The Ultimate Guide to Commercial Fire Shutters

1. Understanding the Importance of Commercial Fire Shutters:

Fire emergencies can have catastrophic consequences for businesses, leading to property damage, loss of assets, and potential harm to occupants. Commercial fire shutters act as a first line of defence, containing and preventing the spread of fire, thus mitigating the extent of damage. Investing in a high quality, tested fire shutter is vitally important and understanding the correct solution for your needs is paramount. Each model in our range has been tested to containment levels for 1,2 or 4 hours, meaning it can contain a fire within specific areas of your building for a set period of time.

2. Key Features of Commercial Fire Shutters:

To make informed decisions, businesses need to be aware of the essential features that distinguish top-notch commercial fire shutters. Fire resistance ratings, FS 60,120 & 240 explain the amount of minutes each shutter has been tested to, to contain fires in specific areas. Our shutters are made of steel, this is due to the fact they glow when warm, as opposed to Aluminium which doesn’t glow, so someone inside may touch it without knowing it may be extremely hot and therefore dangerous. The shutter consists of a box, curtain, guides and bottom rail which can be customised to suit the size of the area. In the event of a fire the alarm system will cause the shutter to descend and create a barrier within the property. If the power fails, then the batter backup will make sure the shutter continues to descend as intended. Understanding these features is essential for businesses looking to optimize safety measures.

3. Installation Process and Considerations:

Proper installation is paramount for the optimal functionality of commercial fire shutters. Our TEAM of surveyors are on hand to work with to ensure you are choosing the right size, location, and rating for your needs. Once the survey has been carried out and you are happy with the product and the price agreed, we will send in our own installation team (no sub contracting), to install, and for your peace of mind the product and workmanship is guaranteed for a period of 12months.

4. Compliance with Safety Standards and Regulations:

Business owners must adhere to safety standards and regulations to create a secure environment for both employees and customers. All of out Fire Rated products are tested by Exova Warringtonfire, Part of the Exova global testing group and with more than 40 years’ experience, Exova Warringtonfire is the world’s leading independent fire and security testing, fire engineering and certification organisation. The FS steel fire shutter range has been tested at Exova Warringtonfire under BS EN 16034:2014 test conditions and are CE marked to BS EN 13241-1:2003

In order to ensure the safety of your employees, it’s important to invest in fire rated equipment. Fire-rated SHUTTERS are essential for emergency escape doors in industrial environments, commercial premises, offices, and schools. If your business operates from a standard office block full of work equipment that does not pose an obvious fire threat, a lower rated fire SHUTTER should provide the sufficient level of protection.

If you are responsible for a warehouse or industrial building with machinery or flammable gasses on site a fire is more likely, and a SHUTTER with a higher rating will be necessary. Please bear in mind the time it your premises to be completely evacuated when investing in a fire SHUTTER, as you will require one that will maintain its structural integrity until the building has been emptied.

5. Benefits Beyond Fire Protection:

While the primary function of commercial fire shutters is to provide fire protection, they offer additional benefits that enhance overall security. Our shutters when not protecting from Fire, act as a secondary form of protection, including burglary resistance, insulation, and noise reduction, another added benefit of how fire shutters contribute to a comprehensive security strategy for commercial establishments.

Conclusion:

Investing in commercial fire shutters is a proactive measure that not only protects businesses from the devastating effects of fire emergencies but also contributes to overall safety and security. By understanding the importance of these shutters, their key features, proper installation procedures, and compliance with safety regulations, businesses can create a resilient and secure environment for their operations.

Remember, prioritising safety is an ongoing commitment, and staying informed about the latest advancements in commercial fire shutters is crucial for maintaining a robust security infrastructure.

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