Fire shutters should be serviced and tested regularly so they close properly when the fire alarm activates, and the person responsible for the building is expected to keep them maintained. We can send a local engineer who inspects, tests and repairs fire shutters in commercial buildings across Liverpool and Merseyside.
This page explains what fire shutters do, why servicing matters, what a visit usually involves and what to ask the engineer.
What fire shutters do
A fire shutter is a roller shutter built to resist fire for a set period and to close automatically when a fire is detected. They are often used to protect openings in fire-separating walls, such as between a warehouse and an office, across kitchen serveries, over conveyor openings, or around escape routes. Most are held open in normal use and released by a signal from the fire alarm panel, a fusible link that melts in heat, or both.
Because they spend most of their life open and unused, faults can go unnoticed until the shutter is needed. That is the main reason testing matters.
Your responsibilities under fire safety law
In England and Wales, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 puts duties on the "responsible person" for non-domestic premises, typically the employer, owner or person in control of the building. Those duties include making sure fire safety equipment and facilities provided for the premises are kept in efficient working order and good repair. Fire shutters that form part of the building's fire strategy fall into that.
In practice this means arranging regular servicing and testing by someone competent, keeping records, and dealing promptly with faults. Your fire risk assessment, the shutter manufacturer's instructions and any guidance from your fire risk assessor or insurer should tell you how often testing is expected for your building. If you are unsure, ask your fire risk assessor; the engineer can also explain what they recommend for your shutters.
What a fire shutter service usually involves
- Visual inspection of the curtain, guides, hood box, barrel and fixings for damage or obstruction.
- Checking the shutter's route to the floor is clear of stock, racking and equipment.
- Testing the drop on a fire alarm signal, and on loss of power where the system is designed to fail-safe.
- Checking the controlled descent speed so the shutter closes in a safe and steady way.
- Inspecting fusible links, governors, motors and control panels.
- Checking any warning devices such as sounders and beacons.
- Resetting the shutter and confirming it returns to normal operation.
- Providing a record of the inspection and any faults found.
Common fire shutter faults
| Problem | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Shutter does not drop on alarm | Fault in the alarm interface, control panel or release mechanism |
| Drops too fast or too slowly | Governor or brake out of adjustment or worn |
| Stops short of the floor | Obstruction, damaged guides, curtain catching |
| Will not reset after a test | Motor or control fault, battery backup failed |
| Damaged curtain or guides | Impact from forklifts, trolleys or stacked goods |
Obstructions are a very common issue. Goods stacked under a fire shutter can stop it closing fully, defeating the point of having one. Where the motor or its brake is at fault, the work overlaps with general roller shutter motor repair.
How a service visit is arranged
- Call us or use the booking form to arrange a visit from a local engineer who works on fire shutters.
- Tell them how many shutters you have, where they are, and how they link to your alarm.
- A visit is booked, ideally coordinated with whoever manages your fire alarm, as drop tests may need the alarm to be activated or isolated.
- The engineer inspects and tests each shutter and records the results.
- Any repair work is explained and priced before it is carried out.
For standard shutters elsewhere on site, the same visit can often include roller shutter servicing.
Cost factors
The cost of fire shutter servicing depends on the number of shutters, their size, how they are triggered, how easy they are to reach and whether drop testing needs coordinating with the alarm contractor. Repairs to motors, governors or control panels are priced separately once the engineer has diagnosed the fault. Industrial sites with a mix of shutter types may want repairs handled alongside industrial roller shutter repair.
Fire shutters in Merseyside buildings
Fire shutters are found in warehouses, factories, retail stores, schools, hospitals, kitchens and residential blocks with commercial units. In busy buildings, damage from trolleys and stock is common, and alarms that are isolated during building work can leave shutters untested. If you manage several buildings, keeping a schedule for every fire shutter makes life much easier. The main roller shutter repair page covers general shutter faults on site.
The same number can also be used to book a garage door repair in Liverpool for homes and businesses.
Frequently asked questions
Who is responsible for fire shutter maintenance?
In England and Wales, the responsible person under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, usually the employer, owner or person in control of the premises, must make sure fire safety equipment is maintained in efficient working order.
How often should fire shutters be tested?
Regular servicing and testing is recommended, but the right frequency depends on your fire risk assessment, the manufacturer's guidance and how the building is used. Your fire risk assessor and the engineer can advise.
Will the fire alarm go off during testing?
Drop tests often involve the alarm signal, so they are usually coordinated with whoever looks after your fire alarm. The engineer will discuss how the test will be carried out.
Can anything be stored under a fire shutter?
No. The area under a fire shutter must be kept clear so it can close fully. Stock, pallets or furniture in the way can stop it working.
Do I get a record of the service?
You should receive a record of the inspection and any faults found. Keep it with your fire safety records.