*Important Please Read: this course is for those currently involved in fire damper inspection or related roles.*

In today’s heightened regulatory landscape, fire safety is paramount. The BESA DW145 Fire Damper Inspection and Maintenance Course has been designed based on the recently updated BESA DW145 Technical Guidance and is aligned to the National Occupational Standard ‘Inspect and Maintain Fire Dampers and Smoke Control Dampers’ (BSEFSD04). 

This EAL Approved course will help you deliver work that aligns with current industry benchmarks – giving you, your business and your customers confidence that all work meets the highest standards of safety and quality. 

Course Overview 

This comprehensive course responds to the urgent need for technical competence and rigorous safety practices.

Participants will cover all knowledge and performance criteria of BSEFSD04 and the course aligns with the BESA DW145 guide to good practice.

On successful completion of the course, you will have demonstrated the skills and knowledge to be able to complete fire-damper inspection and maintenance. You will also receive an EAL certificate which can be used to apply for the Blue Skilled Worker SKILLcard.

Completing this course will help you work confidently, compliantly and with greater opportunities for employment.

This is a hybrid course. The theory is delivered online through the BESA Academy, while the practical training and assessment is conducted in person at BESA-approved training centres nationwide. 

Who Is The Course For?

Course Pre-requisites: Important Please Read

This course is recommended for learners 18 years old or over and for those who are currently involved in fire damper inspection or related roles as you will need to complete a portfolio of site-based inspection evidence within a set timeframe.

Suitable experience may include:

• Experience within the HVAC industry with an understanding of fire dampers
• Professionals within the firestopping industry who can provide access to inspection opportunities

It is the learner’s responsibility to obtain and submit the required evidence within a 12-week period.

Health, Safety and Environment Test

You must have an in-date Health and Safety Test. Evidence will need to be uploaded, checked and confirmed prior to starting the practical element of the course.

BESA Academy offer an online test which will save you time and money. Find out more about the BESA Academy Health, Safety and Environment Test for Craft and Operatives or book online now.

DW145 Course: What You Will Learn 

Online Modules: 

1. Principles and Practice of Fire Damper, Smoke Damper and Ventilation Systems

2. Legislation, Guidelines, Policies, Procedures and Protocols

3. Design Awareness

4. Installation Awareness

5. Preparation for Inspection and Maintenance 

6. Inspection and Testing 

7. Maintenance and Faults 

8. Handover 

Practical Training (in Centre) will cover: 

1. Type 1, 2, 3 and 4 inspection types
   Carry out each level of fire damper inspection in line with BESA DW145, from visual checks through to detailed internal examination, identifying defects and assessing condition.

2. Testing 
   Operate and functionally test fire dampers using calibrated instruments and recognised industry methods, confirming correct activation, closure and reset.

3. Maintenance 
   Plan and carry out scheduled maintenance activities including confirming job readiness, coordinating with other trades and site services, and establishing safe isolation procedures where required.

4. Repair
   Remove, replace or repair fire dampers, components and associated equipment, followed by re-inspection and testing to confirm correct operation.

5. Theory test, practical assessment and preparation for portfolio build
   Demonstrate overall competence through a written knowledge check, a supervised practical assessment and guided preparation of evidence for your professional portfolio.

Locate your nearest BESA Approved Training Centre. 

Practical Training Centres and Dates Available Below
Please note: you will be asked to select your preferred dates on completion of the online theory.

Swiftclean (UK) Ltd
Compliance House
Aviation Way
Southend-on-Sea
SS2 6UN

2026 practical dates available with Swiftclean:

• 22 - 24 July
• 10 - 13 August
• 9 - 11 September
• 7 - 9 October
• 4 - 6 November
• 2 – 4 December

2026 practical dates available with Hasman:

• 3 - 5 August
• 30 Sept - 2 Oct
• 19 - 21 Oct
• 23 - 25 Nov
• 2 - 4 Dec

**Further training centres will be available soon: located in Scotland and West Midlands. Complete the short online form to be the first to know.**

Portfolio Build

The portfolio requires to be developed to demonstrate practical skills and knowledge in the inspection, testing and maintenance of fire dampers in accordance with UK legislation and recognised industry guidance.

The portfolio must contain a minimum of four fire damper inspection and maintenance activities from your workplace, which you have personally undertaken.

Once your assessor is satisfied with the evidence provided, you will be invited to a recorded, 30-minute professional discussion to underpin your knowledge and understanding of the activities you have completed.

To evidence the skills and knowledge, the portfolio requires a collection of evidence such as:

• Risk Assessment and Method Statements
• Programme of work
• Fire strategy
• Compartmentation drawings
• Asset register
• Previous inspection reports
• Photographs
• Inspection records
• Maintenance documentation
• Completion report

Why take the BESA DW145 Fire Damper Inspection and Maintenance Course?

• Evidence your competence in fire damper skills and knowledge
• Gain an EAL certificate and access to site through SKILLcard
• Deliver work to the highest standards and you could win more work
• Build confidence and reassurance for you, your business, and your customers by training to the latest and highest standards
• Turn theory into practice with this hybrid learning approach

Course delivery and duration 

This hybrid course consists of a blend of online theory with practical training and assessment delivered in person. The hybrid approach means less time off the job to complete the programme.

1. Online: Four to six hours (depending on experience).
   Once you have successfully completed the online theory through BESA Academy, you can then move on to book your practical training. 
2. Practical training in centre: Three days 
   After completing the practical training and assessments, you will be required to compile a portfolio of work, which will then be presented as part of a professional discussion.
3. Portfolio build: 12 weeks
   To build and present back.

Course cost 

Non-BESA Members: £1,650 +VAT

BESA Members: £1,450 +VAT

The exclusive BESA Member discount will be applied automatically at checkout.

On completion of the course

On successful completion of the BESA DW145 Fire Damper Inspection and Maintenance Course, you will receive an EAL certificate, which will be valid for five years.

You will be able to use this certificate to apply for the Blue Skilled Worker SKILLcard to give you access to site.