Illinois Fire & Smoke Damper Inspection Act

In the unfortunate event of a fire, having a properly installed (and maintained) fire life safety system can be the difference between life and death.

On January 1, 2022, the Illinois Fire & Smoke Damper Inspection Act went into effect. The new law requires that the inspections and testing of all HVAC fire dampers and smoke dampers be conducted by individuals certified by the International Certification Board (ICB) and accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) or another nationally recognized certifying body in HVAC fire life safety.

John Daniel, President and Business Manager at SMART Local 265, touched on this topic during our March Regular Membership Meeting. He emphasized that SMACNA contractors with certified technicians have an incredible opportunity to become the leaders and increase local market share, because all commercial structures that require fire and smoke damper installations must be tested one year after installation and at least once every four years. Additionally, hospitals must have fire and smoke dampers tested at least once every six years.

“Now is the time to learn, train, be the experts and go after the work,” Daniel said.

As part of a public awareness campaign about the Fire & Smoke Damper law, Locals 265 and Local 73 are in the process of developing a website for consumers to locate contractors that have their ICB certification. If you’re an ICB-certified contractor and would like to be listed on the website, contact Tony Adolfs at tony@smacnagreaterchicago.org.