Roller shutter doors are perfectly suited to industrial properties. They can improve the level of security, make the most of limited space and improve energy efficiency, so it’s easy to see why they are such a popular choice for a range of commercial companies.

As an employer, you have a duty to adhere to health and safety legislation in order to protect your staff and members of the public who might be working with or in the vicinity of your roller shutter doors. Since these doors are run on electric mechanisms they are classed as a piece of machinery and as such must comply with the government’s “Supply of Machinery Regulations”

So how can you be sure that you are meeting this legislation? Follow this simple guide to find out more.

Manufacture

The simplest way to ensure that your roller shutter doors comply with the Supply of Machinery Regulations is to ensure that every one of your doors has been manufactured in accordance with BS EN 12453 : 2001. This is an international standard that relates specifically to power operated doors, and ensures that the doors meet a minimum performance requirement.

Safety Devices

Motor Device
The single biggest cause of death or injury relating to roller shutter doors is a lack of in-built safety devices in the motor. Without a device to limit the force of the door as it opens or closes, anybody who comes into contact with a moving door is at risk of suffering impact or crush injuries, so you should aim to purchase doors that have devices fitted as standard.

Dead Man Switch
If your roller shutter door does not feature a motor safety device, it should be operated by a dead man switch. This means that the door must be manually opened or closed by a member of staff, who should have the door in plain sight so that they can ensure nobody is in the vicinity of the door while it is in motion. Because the switch on an industrial roller shutter door must be held down continuously for the door to move, it will stop immediately if released.

Brake
A safety brake is another device that contributes towards roller shutter safety, since it prevents the shutter from dropping suddenly in the event of a failure in the motor or any other integral part of the door mechanism.

Maintenance

To ensure that your roller shutter doors function properly for as long as possible it is vital to cover them with an on-going maintenance contract. Doors should be serviced at least once or twice a year by a professional engineer who can carry out minor repairs or provide advice about the need to replace any doors or parts. By carrying out regular inspections you can help to detect signs of wear and keep your employees as safe as possible, whilst also helping to save you money by prolonging the life of your doors.

To find out more about the Supply of Machinery Regulations, you can read the full report at the official home of UK legislation.

This post was written by Nicky Hand. To ensure that you are meeting all of the vital health & safety standards that are required for your staff, talk to AC Garage Doors about your next installation of roller shutter doors.