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With more companies waking up to the critical safety needs of their buildings, the release of the revised guidance document DW145 ‘Installation of Fire Dampers and Smoke Dampers’ by the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) marks a significant step forward in ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations, particularly concerning the installation of fire and smoke dampers. The significance of Fire Dampers Fire dampers are essential components in any building’s fire safety mechanisms. Playing an essential role in maintaining the integrity of fire-resisting walls and floors by preventing smoke and fire passing through ductwork. This new guidance highlights the importance of meticulous installation, routine testing, and ongoing maintenance to ensure that fire dampers function as they should in the event of an incident. ‍Key Takeaways from the Revised Guidance Document Emphasis on Penetration Seals:One of the major updates in the guidance is the emphasis on penetration seals which are vital for maintaining the fire-stopping integrity of walls and floors. The guidance highlights that sealing when done correctly can dramatically reduce the risk of fire and smoke spreading in case of an incident. Ensuring Easy Access for Maintenance: Throughout the planning stage of the installation process there needs to be one eye on whether the fire dampers can be easily accessed for maintenance and testing. By proactively addressing these issues in the planning stage one can prevent issues before they arise and ensure that all systems comply with safety regulations. Seeking Expert Advice:Not every installation goes smoothly and complex issues will arise, the guidance simply encourages relying on the experience of experts in the event one encounters issues. Damper manufacturers themselves have the expertise and best practice demands collaboration to ensure continuity of quality from manufacture to service and maintenance. Strict Adherence to Manufacturer Instructions:Compliance with manufacturers’ guidelines is non-negotiable. The updated document clarifies any ambiguities in these instructions to prevent standard installation and maintenance errors that could endanger safety. ‍What does it mean for Business Owners and Managers As a business owner or facility manager taking proactive steps, when it comes to fire safety, is a must. Given the revised guidance from BESA,  there are a few practical steps that are easily actionable which we’ve highlighted below: Schedule Regular Fire Damper Testing and Maintenance:Ensure that adequate time and resources are available to schedule regular testing and maintenance. This is something that Chute Fire can help with, with long term service and maintenance plans available. Review Dampers Regularly: Assess the current state of your fire dampers. If you notice anything out of place, it’s vital to take swift action to rectify these issues to ensure that the dampers continue to function as they should. Ask the Experts:Don’t hesitate to consult with Chute Fire for tailored advice regarding your fire damper installations, we can offer bespoke solutions and answer any of your damper related questions. Carry Out Remedial Works:The best time to plant a tree was yesterday, the second best time is today – that is to say if issues are identified, don’t wait for something to go wrong. You can rely on Chute Fire’s expertise to do remedial work. Our qualified professionals can make the required adjustments to guarantee compliance with all safety regulations. ‍A Collective Responsibility The lessons from history need to be learned, fire safety isn’t a nice to have, it’s an unequivocal legal and moral requirement. The updated guidance from BESA acts only as a signpost for enhancing building fire safety but it requires action from those responsible. By taking the necessary steps today, business owners and managers can create safer environments for their employees, customers, and the communities they operate in. By employing these strategies you not only safeguard your property but showcase your commitment to safety and compliance. At Chute Fire, we believe in the importance of continuous improvement in building safety standards. Collaboratively we can significantly reduce risks and ensure a safe environment with vigilance, expert knowledge, and proactive management. ‍Conclusion In conclusion, the release of the revised BESA DW145 guidance is a necessary advancement in the establishment of robust fire safety measures. As we navigate this evolving landscape, being aware of and implementing the best practices outlined in the document is critical. If you have any questions about how this new guidance impacts your business or need assistance with fire damper testing, maintenance, or installation, contact us today.  

Everyone here at Chute Fire Certification UK is very proud of the work we do, and for the most part whilst we toil in bin rooms making communities safer one chute at a time, it can at times feel somewhat anonymous. That is why we’re so pleased and proud that for the second year running we find ourselves being shortlisted by the UK Housing Awards in the Innovator of the Year – Independent category. We work hard to maintain high standards and are constantly seeking opportunities to develop our products and services to ensure we remain at the forefront of industry evolutions. Our innovative 2 in 1 chute safe fire protection systems are at the cutting edge in fire protection for refuse and laundry chutes, certified up to 4 hours and rated as a premium product by a third party accredited fire safety company, it this kind of innovation that was picked up by the awards committee, and whilst we’re up against stiff competition, it’s always nice to be thought of! MD, Avene Furness expressed gratitude at once again being recognized in this niche field, ‘We work hard for our clients, and never want to take anything for granted when it comes to keeping them happy, but when we have little wins like this, when we are recognized by the industry it does feel like an acknowledgement of that hard work.’ No matter which way the wind blows come the night of the awards, Chute Fire will carry on quietly going about our business, we like awards, almost as much as we like having happy customers!

Awards shortlists seem to be a bit like buses, you wait for ages and then three come along at once. Hot on the heels of FSM Awards shortlisting earlier this month – once again everyone at Chute Fire Certification UK is delighted to announce that our erstwhile leader Avene Furness TIFSM AIOSH SSSTS has been shortlisted for Inside Housing‘s Housing Heroes and Women in Housing’s 2024 awards for not just one award, but two – Woman of the Year and Professional of the Year! Splendid and well deserved recognition. Avene had this to say, ‘Of course, it’s very flattering to be shortlisted, but I don’t kid myself that this award is just about me, it’s the industry’s way of recognising the expertise and professionalism that everyone at Chute tries to bring to every job we set foot on. Being shortlisted for Professional of the Year is particularly gratifying however, in such a male orientated sector, not being defined exclusively by my gender but rather the calibre of my work makes me very pleased.’

Avene Furness, Chute Fire’s founder and director has been shortlisted as a finalist in the prestigious Fire & Security Matters awards, in the exclusive category of Fire Industry Woman of the Year. This is a category that recognises the very best within the industry and specifically looking at the many bright and talented women, like Avene, who, day in, day out are seeking to change and improve the way things are done. It is innovation and bold leadership that is the guiding principle of our mission statement and has led Chute to be the company it is today and why we are so proud that this is being recognised by FSM with this nomination.    Avene has carved a distinct path in the predominantly male fire safety industry. Her approach transcends gender perceptions, focusing instead on expertise and hands-on involvement. “I don’t think I’m looked at as a woman, or rather it’s never played a part in terms of how I’ve approached the work,” she states, underlining that her success is rooted in her depth of knowledge and willingness to be actively involved in all aspects of her business. She emphasises the importance of being well-informed and capable of independently handling client queries and challenges on site. “My clients see me on site, they see me getting dirty as part of the job,” she says, showcasing her commitment to leading by example.    The awards take place at the CBS Arena in Coventry on June 12th 2024 where Avene will join other finalists from within the industry to duke it out for the top spot.    The full list of finalists can be found at: https://www.fsmatters.com/FSM-Awards-2024-shortlist-revealed

Exciting news! At Chute Fire Certification UK we constantly strive for excellence in our field, but crucially we also understand when to defer to specialists outside our own area – which is why we are delighted to announce that from today we have formed a strategic partnership with Elite Fire Stop & A1 Fire Stopping and Drilling Services. As experts in fire stopping and passive fire protection, we have known of and worked alongside one another for years, so today’s announcement feels somewhat inevitable, but as their new website shows, we are now actively working together to help simplify everything for our clients. If you would be interested in understanding what either Chute Fire or Elite can do for you or your clients, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.  https://www.elitefirestop.co.uk/chute-fire  

We are excited to share details of an article about Chute Fire Certification that has been published in the International Fire and Safety Journal .Click Here to see what they had to say.