Protect damper access and rated assembly requirements: not checking blade swing before fastening duct.
High-risk starter answer - stop before covering, blocking, fastening, modifying, insulating, or closing anything around a fire/smoke damper, ceiling radiation damper, access door, or rated assembly. Anything that interferes with the blade or actuator can stop the damper from doing its job.
Ask when access is missing/blocked, damper type is unclear, rated construction is involved, or manufacturer/AHJ detail is not known.
Watch out
Do not treat damper or rated-assembly work like normal duct. Do not drive screws or fasteners where they can interfere with the blade, sleeve, actuator, or listed installation detail.
Check
Confirm the damper type and exact location.
Find the access side, label, actuator, fusible link, sleeve, blade area, or inspection point.
Check that permanent access remains reachable after walls, ceiling, insulation, hangers, and other trades are installed.
Check for screws, liner, insulation, duct edges, or debris in the blade/swing path before cover.
Steps
Identify damper type and label.
Find access side, actuator/handle, and blade path.
Check whether duct, insulation, ceiling, or another trade blocks access.
Focus on the actual issue: not checking blade swing before fastening duct.
Photograph or mark the condition if someone else needs to approve it.
Say this to your foreman
In Fire/Smoke Dampers, Access Doors & Rated Assemblies, I'm looking at: Blade swing before fastening duct not checked. What should I verify before I cut, drill, seal, cover, move, or install?