Industrial settings are at high risk of fire through machinery, flammable substances, dust and debris from production processes, electrical hazards, or hot conditions caused by welding, soldering and brazing operations. The need to put in place adequate protection measures is essential, and measures such as fire shutter doors should be considered to reduce the risk of fire spreading and causing more damage.
Why Fire Shutter Doors?
Fire Shutter Doors can be fitted internally and externally to slow the spread of fire and give more time and safety for firefighting measures. This can effectively save lives too, as they may give people more time to escape premises before fire impedes on escape routes.
Fire shutter door – unique properties
Fire shutter doors offer radiant heat fortification. Radiant heat levels can drop from 65kw per square metre to an ultra-low 2.7kw per square metre. This reduction in levels makes it possible to store combustible materials far closer to doors (in fact, just a half-metre away from a 1200oc heat on the other side of the door), giving you more operational space.
Improved safety is achieved as fire breakouts are compartmentalised. Firefighters can more readily tackle blazes near a fire shutter with less risk. The fire shutter door also means that anyone blocked from an immediate exit can safely walk past the roller shutter to alternative exits without fear of radiant heat injury. Radiant heat effects often limit the routes available to staff who must exit the building. This heat can be as dangerous to people as the fire itself.
Fire safety doors can be customised to fit any opening, manufactured from galvanised steel. They can be powder coated to bespoke needs to maintain the appearance of the building, internally or externally. Customised solutions can be electronically and remotely operated. A Loss Prevention Certification of 2 or 4 hours provides valuable extra time over a standard door for staff to evacuate more safely. They effectively limit the spread of fire, obnoxious smoke and fumes, greater access and more time for firefighters to contain the blaze and bring the fire under control.
Cost efficiency
Goods and equipment can be stored closer to a fire shutter door than possible with a standard door, meaning less wasted space, possibly removing the need to move to larger premises. Many insurers recognise the importance of installing a fire shutter door and, as such, offer reductions in insurance premiums. Insurance companies set pricing based on the level of risk presented. The inclusion of suitably placed internal and external fire shutter doors demonstrates you take protection seriously and have taken appropriate measures to protect staff, equipment and goods by reducing the opportunity for fires to spread through more of the building. Lower premiums and a more comprehensive panel of insurers prepared to quote are just some of the additional benefits you can expect by occupying a building with regulatory-compliant fire shutter doors.
What To Consider
When selecting a fire shutter door installation, ensure that your new fire doors meet the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and that any existing doors meet the latest standards and are routinely serviced. A consultation with experts is advisable to help you identify the most effective placement to link to existing fire protection measures and improve overall safety. A variety of operational features that work to meet your practical needs will ensure you are better equipped should the worst happen.
You can never eliminate the risk of fire. Still, it is possible to lower the opportunity for fires to spread, protect your premises staff and better preserve continuity of operation simply by having a fire safety assessment and installing appropriate fire protection shutter doors.
Fire Shutter Doors in Industrial Settings FAQs
Why are industrial settings at a high risk for fire?
Industrial settings are highly susceptible to fires due to the presence of heavy machinery, flammable substances, and combustible dust or debris generated from production processes. Electrical hazards and hot conditions resulting from operations like welding, soldering, and brazing also significantly increase the risk of a fire breaking out.
What is the primary function of a fire shutter door?
Fire shutter doors, which can be fitted both internally and externally, are designed to slow the spread of a fire. By compartmentalizing the blaze, they limit the movement of fire, toxic smoke, and fumes. This provides crucial extra time for staff to safely evacuate and allows firefighters better access to contain and extinguish the fire.
How do fire shutter doors protect against radiant heat?
One of the unique properties of these doors is their radiant heat fortification. They can drastically reduce radiant heat levels from 65kw per square meter down to an ultra-low 2.7kw per square meter. This is vital because radiant heat can cause severe injury to staff trying to evacuate and can limit their available escape routes.
How do fire shutter doors improve space efficiency in a warehouse? Because of the massive reduction in radiant heat transmission, combustible goods and equipment can be stored far closer to a fire shutter door than a standard door (as close as a half-meter away, even with a 1200°C fire on the other side). This minimizes wasted floor space and could potentially save a business from needing to relocate to larger premises.
Can installing fire shutter doors reduce insurance costs?
Yes. Insurance companies base their pricing on the level of risk a facility presents. Installing suitably placed, regulatory-compliant fire shutter doors demonstrates a serious commitment to protecting staff and assets. Insurers often recognize this reduced risk by offering lower premiums and providing access to a wider panel of insurers willing to quote.
What must be considered when installing a fire shutter door?
When selecting an installation, it is crucial to ensure the doors meet the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. It is highly advisable to consult with fire safety experts to identify the most effective placement to link with your existing fire protection measures. Furthermore, ensure that any existing doors meet current standards and are routinely serviced.
The Warehouse Safety Audit Tool is an essential resource for systematically evaluating your facility’s safety protocols. It helps you identify high-risk areas, ensure compliance with safety regulations, and protect your team from common hazards like forklift collisions, fire risks, and poor storage practices. Regularly auditing your warehouse is one of the most effective ways to transition from reactive accident management to proactive prevention.
How to Improve Health and Safety in Logistics
This episode from SCMDOJO’s The Supply Chain Show provides practical strategies for improving health and safety in your warehouse and discusses the real-world application of safety audits.
About the Author – Dr. Muddassir Ahmed
Dr. Muddassir Ahmed is a globally recognized supply chain expert, thought leader, and keynote speaker. As the Founder & CEO of
 SCMDOJO, he has built one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to empowering supply chain professionals with cutting-edge knowledge, practical tools, and access to expert insights. With over 19 years of leadership experience spanning the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, Dr. Ahmed has held key roles at Bridgestone, Doncasters Group, Eaton, and Volvo Cars, managing multi-million-dollar supply chain operations.
His expertise spans all facets of supply chain management, with a particular focus on leveraging technology and innovation to optimize processes and build resilient supply chains.
Recognized among the Top 10 Supply Chain Influencers in the World by Supply Chain Digital, Dr. Ahmed has been instrumental in shaping industry best practices through his extensive research, vlogs, and thought leadership. Holding a PhD in Management Science from Lancaster University Management School, he is also a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.
His platform, SCMDOJO, serves a vibrant community with over 51,000 monthly visitors. Moreover, he has 72,000 newsletter subscribers, and a social media following exceeding 105,000 supply chain professionals
A sought-after keynote speaker and thought leader, sharing his insights on industry trends, best practices, and the future of supply chain management. Dr. Ahmed delivers high-impact talks on supply chain excellence, digital transformation, and strategic leadership. His mission is clear: to help supply chains thrive
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