Built-in fire protection in buildings can save lives in the event of a fire, but only if hvac systems are correctly installed and regularly maintained, says Darren Ling.
Passive or built-in fire protection (PFP) is probably the most important aspect of fire safety in buildings. Building regulations require that PFP measures are taken to contain the spread of smoke, heat and flames should a fire occur.

PFP measures include installing fire-separating elements such as fire doors, fire-resistant glass and fire-rated ducting; these can stop fire spreading, typically by two hours, so building occupants can escape safely and the fire service can enter the building with minimal risk.

In a building's ventilation system, fire dampers can prevent ductwork conveying fire from one area to another. Heat and smoke travelling down a ventilation system will activate a mechanical stop to release the fire damper shutter, which will contain the fire to its point of origin.

If the shutters are clogged with dirt, dust or grease, fire could spread throughout the building in a matter of minutes. That is why it is essential to check fire dampers regularly to make sure they are operating effectively.

The British Standard 9999:2008 Code of Practice for Fire Safety in the Design, Management and Use of Buildings gives recommendations and guidance on the design, management and use of buildings to achieve acceptable levels of fire safety.

Under the topic of routine inspection and maintenance of air conditioning ductwork, the BS 9999 says: 'Maintenance of air conditioning and ventilating equipment, including air filters, motors, fire dampers and their controls, smoke detectors and alarms, is of paramount importance both in preventing fire and in ensuring that measures taken to mitigate consequences are effective when needed.'

Fire damper tests

Fire damper tests are integral to any fire maintenance regime. Although there is no direct responsibility on the contractor or installer for fire safety in buildings - it is the function of the 'responsible person' nominated by the owner or occupier of the building - having an understanding of the latest fire safety regulations is good practice.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 states that where necessary, in order to safeguard the safety of relevant persons, the 'responsible person' must ensure that the premises and any facilities, equipment and devices provided are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are kept in efficient working order and in good repair.

More specific advice on the maintenance of fire dampers is covered in BS 9999 which recommends that all fire dampers should be tested at regular intervals not exceeding two years, spring operated fire dampers should be tested annually, and fire dampers in dust-laden and similar atmospheres should be tested more frequently.

It also puts the duty of care on the building owner to minimise the fire risks by maintaining the ductwork properly, which means regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of dust, dirt and other contaminants that can cause blockages and pose a health risk to building occupants.

Breaches of these regulations leave those responsible vulnerable to the Corporate Manslaughter Act 2007, which can lead to prosecution including fines and a jail sentence.

In July this year, a fire risk assessor and a hotel manager were jailed for eight months and ordered to pay hefty fines for fire safety offences.

On routine inspections of the hotel manager's two hotels in Mansfield, officers from Nottingham Fire and Rescue Service discovered that both premises were providing sleeping accommodation on the upper floors without adequate fire safety precautions to safeguard building occupants.

The fire risk assessor had prepared assessments for both premises, but failed to identify a number of significant deficiencies, which would have placed occupants at serious risk in the event of fire. For these offences, he pleaded guilty to two counts of failing to provide a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment and was fined £5,860.

Employ competent suppliers

The hotel manager pleaded guilty to offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and was ordered to pay costs of £15,000.

This incident highlights that, when commissioning risk assessments and maintenance work in buildings, it is essential to employ highly trained, competent suppliers who are able to give evidence of their skills and, in the case of ventilation cleaning and fire damper testing, can carry out work to the HVCA's TR/19 standards.

• Darren Ling is a director of System Hygienics, part of the Hotchkiss Group