Tag: Fire Shutters

The Hidden Role of Security Shutters in Workplace Safety

Are you taking all the right steps to secure your premises and protect them from security threats? Measures like fencing, CCTV, alarm systems and regular security audits are all essential, but reliable security shutters will always be the first line of defence for commercial and industrial premises.

So, find out what role our safety shutters play in protecting British businesses and what protections they offer your premises (including ones that you might not have even considered).

Controlled Access

Our security roller shutters are suitable for all commercial, industrial and retail applications, from small openings to large entryways. They are manufactured from robust steel or aluminium lath, depending upon your preferences, and installed to provide your premises with the best protection against unwanted access.

Our shutters create a strong barrier that stops any security threats in their tracks and since all our products are made to order we are able to offer you a range of optional design features. Whether you need a custom-sized shutter, a particular visual lath type, or even a coloured powder coating or galvanised finish, our customisable shutters are here to safeguard your premises, team and goods.

Secure Operation

Aside from functioning as a strong deterrent against unauthorised access and a resilient physical barrier against any break-in attempts, our resilient shutters are also compatible with a range of access systems.

We offer internal and external access systems to limit access to authorised personnel only and keep you in complete control of who enters your premises. We also offer a remote operation option, so your shutters can be opened and closed from anywhere on site to speed up loading processes and quickly secure an area in the event of a security issue.

Fire Safety

As the owner of the premises, it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with all safety standards and regulations, including those for fire safety. For most places of business this requires the installation and maintenance of fire rated shutters to contain fires, reduce damage and protect lives.

At UK Rapid Doors, we offer three types of fire shutter doors to compartmentalise the different sections of a building and protect evacuation routes in an emergency. Whichever option you choose, all of our fire shutters are certified to provide 240 minutes of integrity to give your team plenty of time to evacuate and maximise the chances of the fire being extinguished before it reaches the other areas of the building.

Retail Security

Whilst your retail premises might be equipped with security cameras and intruder alarms, it is shop security shutters that will physically protect your store and see off any threats to its security.

Our retail shutters, like our other security shutters, are available with manual or electric operation to offer fast access for your team and an impenetrable barrier for unauthorised parties. Yet it’s not all just about security – for premises that require ventilation and illumination, we can manufacture perforated shutters with a vision curtain to provide the visibility you need without compromising on the shutters’ integral strength.

Weather Protection

Our security roller shutters don’t just keep out unwanted visitors, they also keep out external weather conditions and prevent the damage that they cause. Prolonged exposure to strong storms, high winds and heavy snowfall can damage industrial equipment and create issues for your daily operations, so don’t allow opportunistic intruders to take advantage of weather-damaged security systems to gain access to your property.

Instead, stop them in their tracks and maintain a secure working environment in even the worst weather conditions with our shutters. Every shutter we offer is manufactured with a galvanised finish to prevent rust and comes with a 1 year warranty to give your premises the lasting protection that your business deserves.

Our Security Shutters Range

Here at UK Rapid Door Systems we manufacture and install a range of security shutters for all industrial, retail and commercial environments.

All of our shutters are custom built in the West Midlands, so whether your premises require additional security for your stock or improved fire shutters to protect your team, contact us today to discuss your requirements.

How Fire Shutters Can Help Protect Your Business

Installing fire rated shutters which are in line with safety regulations is a necessity in places of business to protect you, your team and customers. Fire shutters offer a physical barrier in wall openings to help prevent the spread of fire in case of an emergency.

Fire Shutter Types

At UK Rapid Door Systems, we have three types of fire shutter designs available:

Fire Stopper Insulated Fire Shutter provides 8 minutes insulation with 240 minutes integrity. Its design features a twin skin steel lath construction which allows up to a 96% radiant reduction, meaning combustible materials can be stored 500mm away from a fire of 1250 degrees.

Fire Stopper Industrial Fire Shutter has been designed with the aim to stop compartmental fire spreading up to 10m wide x 7m high maximum. This is alongside 240 minutes of fire integrity.

Fire Stopper Commercial Fire Shutter has been created with server, commercial and office applications in mind. Within its design, it features a compact bracket, side guide and canopy design for an unobtrusive fire barrier while closed and offers 240 minutes fire integrity.

Benefits of Fire Safety Shutters

Fire is a very powerful element, which can cause great risk to any properties, including warehouses, factories and retail units. While being a threat to your property, it is also a threat to people and very difficult to control without the right equipment. Fire safety shutters are designed to reduce the spread of fire, without compromising the shutter’s integrity. While fire shutters may look very similar to a standard roller shutter, they offer so much more.

Some fire safety shutters can be connected to local heat and smoke detectors or fire alarm systems, so that when a signal is sent the shutter knows to act. Depending on your control panel settings, the fire shutter should know whether to open or close as instructed.

When instructed to close, fire safety shutters can compartmentalise areas of large buildings to control the spread of the fire. By enclosing the hazard, this can allow people inside of the property additional time to evacuate safely.

Additional Fire Safety

In addition to fire rated shutters, there are several other ways to improve fire safety on your premises.

Fire exits should provide a clear pathway, not blocked from an overload of packages or equipment. Providing a clear route for the fire exit will allow people to evacuate without causing further panic or confusion. To assist your fire exits, your fire exit procedures should also be visibly displayed throughout your building so everyone is informed.

Fire alarms should undergo regular inspections to check they are working properly, as well as routine practice emergency evacuation drills to ensure that all employees and visitors confidently know what to do in the event of an emergency.

Fire extinguishers should be positioned within easy reach at prominent points in your building. Meanwhile they should be regularly maintained following recommendations from the manufacture and fire regulations.

Flammable materials most often provide storage and handling guidance from their manufacture, such as their temperature and ventilation requirements. However, you should also be aware of other flammable materials, including paper and cardboard.

By implementing the right fire safety procedures, in addition to your fire rated shutters, you can feel more confident in knowing how to conduct yourself in the event of an emergency. If you have any questions regarding your newly installed fire rated shutters, please ask our team who will be happy to guide you through the set up and management.