Swift Fire Compliance, a UK provider of fire safety consultancy, risk assessment, and compliance services, has partnered with BESA (the Building Engineering Services Association), a UK trade body representing contractors and businesses in the building engineering services sector, to launch a new training course covering the inspection and maintenance of fire dampers in line with updated industry standards and legislation.
The Fire Damper Inspection and Maintenance course is designed for facilities managers, building services engineers, and fire stopping professionals. It aligns with the latest BESA DW145 guidance and the National Occupational Standard BSEFSD04, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical training.
The course follows changes introduced through the Building Safety Act and the revision of BESA DW145 during 2024 and 2025, which strengthened requirements for the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire dampers.
Under current guidance, fire dampers should be accessible, inspected, and tested annually, with digital records (including photographic evidence) maintained as part of the building’s ‘Golden Thread’ of safety information.
According to the organisations, fewer than 1% of buildings comply with the core requirements of DW145, while around 70% of fire dampers fail their first inspection.
Training reflects updated fire safety requirements
Abbey Maxwell, Director of Shared Services at Swiftclean, says, “It’s clear from BESA’s figures that the majority of existing commercial buildings in the UK need to be brought up to scratch when it comes to fire safety.
“We are delighted, therefore, to be able to deliver this new course to our customers, responding to the urgent requirement for technical competence and more rigorous safety practices, further strengthening our commitment to supporting businesses in our sector to meet the highest levels of compliance, improving building safety overall.”
The EAL-approved course combines online learning with practical training at Swiftclean’s Training Academy in Southend-on-Sea.
It covers:
• Principles and practice of fire dampers, smoke dampers, and ventilation systems
• Relevant legislation, guidance, policies, and procedures
• Design and installation awareness
• Preparing for inspection and maintenance
• Inspection and testing procedures
• Maintenance and fault identification
• System handover
Candidates are assessed through a written knowledge check, a supervised practical assessment, and a workplace portfolio demonstrating competence in the inspection, testing, and maintenance of fire dampers.
Successful candidates receive an EAL certificate, which can be used to apply for the Blue Skilled Worker SKILLcard.
The course is intended for those already working in fire damper inspection or related roles with experience in HVAC, facilities management, or fire stopping.
Candidates must also hold a current Health & Safety Test, which can be completed online through the BESA Academy before training.
For more from BESA, click here.
