Installers and specifiers are still not fully aware of the many options available to them to help manage social distancing and limit direct contact with ironmongery and doors , says the ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & I .
In line with a recently updated guide from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers and Finishes and Interior Sector , which outlines how business owners can use partitioning and ironmongery to help manage social distancing , ASSA ABLOY ’ s extensive portfolio means its products can help with these issues in a number of key ways .
“ During these times , it ’ s no surprise that installers and specifiers are being asked about the most suitable products to fit ,” says Eryl Jones , Managing Director of the ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware Group . “ It ’ s critical to advise decision makers on practical product choices , which not only meet the
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needs of the here and now , but which also provide long-lasting , compliant solutions too .
“ For existing hardware , the truth is nothing will beat a regular and thorough cleaning routine . However , for new installations , there are a variety of considerations that installers and specifiers will want to bear in mind when advising their customers . Here are our top ironmongery tips on how to manage social distancing and limit contacts with doors .”
1 . Seek specialist closing devices
To minimise contact with a door , many will be tempted to keep doors held open . This , however , must not be done with fire doors , but this challenge can be overcome with electromagnetic hold-open units . Connected to the building ’ s fire alarm system , these will automatically release in the event of a fire , helping to keep people and property safe .
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ASSA ABLOY ’ s DC300G-HF door closer is commonly specified for these applications , with the option to not only choose holdopen but free-swing functionality too . This enables the door to operate without any resistance , so it can be left open in any position . However , just like with the holdopen feature , should a fire alarm be activated , the electromagnetic feature will release the door and ensure it ’ s closed securely .
2 . Provide personalised keys
Users sharing keys can quickly increase the spread of bacteria and germs . An access control system that employs individual keys puts a stop to this , and simplifies key management too . Electromechanical solutions use high-end micro-electronics and programmeable keys and cylinders to overcome this challenge .
ASSA CLIQ ® Remote is one such system . A popular , award-winning solution , it allows all users to have their own personalised keys for doors , eliminating the need to share keys . A recent success story has been with the Hean Castle Estate , with ASSA CLIQ ® Remote ensuring managers stay in control of access rights across the site at all times . Another long-term benefit of the system , according to Trustee David Lewis ,
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is its flexibility . “ As the Estate expands , the ASSA CLIQ ® Remote system can grow with it ,” he says . “ The system is now simply part of the infrastructure of the Estate ; should we need more cylinders or padlocks added to it , then this is an easy and hassle-free process .”
3 . Adopt antimicrobial solutions
Anti-microbial solutions , or ‘ touch-safe ’ as they ’ re often called , offer a proven way of preventing bacteria from spreading . In the current climate , it ’ s unsurprising that installers and specifiers are receiving an increased number of enquiries about these solutions . It ’ s worth noting that these products might not offer the best long-term solution , as they can lose their potency over time . Nevertheless , they are easy to install and cost-effective .
Customers might also want to consider anti-viral copper tape products , which simply wrap around a clean door handle , for a quick , temporary ‘ touch-safe ’ solution . For example , UNION has developed GripSafe to meet this need , which has been proven to inactivate 99.98 per cent of corona viruses .
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4 . Don ’ t forget about ancillary products
When considering ironmongery and doors , it can be easy to forget about other ancillary products that can help limit and mitigate the risks of spreading bacteria . If there are concerns around products that could provide surfaces where bacteria may collect , then concealed products offer an assured solution .
From concealed hinges to concealed door closing devices , ASSA ABLOY has a range of products available for guaranteed peace of mind . Another factor to think about is signage . Given the current climate , specifiers may want to consider signage relating to hand washing and sanitising , social distancing , and other measures that can be taken to prevent the spread of germs .
5 . Making sure products are up to mark
While not directly relating to helping manage social distancing or limiting contact with doors , the final tip is on product marking , as it ’ s vital that solutions with the appropriate product marking are being specified and installed . With the new UKCA and UKNI marks introduced from 1 January 2021 , it ’ s crucial that installers and specifiers understand the implications for products that do not have the correct marking in place . Not only will product marking be invalidated , but the potential implications for all those involved throughout the supply chain could be very serious , including significant fines and penalties .
www . assaabloyopeningsolutions . co . uk
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