Roller Shutters as Exits in Indian Factories: Are They Really Allowed?

Hi all,

Can roller shutters be used as exits in any industry/factories in India? Since in some states, the factory rules themselves say they can be installed.

Please provide your valuable reply.

Regards,
Smita

Dear Smitha,

By all means, yes, you can. Nobody has any authority to stop you from using a rolling shutter for an exit. However, think again! Is it for an emergency exit? In that case, the answer is a big no, you cannot.

Regards,
Kesava Pillai

Good Morning Sir,

Thank you for the reply. I have more doubts about it. In the Factories rule, there is no mention of Emergency exits. Does it mean all the exits mentioned under Fire Exits are emergency exits? Correct me if I am wrong.

Under one sub rule, it is mentioned that roller shutters or fire-resisting doors can be used along the escape route to prevent the spread of fire or smoke. Does it mean they can be emergency exits?

Please reply to the query. Your response is valuable to me.

Regards,
Smita S

You are right! Fire exits are definitely emergency exits.

Understanding Fire Doors and Fire Exits

First, you should try to understand if there is any difference between fire doors and fire exits. This may be a little confusing for non-professionals. However, there should be a clear understanding of the difference between fire doors and fire exits. Let us examine in detail.

In the case of a fire outbreak, we have to protect an escape route through a building to manage escape. We may have to compartmentalize a fire to stop flames and smoke from spreading from one section to another. A very good example is stairwells. Here, the fire doors protect the stairs from corridors opening onto them. Fire doors are to be kept closed at all times or installed with certified fire door retainers. This is to help keep the fire doors open until a fire alarm is set off. It can often be an internal door too. Certified fire doors are designed to resist the smoke and flames of a fire for a minimum specified length of time, typically 30 minutes (FD30), when closed. It can also be rolling shutters which are fire-resistant and need not be fireproof.

A fire exit door, on the other hand, is an external door. It can be left open and does not have to be fire-resistant. The purpose of the fire exit door is to allow a quick and unhindered escape through a well-lit door into a place of safety while stopping unauthorized access from the outside. Fire exit doors should open easily and, wherever possible, in the direction of traffic flow. If it is also a security door that is usually kept locked but will be used in an emergency situation, it will have to be fitted with a panic or push bar. By enabling the swift passage of people to a place of safety, the final exit door will have performed its function; it does not have to be a fire door to accomplish this. Fire exit doors can also be opened from the outside. Fire exits must never be obstructed and have to be clearly marked and well-lit. Best practice dictates that fire exit signs are fitted above fire exits.

Regards,

Kesava Pillai

Thank you, sir. I understand clearly. Just one more question: Can roller shutters be considered as overhead doors? I am awaiting your reply.

Regards,
Smita