Fire damper access door is painted shut, seized, or will not open

Do not force it open or damage the rated surface without direction. Document it and get foreman/GC coordination before inspection or ceiling close.

Stop if

• This damper access door is painted/seized and will not open. Who owns opening or repairing it before inspection?

Watch out

• Do not break paint/rated surfaces or force the access door as a solo apprentice fix.

Check

• Photo the door, latch, paint/seal, and surrounding rated wall/ceiling.
• Do not pry, drill, grind, or cut without direction.
• Tell foreman and ask who owns freeing/repairing access.
• Track it before inspection.

Steps

• Photo the door, latch, paint/seal, and surrounding rated wall/ceiling.
• Do not pry, drill, grind, or cut without direction.
• Tell foreman and ask who owns freeing/repairing access.
• Track it before inspection.

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