Roller shutters have become a key security feature for a variety of different businesses and sectors, boasting several beneficial features – including enhanced fire safety, energy efficiency, alongside damage and vandalism control. However, without carrying out regular safety and maintenance checks, their performance can be hindered. This guide to roller shutter safety will tell you everything you need to know to enhance their longevity and guarantee safe operation, ensuring that your business is completely protected
Roller shutter law
It is an employer’s responsibility to ensure that any new machinery – roller shutters or otherwise – is completely safe to use. As covered within The Health and Safety etc Act 1974, ensuring that all machinery is in good working order, along with regular maintenance and cleaning is a legal requirement, so it’s essential that all of the necessary safety checks are completed.
PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) also states that all equipment must be safe for use, inspected regularly, and installed in a way that won’t lead to deterioration.
It is now mandatory that all electrically operated doors have a fall back device fitted in order for them to be correctly CE or UKCA marked.
Alongside this, your roller shutters will require a UKCA marking (UK Conformity Assessed marking), as opposed to the pre-Brexit CE marking – this came into immediate effect on the 1st January 2022, applying to most goods sold in Great Britain. With this in mind, a manufacturer must be provide the relevant certification.
If you’re looking for UKCA marked shutters, get in touch with our team today to explore our range.
Safe roller shutter installation and maintenance
To ensure the safe installation and maintenance of your roller shutter, it’s better to rely on the help of a team of fully-trained professionals, like SSS Industrial Doors. Our thorough checks will ensure that your business complies with all the above health and safety requirements, as well as reducing repair costs in the long term. It’s inevitable that your roller shutters will be affected by wear and tear over long periods of time, so always ensure their regular upkeep for your workforce’s safety.
See here for more advice on roller shutter maintenance.
Regular safety checks
Your roller shutters will require regular checks to guarantee that they are safe to operate, so make sure to consistently stay on top of this. As soon as you notice that a part isn’t performing as it should, a grime buildup or experience any delays with the door, log the issue and aim to resolve it as soon as possible.
Here at SSS Industrial Doors, our customers have access to an industrial door repair service and 24-hour call-outs to to make sure that any faults are fixed promptly. For any queries, chat to our team today on 01204 853243.
Health and safety training
It’s imperative that your staff receive thorough training – both practical and technical – in order for them to gain a well-rounded understanding of how to safely operate all types of machinery. This training should always be provided to new members of staff, and repeated regularly to refresh long-term employees. This would be especially necessary if your business has undergone any recent changes, such as an investment in brand new equipment.
Safe operation
In contrast to automatic roller shutters – which are controlled by a remote control – manual roller shutters will require extra care during operation. It should be general practice that any other members of staff in the area should stand clear when doors are being opened, so remind those in control of the machinery to keep a constant eye out.
Manual roller shutters are often equipped with a chain for operation, so staff will need to know how to open and close them safely. Two hands need to be used for full control, using a smooth pulling or releasing motion to prevent both injury and door damage. Under no circumstances should someone attempt to operate roller shutters without using the safety devices provided.
If you’re looking to improve the security of your business, contact us today to explore our range of doors – all designed with safety in mind.
