6 | SEPTEMBER 2020
News
Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk
THE TRUE IMPORTANCE OF
DOOR HARDWARE SELECTION
As the role of door hardware expands and fire safety
continues to make the headlines, Karen Trigg of Allegion UK
outlines the importance of hardware selection and reminds
decision makers of how routine checks can save lives.
Door hardware is more than
just a cosmetic consideration. In
fact, it plays a role in the operational
integrity of a building, and
more crucially, is a key element
of a facility’s fire safety and
security.
Fire doors and their accompanying
hardware in particular,
require special attention. Install
equipment that’s ineffecient
and suddenly you could put a
whole building’s network of fire
safety measures at risk. And in
light of this year’s debate on the
government’s planned fire safety
reforms, the importance of fire
door hardware is now more valued
than ever.
The expanding role of hardware
is also giving decision makers
extra considerations to make
when choosing hardware. From
ease of integration to the flow
of movement – various factors
can dictate a decision, potentially
overwhelming some. Yet, decision
makers must remember that they
have a responsibility to ensure
both a door and its hardware
operate effectively – even after
installation.
A change in culture
Fire doors are designed to protect
occupants from the spread of
fire, smoke and toxic fumes. Because
of this, hardware (including
handles, closers and hinges) must
meet certain standards and Continuing
Professional Development
(CPD) requirements.
However, phase one of the
Grenfell Inquiry has once again
reminded us that not all buildings
are meeting these requirements.
In fact, detailed Grenfell reports
have raised questions over the integrity
of the fire doors, focusing
on the failure of compartmentalisation
and broken self-closing
mechanisms on flat entrance
doors. With incorrect hardware
selection or failed maintenance to
blame, this case, like many others,
should become the catalyst
for change – before the safety of
others is jeopardised.
Today,
hardware is
designed to
adapt and tackle
almost all fire
safety, security and
operational challenges
that a building can throw its
way. From access and emergency
egress elements to the more
unique and defined details such
as flow of movement, its importance
simply can’t be understated.
But too often, as with other
purchasing decisions, cost can
sometimes triumph over quality.
With this in mind, industry
experts are calling for a change
in fire safety culture. Although
there are various elements and
touchpoints to consider, one area
that must change quickly is how
we choose our door hardware.
Manufacturers, architectural
ironmongers and installers must
all recognise that a ‘one size fits
all’ solution doesn’t exist and,
instead, make adequate, proactive
choices.
It never has been acceptable
to install substandard equipment.
We must build on industry
education and move away from
reactive decisions because fire
safety requires extra consideration
– even after a decision on
hardware has been made.
Routine checks
Even with the correct door
hardware in place, operational
life can be significantly reduced
if basic maintenance is neglected.
Previously, best practice
guidelines have suggested that
the performance of self-closers
should be checked once every
six months. However, in line with
the failings of various buildings,
the ‘Ministry of Housing, Communities
and Local Government’
has proposed quarterly fire door
checks as part of their updated
fire safety reforms.
From door furniture to panic
and emergency exit hardware,
building owners must ensure all
doors are well kept and operational
to meet health and safety
requirements. Most entrances
endure repeated use, especially
in buildings with a high footfall,
which means durability can
sometimes become an issue.
However, both occupants and
qualified teams can undertake
a number of hardware checks
as part of regular maintenance
periods.
Visual inspections can determine
whether a door and
its hardware has attained any
damage. Both the physical door
and its surrounding frame and
hardware can become damaged
over time. However, if its functionality
is being effected, the
damaged area should be replaced
immediately.
Functional checks are also key
to maintaining a door’s fire safety
and operational elements. These
checks will reveal whether hardware
is still operating effectively,
without requiring any undue
force. Seals or weatherstripping
can sometimes become loose and
inhibit the correct operation of
a fire door and may need to be
replaced. Similarly, some fixings
may need to be tightened to
ensure that the door can swing
freely. By completing these
checks, not only will facility managers
expand the lifespan of their
hardware, but they’ll also protect
the lives of occupants.
Proactive Behaviour
Simply put, the choice of
hardware will always be integral
in the success of a facility’s fire
safety. With various high profile
failings being publicised it’s clear
that a change in approach to
fire safety is long overdue. With
the development of new fire
safety reforms, we now should
be guiding those responsible to
better standards within their own
buildings. After all, it only takes
the failure of one designated fire
door to spell disaster.
www.allegion.com
Sources: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/grenfell-tower-inquiry-phase-1-report-government-response?utm_source=a419ba4f-539b-4aba-8eba-4df5620337a3&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuknotifications&utm_content=immediate,
https://www.grenfelltowerinquiry.org.uk/phase-1-report, https://www.bafe.org.uk/dame-judith-hackitt-states-competence-and-accreditation-is-going-to-be-a-major-safetyfeature-of-the-future/,
https://www.insidehousing.co.uk/news/news/government-will-legislate-for-three-monthly-fire-door-checks-65036, https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/
attachment_data/file/869532/Building_safety_advice_for_building_owners_including_fire_doors_January_2020.pdf, https://www.allegion.co.uk/content/dam/allegionuk/Literature/ServiceMaintenance_V14Aug16.pdf