Testing & Certification
Design by Certification
More than ever , modern building projects can benefit from the use of certified products , writes Daniel May , Director of Consort Architectural Hardware .
The needs of modern building environments have evolved . Throughout the construction process , decision makers are more commonly deliberating on themes such as innovation , accessibility and sustainability . And that ’ s not mentioning the renewed focus on building safety and performance , succeeding the Hackitt Review .
As the collective commitment towards these topics grows , it ’ s as vital as ever for design professionals to deliver reliable , quality materials and hardware on their projects .
Architectural hardware for example , is one of the most heavily used elements within a building environment , and a typical busy door can be used 150 times each day . Door hardware plays a pivotal role in a building ’ s operational network and its fire safety , and so the application of certified hardware solutions shouldn ’ t be undervalued . Daniel May of Consort explains : “ While it ’ s important to deliver on aesthetics and innovation , there is always a clear responsibility to provide safe and secure building environments . The latest in reforms - think the Building Safety Bill and the regulations that has introduced - will continue to raise the standards associated with building design and with that , the benefits of certified hardware will shine .
“ Along the supply chain , the durability of hardware products is key , and this is in no way more assured than with independent certifications . For example , for fire doors to operate as intended , they rely on fitted hardware to perform - opening and closing upon demand to ensure the compartmentalisation of smoke and fire .
“ Fire door hardware products should , at a minimum , be CE marked , showing they comply with the minimum in regulatory requirements . However , to emphasise the highest levels of performance and durability , product manufacturers will often look towards third-party certifications such as the commonly recognised Certifire - a certification scheme that assures the performance , quality , reliability and traceability of hardware products .
“ For architects , specifiers and end users alike , product certifications such as Certifire boost the dependability of hardware choices and make for an easier , less time-consuming selection process . They provide additional confidence that the chosen product will perform when called upon , remaining safe and high performing throughout its lifecycle .
“ A building is a network of design choices , all of which must work in tandem for the infrastructure to operate as intended . Should one area fail , for example , the mechanisms of a fire door closer , the infrastructure becomes compromised - heightening safety and security risks
for the building ’ s occupants and visitors . It ’ s critical that only the most durable products are used in these scenarios and whether using non-standard or standard arm applications , hardware must be compliant - with various areas considered , such as meeting DDA requirements by paying close attention towards the opening forces used in public spaces . And while manufacturers have a responsibility to test , label and supply the highest standard of product , decision makers must then also choose to apply hardware that meets the requirements of the building in question .”
Avoiding Costly Errors
In some cases , design teams will face a choice between the initial costs of certified products and their less reliable counterparts . Although economic considerations are often part of the construction process , durable hardware will continue to perform long after its initial
Sources : https :// www . gov . uk / government / collections / independent-review-of-building-regulations-and-fire-safety-hackitt-review | https :// www . consortme . com / quality | https :// www . gov . uk / government / collections / building-safety-bill https :// www . disabledaccessramps . net / dda-compliance / | https :// www . gov . uk / guidance / ce-marking | https :// www . warringtonfire . com / certification-services / fire-certification / certifire
72 MARCH 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM