Roller Shutter Door Inspection
Need your Roller Shutter Door inspected in line with PUWER98 regulations? Get a quote today to ensure you remain compliant.
Contents
Show
Roller Shutter Door Inspection
Need your Roller Shutter Door inspected in line with PUWER98 regulations? Get a quote today to ensure you remain compliant.
Roller Shutter Door Inspection
Roller Shutter Doors Within Industry
Roller shutter doors are industrial and commercial doors made from horizontal slats that roll up or down around a drum or coil, providing secure and space-efficient access to buildings and storage areas. They can be operated manually, electrically, or through automated systems, and are designed to offer protection against unauthorized access, weather, and environmental hazards. Roller shutter doors are valued for their durability, ease of operation, and ability to fit into openings where traditional hinged doors may be impractical.
In the warehousing and logistics industry, roller shutter doors are commonly used to secure loading bays, storage units, and distribution centres. Their rapid operation and space-saving design allow forklifts, pallet trucks, and other handling equipment to move goods in and out efficiently. Automated roller shutters help maintain workflow, reduce energy loss, and provide security when facilities are unmanned.
The retail and commercial sectors also rely on roller shutter doors for shops, garages, car dealerships, and service centres. They provide a strong barrier against theft, vandalism, and weather, while maintaining quick access for employees and deliveries. Smaller shutter doors are often used internally to secure stockrooms or service areas within larger buildings.
Roller shutter doors are also used in industrial and manufacturing environments. Factories, workshops, and chemical plants use them to separate production areas, protect expensive machinery, and provide safe access for vehicles and heavy equipment. Specialized roller shutters, such as fire-rated or insulated models, are used in food processing, cold storage, and pharmaceutical facilities to meet safety and environmental control requirements. Overall, roller shutter doors provide security, efficiency, and safety across a wide range of industries, making them an essential part of modern commercial and industrial infrastructure.
What’s Covered During Your SEIS Work Equipment Inspection.
A PUWER (Provision And Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) inspection of roller shutter doors, is a legally required inspection carried out by a competent person to ensure the equipment is safe for continued use. Below is a break down of what is typically covered:
 General Condition and Installation
- Check that the door is installed securely and aligned correctly.
- Confirm all mountings, fixings, brackets, and anchor points are tight and free from damage or corrosion.
- Inspect the door curtain, slats, and end locks for deformation, cracks, or wear.
- Verify that the side guides are secure and free of obstructions or excessive wear.
- Ensure the bottom rail is straight and undamaged.
 Mechanical Components
- Roller barrel and shaft: Check for cracks, distortion, and smooth operation.
- Bearings and bushes: Inspect for noise, excessive play, or seizure.
- Tension springs: Check for correct tension, corrosion, or breakage.
- Chains, pulleys, and drive mechanisms: Verify proper alignment, lubrication, and condition.
- Manual operation (if fitted): Ensure the door can be opened and closed smoothly by hand.
 Electrical and Control Systems (if power-operated)
- Motor unit: Check mounting security, operation noise, and overheating.
- Control panel and wiring: Inspect for damage, loose connections, exposed wires, or overheating.
- Up/down/stop buttons or switches: Test for proper function, clear labeling, and safe location.
- Remote controls or key switches: Verify operation and security.
- Limit switches: Ensure correct travel limits to prevent overrun.
 Safety Devices and Interlocks
- Safety brake / anti-fall device: Test to confirm it prevents uncontrolled descent in the event of failure.
- Photoelectric sensors / safety edges (if fitted): Ensure correct function — door should reverse or stop upon obstruction detection.
- Emergency stop buttons: Test for immediate stopping response.
- Manual override / emergency release: Verify accessibility, clear instructions, and smooth operation.
 Structural and Surrounding Areas
- Inspect door frame and building fixings for cracks, corrosion, or displacement.
- Ensure guide channels and rollers are clean, lubricated, and debris-free.
- Check threshold area for obstructions that may affect door travel.
- Confirm protective bollards or guards are in place if vehicles operate nearby.
 Functional Testing
Operate the door through several full open and close cycles:
- Listen for abnormal noises.
- Confirm even and smooth movement.
- Verify automatic stop at limits.
- Ensure it stays open without drifting down.
- Test door under power failure (if motorized) to confirm safe manual use.
 Compliance
Verify the presence of:
- Manufacturer’s nameplate (with serial number, model, and year).
- Operating instructions and maintenance records.
 Documentation and Reporting
After the inspection, the competent person will issue a PUWER Plant Inspection Report. This must include:
- Date of the examination
- Details of the equipment inspected
- Findings, including any defects
- Recommendations or required actions
- Date of next examination due
- Statement on whether the equipment is safe to continue using
If any serious defects are found that pose immediate danger, they must be reported to the duty holder and the enforcing authority (e.g., HSE) immediately.
 Summary
An roller shutter door inspection ensures that the work equipment are safe, compliant, and fit for use. It helps prevent accidents caused by structural damage, insecure fastening and fixings, or malfunctioning safety mechanisms. While it does not replace regular maintenance, PUWER and work equipment inspections are a crucial legal requirement for keeping your equipment safe and avoiding costly breakdowns or incidents.
Why Roller Shutter Door Inspections Matter For You & Your Business.Â
Why PUWER98 Work Equipment Inspections Matter
Regular PUWER98 inspections are a legal requirement in the UK for all work equipment used at a place work, and for good reason. These inspections ensure that equipment, such as roller shutter doors, pallet trucks, storage racking, hand tools, power tools and industrial machinery are safe to use, and fit for purpose. The nature and use of work equipment means that equipment failure can lead to catastrophic consequences, including serious injury, fatalities, and significant damage to property. By carrying out regular, scheduled inspections by a competent person, businesses can identify wear and tear, structural damage, or faulty mechanisms before they result in an incident.
