University of Cambridge – King’s College Buildings

Fire Damper Inspections Programme 24 Sites Across Campus

The Client

Client University of Cambridge – King’s College Buildings

A historic and operationally complex campus environment requiring robust fire safety compliance, clear reporting, and minimal disruption to day-to-day building use.

Contract and Project Overview

Nitor Ventilation Limited was appointed to undertake a campus-wide fire damper inspection programme across 24 designated sites, forming part of the University’s compliance and asset assurance responsibilities.

The project focused on ensuring fire and smoke dampers remained compliant, functional, and correctly recorded for future inspection cycles and statutory reporting.

Scope of Works Delivered

The scope included fire damper inspections across 24 sites, with a blend of:

Full inspection locations (multi-day allocations for larger buildings)

Survey-only sites to confirm the presence (or absence) of fire dampers prior to full inspection planning

The Challenge

Fire damper inspection work across a historic university estate introduces key challenges, including:

Multiple building types with variable access constraints

Limited historic data and uncertainty around damper presence and prior inspection history

The need for clear asset identification, consistent reporting, and photographic evidence for compliance

Managing inspections safely and efficiently in occupied environments

Our Approach

Nitor delivered a structured and auditable inspection approach, aligned to recognised standards and legislation.

1) Compliance-Led Testing Standards

The inspections were undertaken in line with recognised guidance and compliance requirements including:

BS 9999, VH001, DW145, BSEFSD01 and supporting regulatory frameworks such as Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Approved Document B.

2) Robust Asset Identification & Reporting

Each damper was:

• assigned a unique reference (where not already labelled)
• location-recorded with photographs
• tested, reset, and captured with evidence
• supported with written observations against both damper condition and surrounding compartment integrity

3) Structured Testing Methodology

Our process included:

• fusible link inspection and removal
• drop testing and reset
• documenting obstructions, defects, and condition issues

Added Value: “Fix While We Test” Remedial Mindset

A key benefit to the University was our proactive approach to identifying issues at the point of inspection and enabling quick resolution planning.

During inspections, Nitor recorded:

• defects to the damper operation
• surrounding compartment issues
• obstructions by other services
• access constraints (including where additional access panels may be required)

Where remedial works were required, these were:

• recorded, notified, and quoted clearly so issues could be closed out efficiently, without delays or missing actions.

This approach improves value for money by:

• reducing the risk of repeat survey visits
• allowing quicker compliance close-out
• supporting more efficient budgeting and prioritisation of repairs
• helping ensure systems remain operationally effective and compliant

Results and Outcomes

Through this programme, the University of Cambridge benefited from:

1. A consistent fire damper inspection process across 24 sites
2. Clear asset identification and auditable reporting
3. Reduced risk of unknown/unverified dampers within the estate
4. A structured remedial pathway to support ongoing compliance management
5. Improved readiness for internal audits and fire safety assurance
   

Our clients.