New Jersey Law Establishes Fire & Smoke Damper and Smoke Control System Inspection Requirements

A new New Jersey law now formally regulates fire and smoke damper inspections and smoke control system testing, establishing required inspection intervals and certification standards for contractors performing this work in the state.

The legislation, P.L. 2023, c.186, known as the Fire Life Safety Damper and Smoke Control System Inspection Verification Act, creates a defined compliance framework and places enforcement authority with the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.

While this law applies specifically to New Jersey, SMCA members who perform work across state lines or provide fire life safety services should be aware of these requirements.

What the Law Requires

Under the new law:

• Fire dampers, smoke dampers, and combination fire/smoke dampers must be inspected in accordance with the Uniform Fire Code:

  • Once every four years

  • Hospitals once every six years

• Smoke control systems must be inspected and tested:

  • Annually for dedicated smoke control systems

  • Semiannually for non-dedicated smoke control systems

• All inspections and testing must be performed by properly certified contractors operating within their approved certification class and holding a valid New Jersey Fire Protection Contractor Business Permit

Contractors that are not certified through the State of New Jersey will not be permitted to perform this work.

Certification and Enforcement

The law formally recognizes certifications issued under ANSI ISO/IEC 17024–accredited programs, including ICB Fire Life Safety certifications, and assigns enforcement responsibility to the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety.

This framework creates a clear compliance pathway for qualified union contractors and reinforces fire life safety inspections as a regulated scope of work.

Why This Matters to Contractors

• Establishes fire life safety inspection work as a regulated and enforceable scope

• Creates a clear certification pathway for qualified contractors

• Limits the work to properly credentialed firms, helping level the playing field

• May signal similar regulatory approaches in other states

Resources and Reference Documents

To support awareness and compliance, the following resources are available:

• Full text of New Jersey law (P.L. 2023, c.186)
  (Statutory reference for inspection and certification requirements)

• ICB Fire Life Safety Related Certifications Reference
  (Overview of ICB certifications applicable to fire and smoke damper and smoke control system work)

• New Jersey Division of Fire Safety Certification Portal User Guide
  (Step-by-step instructions for contractor certification through the State of New Jersey)

SMCA will continue sharing relevant regulatory updates that may impact members working in the region.