Pros of Getting a Thorough Examination in line with PUWER98
Legal Compliance and Risk Reduction: The most obvious advantage is staying compliant with health and safety law. Compliance avoids potential legal action, fines, or even prosecution. More importantly, it drastically reduces the risk of workplace accidents caused by lifting equipment failure.
Improved Safety Culture: Regular inspections foster a proactive safety culture within the organisation. Employees are more likely to trust equipment and feel safe in their work environment when they know thorough checks are in place.
 Extended Equipment Lifespan: Regularly maintained and inspected equipment typically lasts longer. Examinations can identify early signs of damage or fatigue, allowing for preventative maintenance that avoids costly replacements or repairs.
 Insurance and Liability Protection: Insurers may require evidence of PUWER compliance in the event of an incident. Without valid inspection records, insurance claims could be denied or reduced, leaving the business liable for damages.
 Operational Efficiency: Detecting potential issues before they lead to equipment failure helps prevent unscheduled downtime. This keeps operations running smoothly and avoids the knock-on effects of delayed projects or interrupted workflows.
Cons of Failing to Carry Out PUWER Work Equipment Inspections
 Legal and Financial Consequences: Failing to comply with PUWER can result in enforcement action from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), including improvement notices, prohibition notices, fines, or even prosecution. Legal battles and associated costs can be financially crippling.
 Increased Risk of Accidents: Equipment that hasn’t been inspected is far more likely to fail. Such failures can lead to injuries or fatalities, particularly in high-risk environments like construction or manufacturing. Beyond the human cost, the reputational damage to a business can be severe and long-lasting.
 Higher Repair and Replacement Costs: Neglecting inspections can allow minor issues to develop into major faults. These may require costly emergency repairs or complete equipment replacement, expenses that could have been avoided through routine examinations.
 Loss of Business and Clients: Clients often expect their contractors or suppliers to uphold strict safety standards. A failure to meet legal obligations like PUWER can result in lost contracts or blacklisting from future work, especially in regulated industries.
 Increased Insurance Premiums or Invalidated Coverage: As mentioned, insurers may increase premiums or deny coverage entirely if a business can't provide evidence of up-to-date PUWER compliance, placing a heavier financial burden on operations.
PUWER work equipment inspections aren’t just a box-ticking exercise - they are an essential component of a responsible, safety-first approach to using work equipment. The benefits of compliance are wide-ranging, from protecting human life to reducing costs and maintaining operational integrity. Conversely, the risks of neglecting these inspections can be devastating on multiple levels.
Unsure If Your Equipment Falls Under PUWER98 Regulations?
Below lists several example of work equipment which require regular maintenance and inspections under the PUWER98 regulations;
 Machine Tools
- Examples: Lathes, milling machines, grinders, pillar drills.
- Hazards: Moving parts, entanglement, ejection of materials.
 Power Presses
- Mechanical or hydraulic presses used for forming metal.
- Require specific inspection intervals and records under PUWER.
 Portable Electrical Equipment
- Examples: Drills, saws, grinders, extension leads.
- Require visual checks and PAT (Portable Appliance Testing).
 Hand-Operated Tools (Powered or Manual)
- Examples: Nail guns, impact wrenches, hammers, screwdrivers.
- Inspections check handles, guards, and integrity.
 Access Equipment
- Examples: Ladders, mobile towers, podium steps.
- Checked for damage, stability, and correct labeling.
 Conveyor Systems
- Used in production or packaging lines.
- Checks include guards, emergency stops, belt condition, and rollers.
 Construction Plant and Machinery
- Examples: Dumpers, cement mixers, plate compactors.
- Inspections cover structure, hydraulics, controls, and braking.
 Welding Equipment
- Arc, MIG, TIG, and gas welding sets.
- Checks: electrical integrity, hoses, regulators, flashback arrestors.
 Fixed Workshop Machinery
- Examples: Band saws, bench grinders, circular saws.
- Guarding, emergency stop buttons, and stability must be checked.
 Industrial Cleaning Equipment
- Floor scrubbers, vacuums, jet washers.
- Inspections for electrical safety, hoses, and mechanical parts.
 Roller Shutter Doors
- Manual or powered.
- Function, controls, structural integrity, inhibitor switches (if fitted) and stop buttons must be checked.
 Storage Racking
- Types: Pallet, Cantilever, Very Narrow Aisle etc
- Foundation fixings, securing fixings, locking pins, bracing members and cross-members, uprights and overall structural integrity must be checked.
Great experience working with Oliver on the PSSR for our compressors! The team was very professional, knowledgeable, and easy to work with. They made the entire process smooth and stress-free. We would definitely use them again.
We’ve been using Statutory Equipment Inspection Solutions Ltd for our inspection needs, and their service is unmatched by any competitor we’ve worked with. They are extremely professional, always quick to respond to messages, and consistently provide prompt, detailed reports to help us stay compliant with regulations. Highly reliable and a pleasure to work with — we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.
SEIS have delivered LOLER and PSSR Thorough Examinations for us across Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire with the utmost professionalism and the highest standards. With brilliant communication and a friendly, knowledgeable approach, we highly recommend their services.
Oliver at SEIS turned up on short notice to help us out after our current inspections provider let us down. He had our overhead cranes and fork trucks examined, and reports sent to us on the same day. Fantastic service.
The engineer surveyor SEIS sent was personable, and knowledgable. They was happy to work around our operational needs and examined our tailboard lifts with minimal disruption.
Thanks again!
Craig
Thanks again!
Craig