Testing of HVAC dampers

  • Safety notice: 6/2005
  • Issue date: September 2005

Introduction

1. This notice highlights the need for adequate inspection and testing of safety-critical HVAC dampers, at an appropriate frequency, in order to secure confidence in their operation and reliability.

Background

2. Generally, HVAC dampers are designed to close in response to a number of initiating conditions, eg confirmed smoke or gas ingress. A recent programme of HSE inspections has identified shortcomings in inspection and testing regimes of HVAC dampers that have resulted in dampers failing to perform their required function under test. Common deficiencies include:

Recommended action

3. Dutyholders should ensure that:

This approach is in line with the principles of prevention as outlined in the ACOP and guidance to the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. In particular, paragraph 30 of the guidance advises dutyholders to 'control risks at source, rather than taking palliative measures'.

Relevant legal requirements

4. The relevant legal requirements are as follows.

Further information

Any queries relating to this notice should be addressed to:

Health and Safety Executive
Hazardous Installations Directorate
Offshore Division
Lord Cullen House
Fraser Place
Aberdeen
AB25 3UB
Tel: 01224 252500
Fax: 01224 252615

This guidance is issued by the Health and Safety Executive. Following the guidance is not compulsory and you are free to take other action. But if you do follow the guidance you will normally be doing enough to comply with the law. Health and safety inspectors seek to secure compliance with the law and may refer to this guidance as illustrating good practice

Updated 2021-02-16