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ENSURING COMPLIANCE
AND SAFETY IN CARE HOMES :
Key considerations for door hardware
By Andy Syms , senior business development manager – HOPPE ( UK )
It is no secret that the UK population is ageing . The most recent Census data show there are almost two million more people over 65 than there were 10 years ago in England and Wales .
Understandably , this is placing significant demand on social care and private and public sector care homes – of which there are just shy of 17,000 across the country .
These are regulated and inspected by various bodies – including the Care Quality Commission ( CQC ) in England , and the Care Inspectorate in Scotland , Welsh Care Inspectorate in Wales , and Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority in Northern Ireland – to ensure standards are being met .
When choosing door hardware for such facilities , there is a lot to consider . Ensuring compliance with regulations , while also meeting the diverse needs of residents , can be time-consuming and laborious . However , getting it right is crucial – not only for legal reasons but also for the wellbeing of the residents who rely on these facilities .
Understanding the legislation
The UK-wide Disability Discrimination Act ( DDA ) 1995 laid the foundation for improving accessibility in all buildings , including care homes .
By 2004 , the DDA required all existing buildings to be upgraded , where practical , to improve access for disabled users , with new constructions needing to comply fully with accessibility standards .
It was replaced by the Equality Act 2010 in England , Scotland and Wales , which further expanded these requirements , integrating various anti-discrimination laws into a comprehensive framework . It emphasises the necessity of making ‘ reasonable adjustments ’ to ensure that disabled individuals can access services as effectively as others .
What constitutes ‘ reasonable adjustments ’?
For door hardware , this means adhering to best practice guidelines such as Approved Documents related to Building Regulations , BS 8300-1:2018 on the design of an accessible and inclusive built environment relating to external areas such as streets , parks and landscaped areas , as well as BS 8300-2:2018 on designing buildings and internal spaces so they are accessible and inclusive .
These standards help specifiers determine what adjustments are necessary and reasonable , ensuring that door hardware meets the specific needs of care home residents . This has recently been supported by the release of PAS 6463:2022 ‘ Design for the mind ’ and The Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work .
PAS 6463 is a guide to help the design of inclusive spaces for neurodivergent groups who can find certain buildings and designs uncomfortable on a sensory level . Advice on lighting , patterns , noise , materials and wayfinding are just a few areas that are covered in the PAS to help eliminate those barriers to using a building .
Opening force and door closers
For many residents in care homes , particularly those with reduced strength or mobility , opening doors can be challenging . Mechanical door closers – necessary for fire safety – must be carefully specified to ensure they do not create undue difficulty . At the same time , they must be able to retain performance in the event of a fire .
BS 8300-2 outlines that doors should require no more than 30N to open from 0 ° to 30 °, and no more than 22.5N from 30 ° to 60 °. If standard door closers cannot achieve these limits , alternative solutions such as swing-free devices or electromagnetic hold-open units should be considered .
Clear opening widths
Doorways must be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids commonly used by care home residents .
BS 8300-2 specifies the minimum effective clear widths required for doorways , with a recommended clear opening width of 800mm to 825mm for most applications . This ensures that doorways provide adequate space for all users .
Lever handle design
Lever handles are a preferred choice in care homes due to their ease of use , especially for residents with limited dexterity . They also allow the door to be opened using a closed fist – a requirement of DDA 1995 . BS 8300-2 also provides specific guidelines to ensure these handles are accessible . The hand grip zone should be at least 95mm , and the lever section should have a minimum diameter of 19mm . These handles should be installed at a height of 800- 1050mm from the floor ; 900mm is ideal .
Visual contrast
Ensuring door hardware is easily identifiable against the backdrop of the door and surrounding environment is crucial for residents with visual impairments .
BS 8300 recommends a contrast of at least 15 Light Reflectance Value ( LRV ) points between the door furniture and the door itself . This helps residents locate and use door handles more easily , enhancing overall safety .
The task of choosing door hardware for care homes is indeed complex , but it is a critical element in creating safe , compliant , and accessible spaces for some of the most vulnerable members of society .
By adhering to the guidelines within the Equality Act 2010 , BS 8300 , and related standards , it ensures the choices made not only meet regulatory requirements but also enhance the quality of life for care home residents ; while supporting responsible persons working in care homes to navigate the complexities of ensuring door hardware is safe , secure and accessible for all building users , whatever their abilities .
www . hoppe . co . uk
QUICKSLIDE SCORES TOP MARKS FOR QUALITY
Quickslide has received a perfect score during its latest audits for both uPVC and aluminium products , cementing the fabricator ’ s solid reputation for quality and compliance .
Quickslide ’ s Managing Director Ben Weber said : “ At all levels of our business , we strive for the best , so having this externally validated means a great deal to us .”
The detailed audit involved an extensive review of how Quickslide adheres to product standards and regulations , including a comprehensive factory walk-through to observe the procedures in place to ensure every product leaving the factory is compliant and top quality . From initial processing to final product inspection , the auditors left no stone unturned in assessing the fabricator ’ s ability to deliver consistent quality .
Following the audits , Quickslide has once again been awarded its QCC mark . This highly regarded certification confirms the company ’ s ongoing compliance with PAS 24 security standards and BS EN 14351-1 for uPVC windows and doors , as well as ensuring that all aluminium products meet the same high standards under the UKCA Mark .
www . quickslide . co . uk
DECEMBER 2024 | 35
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