SUPPORT FROM HEALTH & SAFETY EXECUTVE FOR DHF BEST PRACTICE GUIDE

Article first published 25/03/2009

A comprehensive guide to improving the methods of restraining roller shutter door barrels produced by the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) is now available on the Health & Safety (HSE) website.  
 
The best practice guide was produced jointly by the DHF and the HSE following a number of accidents involving industrial doors and shutters, one of them fatal, which were investigated by the Health & Safety Executive.  
 
The DHF Best Practice for the Methods of Restraining Roller Shutter Door Barrels Guide details the design characteristics which must be considered when specifying or supplying roller shutter door barrels.  
 
The DHF has been advising its own members on the correct installation and use of power operated shutters and doors for many years. A tragic death involving a roller door supplied by a non member of the DHF prompted the HSE inquiry which in turn led to the production of the DHF best practice guide.  
 
On the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport the HSE states: “The Health & Safety Executive has investigated a number of serious incidents, including deaths, which occurred when roller shutter door shafts moved relative to the support plates. These included incidents that occurred when the door was struck by moving vehicles, internal failure and failure of the support structure.  
 
“The DHF worked closely with the HSE to reduce the number of these incidents by producing their new guidance. It is aimed at manufacturers and installers of roller shutter doors who should consider what design modifications are required to prevent relative movement between the support plates and barrel shaft. Examples of good practice are provided.  
 
“The guidance is welcomed and endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive as an effective initiative which should significantly reduce the frequency of this type of incident.”  
 
Said Ian Wood, chief executive officer of the DHF: “It’s the role of the federation to provide guidance to both specifiers and its own members on current best practice in the design, manufacture and installation of industrial and commercial doors and shutters. Use of this guide will increase safety standards throughout our industry and we welcome this endorsement from the HSE.”  
 
For more information on the guide, visit the HSE website www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport , or visit www.dhfonline.org.uk , or contact the DHF secretary, 42 Heath Street, Tamworth, Staffs B79 7JH. Phone: 01827 52337. Fax: 01827 310827. Email: michael.skelding@dhfonline.org.uk .

Article ID No.: 177