Fire Resistant Roller Shutters Can Protect Your Business
If you own a business unit or warehouse and you keep goods stored in it, have you ever considered how safe those products are from the threat of fire (as well as from theft) and just how quickly you could evacuate your staff in the event of a fire.
If you take the security and safety of your business, premises and staff seriously, you may be surprised to know that every year many thousands of businesses are damaged by fire but over 40% of these businesses are never re-established.
To add further hardship, many insurance companies often refuse to meet claims because building regulations and Loss Prevention Council requirements have not been met.
However, it's so simple to get the protection you need in the event of a fire breaking out.
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The building regulations state that openings in fire resisting walls or partitions must have a door with an equivalent fire rating to that of the wall or partition. This is not always the case and if you are not sure it is a relatively simple task to check. (Call the Industrial Door Emergency Number on 01935 473708 for a quick response free assessment.)
You may also want to perform a more general fire risk assessment, here are some tips for what you could look for:
Fire Exits:
Fire Exits should be free from any blockages, packages, containers or anything else that would hinder their operation in an emergency. Apart from the obvious threat of preventing an exit in an emergency it can also help to cause panic in a fire situation. Fire exit procedures should be posted throughout the building at keep staff and visitors informed of what to do in an emergency.
Fire Alarms:
Fire Alarms should be regularly inspected and tested. These tests should occur at least once a week and annual fire/ emergency evacuation drills should be performed with staff to ensure they are familiar with exit and assembly points.
Fire Extinguishers:
Fire Extinguishers should also be regularly maintained in accordance with the manufactures recommendations and fire regulations and should be sited in the most appropriate points within easy reach when necessary. Training and Instruction Guides should be available to ensure the right type of extinguisher is used and the safety of individuals is also highlighted in their use.
Flammable Material:
The storage of flammable material is governed by the type and characteristics of the substance. Guidelines for the storage and handling of such material is normally supplied by the manufacturer. Typically it will state the environmental conditions required, including temperature and ventilation. Other combustible material such as paper and cardboard boxes can also prove a threat if poorly stored and may be a fire risk.
Fire Resistant Shutters:
Fire Doors and Shutters can greatly inhibit the spread of fire, giving business owners and emergency services the opportunity to remedy the fire before it causes irreversible damage or injury.
Fire Shutters from Wessex Industrial Doors are custom designed to your specification and differ from standard Roller Shutters in that they are designed to provide 1/2, 1, 2, or 4 hour fire resistance. They can be manufactured in any size with a variety of operating modes.
Door Repair and Maintenance:
Regular maintenance and quick action if repairs are required are essential to provide on-going protection of your business premises and goods. As soon as you detect and malfunction of your doors or shutters contact your maintenance provider to remedy the situation as soon as possible.
This ensures that the Fire Doors or Shutters are as effective as possible in their job, which is to protect your business, your staff and your goods as much as possible.
When would I use a Fire Shutter rather than a Fire Door?
If your business premises has entrances, openings and service hatches into which a standard fire door is too small, fire shutters may be the fire safety solution that you are seeking.
Here’s some things that you need to know about these potentially life and business saving barriers.
What are Fire Shutters?
Fire shutters are a motor-powered screen that rolls down across an opening. They are similar in principle to a motor-powered electric blind.
Where should Fire Shutters be Fitted?
Doorways in a business (whether commercial or retail) property should be fitted with fire doors. However, often buildings have openings and entrances that are too wide to be considered traditional doorways. For example, a fire that started in a workshop or kitchen quickly could spread to other areas of the building through a service or serving hatch. Openings such as these can be fitted with fire shutters that are triggered automatically in the event of a fire.
How do Fire Shutters Work?
Fire shutters are designed to roll down when fire is detected. They are linked to your fire safety and alarm system and will operate automatically upon the detection of smoke or fire. Consequently, when correctly designed and implemented, Fire shutters divide your building into fire safe compartments. This can contain a fire in the section of your building where the fire broke out and slow its progression to other parts of the premises. This can often save both lives and equipment.
Can my Business have Fire Shutters Installed?
It's best to have a site survey conducted by a reputable Fire Shutter and Door Company. Call Wessex Industrial Doors on 01935 473708 to arrange an appointment. One of our experienced engineers will be pleased to review your premises with you and determine how the fire safety of your business could be improved by fire shutters.
We recommend that you consider these fire shutters and doors as an investment, they are very durable and can last for many years and provide the time you need should a fire occur.
If you would like to find out how Wessex Industrial Doors can help you improve the Fire Protection of your Business Premises, or for more information on the Benefits of Fire Resistant Roller Shutters and Doors, get in touch on 01935 473708, Email: enquiry@wessexindustrialdoors.com or visit our website www.wessexindustrialdoors.com
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