Ensure Reliable Roller Shutter Performance
At Inspection Services (UK) Ltd, we provide expert inspection and testing of roller shutter doors to help you meet your legal obligations and maintain a safe, efficient workplace. Whether installed in warehouses, retail units, schools, or industrial sites, roller shutter doors must be regularly examined to ensure they operate safely and reliably.
Hazards Associated with Roller Shutter Doors - Why They Need Inspecting
Roller shutter doors are vertically opening doors made of interlocking slats that roll up into a coil above the doorway. They can be manually operated or powered by electric motors and are commonly used for security, access control, and fire protection. When they are not maintained in safe working condition, they cause several hazards, some of which have the potential to cause fatal injury. These include:
- Mechanical Failure
- Worn or damaged components such as springs, cables, pulleys, and slats can lead to sudden collapse or jamming. BSEN 12604:2017 sets requirements to fit anti-drop devices to all new relevant doors and shutters to avoid this hazard.
- Failure of counterbalance mechanisms or motor systems may cause uncontrolled descent, posing serious injury risks.
- Crushing and Trapping
- Doors that descend unexpectedly or without sufficient warning can trap individuals underneath.
- Lack of safety edge sensors or hold-to-run controls increases the risk of crushing injuries.
- Fall Hazards
- Maintenance or manual operation may require working at height, exposing workers to fall risks if proper access equipment or fall protection is not used.
- Electrical Hazards
- Powered doors may have exposed wiring or faulty control systems, leading to electric shock or fire risks.
- Inadequate isolation during servicing can endanger maintenance personnel.
- Fire Safety Compromise
- Fire-rated shutter doors must function correctly during emergencies. Failure to open or close as designed can block escape routes or fail to contain fire spread.
- Unapproved Modifications
- The HSE warns against non-standard parts or unapproved changes that compromise safety systems. These can disable anti-fall devices or interfere with emergency stops.
- Lack of Preventive Maintenance
- Absence of planned preventative maintenance (PPM) increases the likelihood of component failure and accidents. The MOD’s Safety Alert SA 2018/06 stresses the importance of regular checks and risk assessments.
- Visibility and Access Issues
- Poorly placed control switches or obstructed access can delay emergency response or hinder safe operation.
Legal Requirements
Roller shutter doors are governed by:
- PUWER 1998 – Requires equipment to be safe, maintained, and inspected by competent persons
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992– Regulation 18 in particular mandates protective devices for sliding doors and safe operation features
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – Employers must ensure doors do not pose risks to employees their general objective in S2(2)(d) which refers to maintenance and provision of access to and egress from the place of work
If the door is powered or used for lifting, additional requirements may apply under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (SMR08).
What Does an Inspection Include?
Our inspection covers:
- Structural integrity of the door and frame
- Condition of slats, guides, and end locks
- Functionality of manual and powered operation
- Safety features such as hold-to-run controls and emergency stops
- Wear and tear on pulleys, cables, and hinges
- Testing of automatic release mechanisms (for fire-rated doors)
Accessibility and visibility of control switches
Inspection Frequency Guide
| Equipment Type | Regulation | Suggested Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Shutter Doors | PUWER | Annually |
| Powered Shutter Doors | PUWER/SMR08 | Annually |
| Fire-Rated Doors | PUWER/BS 5588 | Every 6 months |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. PUWER requires annual inspection to ensure safe operation.
We inspect hold-to-run controls, emergency stops, manual override, and visibility of control switches.
Fire-rated doors require more frequent checks—typically every 6 months—and must comply with BS 5588.
Absolutely. We tailor our inspections to suit your environment and operational needs.