Fire rated roller shutter doors

[edit] Introduction

Fire-rated roller shutter doors are fire-resisting closures designed to restrict the spread of fire through openings in walls or other fire-resisting construction. They are used in commercial, industrial and other buildings where openings for the movement of people, goods or vehicles must be protected as part of the building's fire safety strategy. Applications can include warehouses, factories, retail premises, loading bays and service areas.

Unlike conventional roller shutters, fire-rated roller shutters are designed and tested to provide a specified level of fire resistance. Their effectiveness depends on the performance of the complete assembly, including the shutter curtain, guides, supporting structure, closing mechanism and associated controls. Correct specification, installation, commissioning and maintenance are essential to ensure that the shutter operates as intended during a fire.

[edit] How fire-rated roller shutter doors work

A fire-rated roller shutter typically consists of an interlocking metal curtain that travels vertically within guide channels and rolls around a barrel above the opening. Depending on the design, the system may incorporate fire-resistant materials, insulation, a protective enclosure and other components needed to achieve the required fire performance.

The shutter is normally held open during everyday operation and is designed to close automatically when triggered by an appropriate fire detection or alarm system, or by another specified release mechanism. Closing may be controlled by gravity, a powered mechanism or a combination of systems, depending on the product design. The controls must provide the required response to a fire signal, including any specified delay, warning or safety functions.

A fire-rated shutter is intended to limit fire spread through an opening and maintain the fire separation provided by the surrounding construction. It should not be assumed to prevent smoke movement unless the complete system has also been designed and tested to provide the required smoke-control performance. Nor should a fire shutter be regarded as a substitute for adequate means of escape or other fire protection measures.

[edit] Fire resistance and performance

Fire resistance is established through testing and classification in accordance with the applicable standards and regulatory requirements. Ratings commonly specified for roller shutters include 60, 120 and 240 minutes, although available classifications depend on the product and its intended application. The required performance should be determined by the building's fire strategy and the fire-resistance requirements for the wall or compartment in which the shutter is installed.

Fire resistance classifications may distinguish between integrity, which relates to the prevention of flames and hot gases passing through the assembly, and insulation, which relates to limiting heat transfer. The relevant classification and performance criteria must be checked against the applicable test evidence and specification. A stated fire resistance period should not be interpreted as a guarantee that the shutter will remain effective for that duration in every real fire.

The performance of the shutter depends on the complete installed assembly and its supporting construction. An opening protected by a fire-rated shutter must be detailed so that the surrounding wall, lintel, fixings and other interfaces do not undermine the required fire separation. The shutter should be suitable for the dimensions, operating conditions and environment of the opening.

[edit] Applications and benefits

Fire-rated roller shutters are commonly used where large openings need to be closed during a fire but must remain accessible during normal operations. In warehouses and factories, they can protect openings between production areas, storage areas and circulation routes. In retail premises and shopping centres, they may form part of the separation between units, public areas and back-of-house spaces. They can also be used at service openings and other locations identified in the fire strategy.

Their principal function is to restrict the spread of fire and help maintain compartmentation. Depending on the design and location, they may also provide security against unauthorised access when closed. However, security performance and fire resistance are separate characteristics and must be specified and verified independently.

The automatic operation of a fire shutter can reduce reliance on manual intervention during an emergency. Its suitability depends on the intended use of the opening, the fire strategy, the arrangement of escape routes and the need for continued access by people or vehicles.

[edit] Integration with automatic and external roller shutters

Automatic roller shutters are often used to control access to retail units, commercial premises and industrial buildings. A conventional security shutter is not necessarily fire-resistant, and its ability to open or close automatically does not establish compliance with fire safety requirements. Where both functions are needed, the selected system must provide documented evidence of the required fire performance as well as the necessary operating and security functions.

External roller shutters are commonly installed at building entrances, loading bays and storage areas. A fire-rated external shutter may be appropriate in specific circumstances, but its suitability must be established from the design, test evidence and intended exposure conditions. A standard external security shutter should not be assumed to prevent fire spreading between buildings or to provide protection against external fire exposure.

Fire-rated shutters should be coordinated with the fire alarm system, any local detection devices, building management systems and the power supply arrangements. The design should establish what happens in the event of a fire signal, power failure, control-system fault or obstruction. Any safety devices and control functions must be compatible with the shutter's tested configuration and intended operation.

[edit] Specification, installation and maintenance

Selection should begin with the required fire resistance classification, opening dimensions, frequency of use, environmental conditions and operational requirements. The specification should identify the relevant test and classification evidence, installation limitations, supporting construction requirements and any additional smoke-control or security performance needed. Products should be selected on the basis of appropriate evidence rather than a general claim that they are fire-rated.

Installation must follow the product's tested or assessed configuration and the manufacturer's instructions. The shutter guides, supporting structure, fixings, curtain, barrel, closing mechanism and control equipment must be installed correctly. Unauthorised changes to components or installation details can compromise fire performance. Commissioning should confirm that the shutter responds correctly to the specified fire signal and operates as intended.

Inspection and maintenance are necessary to preserve performance throughout the service life of the system. The regime should follow the manufacturer's instructions, applicable legal requirements and the building's fire safety management arrangements. Checks may include the condition of the curtain and guides, the operation of the closing mechanism, detection and release interfaces, safety devices and any backup arrangements. Defects should be rectified promptly, and inspection, testing and maintenance records should be retained.

[edit] Regulatory considerations

Fire-rated roller shutters form part of a building's overall fire safety provisions and should be specified in accordance with the applicable building regulations, fire safety legislation and relevant standards. Requirements vary across the UK, so the appropriate national guidance and regulatory framework should be established for each project. In England, Approved Document B provides guidance on fire safety in relation to the Building Regulations; separate technical guidance applies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The shutter's required performance should be established through the building's fire strategy and the relevant fire-resisting construction requirements. The design should also consider means of escape, accessibility, the movement of people and vehicles, and the interaction between the shutter and other fire safety systems. A fire-rated shutter should not obstruct an escape route or create an unacceptable hazard when it closes.

Responsibility for ensuring that the system remains suitable and operational should be addressed through the building's fire safety management arrangements. This includes appropriate inspection, maintenance, testing and the management of defects or changes to the building.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings

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• Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
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• Fire Doors (DG 524)
• Fire door inspection scheme (FDIS)
• Self-closing fire door
• How fire doors can save lives
• Evolving fire door testing standards