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Based on observation and interviews with facility staff, the facility failed to maintain fire and smoke dampers in accordance with NFPA 90A and NFPA 80. Failure to maintain fire and smoke dampers could result in the failure of these devices under fire and smoke conditions resulting in the spread of fire, smoke, and fire gasses throughout multiple smoke compartments thereby endangering the occupants of the building.

Findings include:

On June 13, 2012, at 11:25 AM while on tour of the facility with facility staff, the fire damper identified as number 11 northwall at room 1130 was located in the above ceiling space. The inspection door on the damper was opened and staff noted that the damper was in a half opened position. The fire alarm was activated and the actuator failed to completely close the damper.

NFPA 92A (1996) 4-4 Periodic Testing.
4-4.1 During the life of the building, maintenance is essential to ensure that the smoke-control system will perform its intended function under fire conditions. Proper maintenance of the system should, as a minimum, include the periodic testing of all equipment such as initiating devices, fans, dampers, controls, doors, and windows. The equipment should be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. (See NFPA 90A, Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, for suggested maintenance practices.)