Understanding the New DW145 Fire Damper Regulations (Nov 2024)
Fire Dampers & Building Safety – What’s Changed?
Fire dampers play a critical role in fire safety, ensuring that smoke and fire don’t spread through a building’s ventilation system. However, recent inspections have shown widespread issues with incorrectly installed and maintained dampers, leading to stricter regulations under the recvently updated DW145 standard.
For businesses, property owners, and facilities managers, these changes mean increased scrutiny and legal responsibility. If your fire dampers are outdated or not properly maintained, you could be non-compliant – and that comes with risks.
DW145: What the Rules Were vs. What They Are Now
The Old Regulations
Previously, the DW145 guide set out basic best practices for the installation, design, and maintenance of fire dampers and smoke control dampers. However, it lacked specific benchmarks, leading to inconsistencies between manufacturers, installers, and maintenance teams. This meant:
Some fire dampers were poorly installed, limiting their effectiveness.
Testing procedures varied, creating confusion on what was "good enough" for compliance.
Fire stopping integrity (sealing around dampers) wasn’t always clear, increasing fire spread risks.
The New DW145 Updates – What’s Changed?
The revised DW145 document provides clear, updated requirements to improve fire safety compliance and prevent future tragedies.
✅ Fire Damper Installation Now Requires Full Documentation
Every fire damper installation must be documented with photographic evidence at each stage of the install.
This includes hanging, supporting, sealing, and fire stopping.
If your fire dampers don’t have this level of documentation, your system could be non-compliant.
✅ Stricter Standards for Penetration Seals
Compartmentation breaches caused by poor sealing around fire dampers are a major compliance failure.
The new DW145 guide enforces stronger fire stopping requirements to maintain building fire integrity.
✅ Easier Access for Fire Damper Testing & Maintenance
Dampers must now be installed in a way that allows easy access for testing, repairs, and maintenance.
Hidden or inaccessible dampers are no longer acceptable – if maintenance teams can’t access them, they must be relocated or improved.
✅ Clarity on Manufacturer Guidance
DW145 now standardizes expectations for how dampers should be installed and maintained.
In the past, manufacturer guidelines varied too much, causing confusion.
The new guidance ensures damper installations are consistent across different brands and building types.
✅ Legal Responsibilities Are Now More Defined
Building owners, facilities managers, and businesses are legally responsible for ensuring fire dampers are compliant.
Non-compliance can lead to legal action, fines, and increased fire risks.
What Does This Mean for You?
The new regulations impact multiple sectors, so let’s break it down. Here are some examples:
DW145 for Residential & Homeowners
If you live in a multi-occupancy building (e.g., flats, apartments), your landlord or property manager must ensure that fire dampers meet the updated DW145 guidance.
Compartmentation and fire stopping integrity are now strictly enforced – meaning that fire dampers need to be properly sealed and documented.
Key concern: Does your building’s fire safety plan account for these updates?
DW145 for Commercial Property Owners & Landlords
If you own offices, retail spaces, or warehouses, you must prove your fire dampers are correctly installed and maintained.
New legal risks mean that failing to comply could lead to fines or legal action in the event of a fire.
Key concern: Can you document every stage of your dampers’ installation and prove they are accessible for maintenance?
DW145 for Hospitals & Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals fall under HTM 03-01 regulations, which already require annual testing of fire dampers.
However, the DW145 update reinforces stricter compartmentation rules – meaning hospitals must review their fire damper access points.
Key concern: Are all dampers in compliance with both DW145 and HTM 03-01?
DW145 for Railway Stations & Large Public Buildings
Fire strategy in high-traffic buildings is now under greater scrutiny.
Railway stations, airports, and event venues must meet strict fire stopping requirements to ensure safe evacuation routes.
Key concern: Does your fire damper system align with the latest compartmentation and access standards?
Major Takeaways: What You Need to Know About DW145
1️⃣ If you can’t document your fire dampers’ installation and testing, you’re likely non-compliant.
2️⃣ Fire stopping integrity and penetration seals must be verified and improved where necessary.
3️⃣ Fire dampers must be accessible for testing – hidden or obstructed dampers need corrective action.
4️⃣ Businesses and landlords are now under greater scrutiny and legal responsibility for compliance.
5️⃣ ADP Compliance Ltd can help audit, install, and upgrade your system to meet DW145 requirements.
What to do if your Fire Dampers are at Risk of Non-Compliance:
If you’re unsure whether your fire dampers meet the updated DW145 standard, it’s time to take action. Non-compliance can lead to legal and safety risks. Our team at ADP Compliance Ltd specializes in fire damper maintenance, installation, and remedials to ensure your property meets the latest fire safety regulations.
