Maintenance
Maintenance and inspection of fire curtains
A fire or smoke curtain stands still almost all the time and must work first time at the decisive moment. The Bbl places the responsibility for this with the building owner: fire safety provisions must function and be adequately maintained. In this article you can read what that duty of care entails, how often inspection is advisable and what a maintenance service involves.
What does the duty of care require of the building owner?
The Bbl includes a duty of care: provisions installed for fire safety must be in working order and adequately maintained. For a movable curtain this means the owner must be able to demonstrate that it closes when the fire alarm system calls for it. In case of damage after a fire, insurers look closely at the maintenance records; missing maintenance can affect cover and the owner's liability.
How often is inspection needed?
We recommend at least one maintenance service per year, in addition to the functional test that is part of the periodic check of the fire alarm system. Extra checks are needed after every activation of the curtain, after structural changes in the immediate surroundings and at building handover. In dusty or humid environments, such as industrial spaces and car parks, a higher frequency may be advisable.
What does a maintenance service involve?
A maintenance service includes at least: checking the fabric for damage and deformation, the guides and the bottom bar for free movement, and the motor and the emergency closing function in case of power failure. The technician also tests the control from the fire alarm panel and the complete closing of the curtain. Findings and work carried out are recorded in a report, keeping the building's maintenance records complete.
Maintenance through the Protektis dealer network
Maintenance of Protektis curtains runs through our nationwide network of specialised dealers: the same parties that install the curtains know the installation and the controls. A maintenance contract covers the annual service, the reporting for the maintenance records and priority in case of malfunctions. Contact us and we will put you in touch with the dealer in your region.
More background on standards and classifications? Read the fire safety information.
Further reading
Regulations
When is a smoke curtain mandatory?
Dutch building regulations set requirements for smoke spread. In these situations a smoke curtain is the appropriate solution.
Standards
The difference between E, EW and EI: classifications explained
E, EW or EI 60 — the classification determines which curtain is suitable. How to read the codes from EN 13501-2 and choose the right requirement.