Can Fire Safety Shutters Be Used for Escape Routes and Emergency Exits?

When designing buildings with fire safety in mind, one of the most crucial considerations is keeping escape routes and emergency exits safe, accessible, and free from obstruction during a fire. 

As fire safety shutters become increasingly common in modern fire protection systems, a critical question arises, can they be used on escape routes or emergency exits? 

The simple answer is no, fire rated rolling shutters should not be used on escape routes or emergency exits, and here is why.

What Are Fire Safety Shutters?

Fire safety shutters are specialised fire rated barriers, typically constructed from steel or other fire-resistant materials. They are engineered to automatically close in the event of a fire, acting as a passive fire protection measure. 

Their core function is to contain flames and smoke, effectively isolating different sections of a building to prevent the fire from spreading and to buy critical time for evacuation and emergency response.

Obstruction Risks

In the event of a fire, the highest priority is ensuring that everyone can evacuate the building quickly and safely. Escape routes and emergency exits are specifically designed to provide clear, unobstructed paths to safety. Any obstruction, especially a malfunctioning fire shutter, can create a dangerous bottleneck and significantly delay evacuation.

While fire safety shutters are effective at containing smoke and flames, their placement near escape routes or emergency exits must be carefully planned and maintained. Poor installation can pose a serious risk by obstructing critical paths to safety during an emergency.

Failure to Open During an Emergency

Fire rated roller shutters typically operate through automated systems, often powered by electric motors that trigger closure when a fire is detected. 

However, in the event of a power failure or system malfunction, the shutters may not open as intended. This poses a severe threat if they block a primary escape route. While some models include manual overrides, relying on people to operate these systems under the stress and confusion of a fire can be both risky and unreliable.

Fire Safety Regulations

Building regulations and fire safety standards in the UK, such as those outlined in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and Part B of the Building Regulations, require escape routes to remain clear at all times. Any barrier placed along these routes, including fire rated roller shutter doors, must meet stringent criteria to be considered compliant.

Installing fire shutters on escape routes may breach these regulations unless the system incorporates features like automatic opening mechanisms or manual overrides. Even then, approval from local fire safety authorities is essential to ensure the solution meets all legal and safety requirements.

Safe Evacuation in an Emergency

Fire safety shutters are essential for containing fire and preventing the spread of smoke, helping to isolate affected areas and limit the fire’s reach within a building. 

However, fire shutters should not be installed on escape routes or emergency exits, as doing so poses a significant safety risk. These critical pathways must remain fully accessible at all times to ensure a safe and efficient evacuation during an emergency. When placed in these areas, fire shutters can obstruct exits, turning a safety feature into a serious hazard.