What is the British Standard for Fire-Rated Roller Shutters?

Protect your students, staff and school property, with fire-rated roller shutters.

If a fire breaks out in your school or college, every second counts. Fire-rated roller shutters can make all the difference--containing the spread of smoke and flames while helping ensure a safe evacuation. But how can you be certain your shutters meet the right safety standards?

With over 20 years of experience, our team here at Quay Facilities make compliance simple. We'll ensure that your fire-rated roller shutters meet the highest standards for safety and protection. In this guide, we'll go over BS EN 16034. You'll learn why it matters and how we can help you comply. So you can protect your business, reputation, and insurance coverage.

What is the British Standard for Fire-Rated Roller Shutters?

The British Standard for fire-rated roller shutters is clearly outlined in BS EN 16034:2014. This standard specifies the fire resistance requirements for fire doors, including roller shutters. It ensures they are tested and certified to prevent the spread of fire and smoke. These shutters provide protection from fire for 60 minutes to 4 hours. The exact time depends on how much fire resistance the building needs.

When we worked with Marks & Spencer in London, we installed shutters certified for up to 120 minutes of fire resistance. In a school or college setting, that level of containment can save lives and prevent extensive property damage.

At Quay Facilities, we only install CE-marked shutters that comply with BS EN 16034. This ensures your property is fireproofed and fully compliant with fire safety regulations.

Key Requirements of Fire-Rated Roller Shutters

When selecting fire-rated roller shutters, you need to consider several key factors to ensure they are up to BS EN 16034 standards:

•  Fire Resistance Levels (FRL): Fire-rated shutters come in three primary levels: 60 minutes (E60), 120 minutes (E120), and 240 minutes (E240). The right choice depends on the building's use and specific fire safety needs.
• Material & Design: Steel and aluminium are the most common materials used for fire-rated shutters. These materials are highly durable and heat-resistant. The shutters include steel laths, galvanised steel guides, and fire-resistant barrels. Together, they effectively seal off areas that are prone to fire.

In another project, we installed a 240-minute fire-rated shutter for a Dunelm storing semi-hazardous material. This ensured the shutter could withstand extreme temperatures and effectively contain fire. That way, should disaster strike, it would prevent the spread of hazardous materials within the premises.

How to Ensure Your Fire-Rated Shutters Are Compliant

Fire protection isn't just about installation - it's about ongoing performance. Schools and colleges must ensure regular servicing to maintain compliance.

Here's how we help:

• Professional Installation: Our certified experts install fire-rated shutters to the highest standards. We ensure everything aligns with your building's fire safety strategy.
• Routine Maintenance: As part of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, it is mandatory to maintain and service fire-rated shutters regularly. At Quay Facilities, we recommend checking your fire shutters at least every 6 months to ensure they operate at peak efficiency.
• Testing & Inspection: Our team performs thorough tests and inspections. This way, we guarantee your fire-rated shutters will work well in an emergency. All of our installations are fully CE-marked and comply with fire resistance standards.

Benefits of Fire-Rated Roller Shutters for Education Providers

For schools and colleges, these shutters offer more than just peace of mind. They actively contribute to safeguarding lives, assets, and your institution's reputation.

• Protect Pupils and Staff: Control the spread of fire and smoke for safe evacuation.
• Preserve Learning Resources: Shield costly classroom equipment, sports facilities, and IT suites.
• Meet Inspection Requirements: Help satisfy fire safety audits from local authorities or Ofsted.
• Lower Insurance Costs: Many insurers offer reduced premiums for properties with robust fire prevention systems.
• Dual Functionality: As well as fire protection, shutters deter vandalism and enhance security out of hours.

Fire Protection You Can Trust

Quay Facilities is proud to support schools, colleges, and universities with trusted fire protection solutions.

All our fire-rated roller shutters are built to BS EN 16034 and installed with precision. Whether you're upgrading your safety systems or planning a new build, we'll help you protect your premises and stay compliant.

Let's protect your people and your future.

Call 0208 2266 247 or book a free consultation to ensure your fire-rated roller shutters are compliant and reliable.