“ The objective of this document is to guide the reader towards the best solutions for making the doors in their buildings as biosafe as possible ,” explains DHF ’ s Head of Commercial Operations , Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens . “ Building managers and owners need to balance the requirements of security and safety , whilst at the same time , minimising the transference of infectious

diseases through ‘ touch ’, such as Coronavirus , SARS and MERS .

“ Very often , there will be a number of potential options for achieving door safety and these need to be balanced against budget , practicality , door type and frequency of use ,” adds Patricia . “ The flow chart of questions , for example , is an excellent tool for enabling the reader to locate the sections of the document relevant to them .”

The document is broken into four sections : powered pedestrian doors , doors which can be held open , doors which have to be touched , and solutions suitable for lever handles , knobs and similar , and provides the reader with a succinct guide including a summary of sections from the relevant European product standards . A helpful ‘ door flow chart ’ is also included offering multiple options on selecting the

best solution to improve door hygiene .

“ The doors in our buildings are the one thing we all touch on a daily basis and serve as a physical barrier to keep us safe and help control temperature . However , now more than ever , touching a door can pose a greater risk to health ,” concludes Patricia . “ The new best practice guide is a further example of our continuing commitment to the health and

safety of those who have a responsibility towards the well-being of others . The document will hopefully provide clarity and enable the reader to seek further

specialist advice with regards to their requirements .”

www . dhfonline . org . uk

Tamworth-based trade association , the Door and Hardware Federation ( DHF ), has hailed 2020 one of its most productive years , despite also being one of its most challenging . The organisation has been applauded by members for its ‘ business as usual ’ approach , and willingness to engage with members throughout the year , despite increasing levels of uncertainty in the construction industry , and economy as a whole .

At the very beginning of the first ‘ lockdown ’ in March , DHF released guidance to door and gate companies , and operatives working on construction sites , outlining the key considerations regarding safety and social distancing on site . And by April , DHF had already launched online courses to serve its members wherever they are located . With training very much

the ‘ backbone ’ of DHF ’ s function , it was essential to adapt to changing circumstances and the oneday , Level 2 Award courses in Automated Gate & Traffic

Barrier Safety and Industrial & Garage Door Safety , ideal for installers , was filmed and edited to enable DHF to effectively share knowledge with its learners .

By 1st June , face-to-face learning had been re-instated at DHF ’ s Tamworth-based training academy , albeit , adhering to social distancing , with the organisation

also announcing a series of new training initiatives . Developing its successful online training courses further , a ‘ Distance Learning Programme ’ ( DLP ) was offered in the weeks that followed , delivered via Zoom by Training and Compliance Officer , Nick Perkins , and with examinations taken via the online facility .

In September , DHF held a two-hour Zoom-delivered seminar for members ’ customers on the importance of safety – and legal responsibilities – for owners of automated products , a guide for owners and managers of industrial doors , garage doors , powered gates and traffic barriers , including vehicle / loading bay doors , and vertically acting shutters over pedestrian access areas . This was closely followed by a further seminar on managing the maintenance of industrial doors . And a four-part series of webinars and accompanying briefing papers were produced for its membership in relation to UKCA marking and what they need to consider from 1 January 2021 .

Despite unprecedented times , it has been a time for DHF to ‘ step up ’ for its membership , as Head of Commercial Operations , Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens , explains : “ DHF prides itself on keeping the industry informed by delivering training that enables safe and compliant products to be put on the market . The events of 2020 did not diminish our task nor compromise our offering of advice and guidance and the federation ’ s employees have remained committed to helping its members as much as possible during this time . As such , we have continued to put delegates first in every way possible with online and distance learning , webinars and seminars . In addition , with Brexit upon us , we have been extremely pro-active in preparing our members for the potential problems that lie ahead . Whatever the challenges that present themselves throughout 2021 , DHF ’ s members can rest assured that we are here for them every step of the way .”

www . dhfonline . org . uk