compare the pricing of different suppliers? In this article, I address three key issues to help you get the best value, compliant solution:
- The questions you must ask any potential fire damper testing supplier
- Three ways to spot a supplier who could leave you with a non-compliant solution
- How to ask for pricing to enable you to compare different suppliers.
The job of finding a suitable service often falls to the procurement team. I recommend sharing this article with them as an outline of what to ask for when buying fire damper testing services.
The service you’re buying
For clarity, I am focussing on the outsourcing of fire or smoke damper testing services. This means a professional will attend your premises, identify your dampers and subject to accessibility, conduct a damper drop test and reset your damper ready for action. In addition, they will provide you with a complete record of testing and support for performing any remedial works. These last two points are essential, as you will see in the following sections.
What to ask for
Most contractors will ask you for your previous damper testing record; have this ready to supply, it will speed up the quoting process considerably. The last report will enable them to estimate the number of dampers that will require testing and anticipate any issues that may need attention.
Ask for a comprehensive price for surveying and testing of dampers. Many contractors will price this work separately, and you will be paying for a site survey without any work being completed. My recommendation is to look for suppliers who will give you a single price, per damper, this negates the need to survey the site before testing begins, making the process faster and more cost-efficient.
3 Ways to protect yourself from rogue fire damper testing contractors
- Ask your shortlisted suppliers what standards they work to.
The latest standard is the technical bulletin BESA VH001 Version 3. It details how and when damper testing should be carried out and what service should be supplied, as a minimum when working as a contractor. Choosing a contractor who adheres to this standard will help protect you.
Version 3 was published in 2022, to address issues around frequency of testing and testing protocol. Two specific areas you should check are the frequency of testing, which should be annually as a minimum and that your chosen contractor will clean and reset all dampers. - Before instructing a contractor ask them how they can support you with remedial works.
If their service stops at supplying a report, this leaves your team to work out how to fix any issues. I would suggest finding an alternative supplier. You need a contractor who can support you through the whole process and help you achieve compliance in the shortest timeframe.
The process of fire and smoke damper testing is not complete until all remedial works have been carried out and documented.
Remedials are common in most buildings, from simple fixes, such as a replacement fusible link to more complex situations involving repairs to the fire compartment. Regardless of the severity of the issue, all identified issues need to be fully resolved before the building can be deemed compliant. - Asking to see a previous testing report will be a reliable indicator of the level of detail provided. It’s imperative that the supplier you select offers photographic evidence as standard.
Finally, if you are in any doubt, be sure to ask for references from previous clients. Make a quick phone call and check what level of testing was carried out and what additional services were available – be sure they supply the services they claim to.
Simple pricing to make your procurement process easier
Some contractors will price by the hour, others per damper. Some will provide you with a price per site. Accepting estimates in this way makes it almost impossible to compare pricing.
My recommendation is to ask all suppliers to provide a per-damper cost. This means for every identified damper, irrespective of whether it’s accessible for testing is charged at a fixed fee. This enables you to compare different pricing – even if the final tally of dampers in your premises changes.
There are some common fixes which you could factor into your tender process to get pricing upfront. This will give you an indication of remedial work costs, at least as a comparison between suppliers. Typical requirements are:
- Access panel – where ductwork is cut into and a panel fitted to allow the operative access to test the damper, maintaining the integrity of the ductwork.
- Builders hatch – as above, but for use in walls. These should always be fitted to protect the fire compartment, and the fire rating should be maintained.
- Replacement fusible links – a simple change that can be made at the time of testing if required.
A final note on pricing
I urge you not to accept the lowest price based on pounds and pence alone. I have worked with countless clients who have chosen a cheap service and been left with extensive remedial works and retesting costs.
If something looks too cheap at first glance, chances are it is.
