BESA updates DW145 guidance to improve fire and smoke damper safety
Iain Hoey
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Revised guidance supports building safety improvements
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has released an updated version of its longstanding guidance, DW145, titled ‘DW145 – Fire Dampers (E/EI) and Leakage Guide to Good Practice for Installation, Design and Selection, Inspection and Maintenance’.
The update forms part of BESA’s ongoing efforts to enhance fire safety measures in the wake of the Grenfell Tower disaster.
According to BESA, its recent inspections revealed numerous fire dampers and smoke dampers that failed to comply with manufacturers’ guidelines.
The revised DW145 document addresses statutory requirements under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (England and Wales) and the Fire Safety (Scotland) Regulations 2006.
The guidance also emphasises the importance of penetration seals in ensuring fire-stopping integrity and highlights challenges related to accessibility for maintenance teams.
Key updates in fire and smoke damper safety
BESA identified revising DW145 as a priority following the Grenfell Tower public inquiry.
Kevin Morrissey, chair of BESA’s technical committee, said: “Since the Grenfell Tower disaster the building services industry has, quite rightly, faced increasingly intensive scrutiny.
“As a result, the Association has been urgently reviewing its technical guidance and supporting this work with the provision of targeted training.”
The revisions clarify key issues, including the necessity of system designs that allow straightforward access for testing, repairs, and fault investigations.
Additionally, it advises seeking expert guidance when there is uncertainty during specification or installation processes.
Enhancements to ensure compliance and reduce risks
The updated guidance also addresses variability in manufacturers’ instructions, which has caused confusion in the past.
It provides clear benchmarks and illustrative examples of typical installations to assist compliance.
BESA stressed the importance of detailed installation documentation, recommending photographic evidence for each stage of the installation.
This approach aims to provide clarity for clients while minimising risks for contractors.
“The committee behind the revision…have done the industry a great service,” Morrissey added.
“This new document delivers a new industry benchmark for the installation, testing, and maintenance of fire and smoke dampers.”
Training opportunities for industry professionals
To complement the updated DW145 guidance, the BESA Academy offers a short Fire and Smoke Damper Awareness training course.
This online course covers legal obligations, installation techniques, and asset referencing to avoid common errors.
Non-BESA members can access a DW145 training bundle, which includes the guidance document and training.
BESA members benefit from free access to DW145 and a discounted training rate of £44 plus VAT.
The updated DW145 document can be downloaded from the BESA website.
Revised DW145 guidance published to improve fire and smoke damper safety: Summary
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has released an updated DW145 guidance document addressing fire and smoke damper installation and maintenance.
Developed to improve fire safety measures after the Grenfell Tower disaster, the guidance highlights the importance of compliance with fire safety laws in England, Wales, and Scotland.
The revised document addresses accessibility challenges, provides installation examples, and stresses the need for adherence to manufacturers’ instructions.
It also recommends detailed documentation, including photographic evidence, to support compliance.
The BESA Academy now offers a related training course to enhance industry awareness and reduce installation errors.
Both BESA members and non-members can access the updated guidance and training through the association’s website.
