HARDWARE & SECURITY
KEEPING LEISURE CENTRES SAFE , COMFORTABLE AND ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL
» GARRATH WILLSHAW , BUSINESS development manager at HOPPE ( UK ), explains all of the things that need to be considered when choosing new door hardware for use within leisure centres .
Leisure centres are a key part of our society . Providing access to a range of facilities from swimming pools and gymnasiums , to badminton courts and dance studios , we often take leisure centres for granted and expect them to be wellmaintained , safe and accessible for all .
Door hardware in busy public leisure centres should be well thought out at design and specification stage to avoid unnecessary – and costly – repair , maintenance and replacement for budget-tight local authorities .
With the latest forecast from the Building Cost Information Service ( BCIS ) estimating a 16 % rise in building maintenance costs by the second quarter of 2029 , installing high quality products up front can save money in the long run .
According to Sports England , there are more than 2,000 public leisure centres in England and almost 5,000 privately operated gyms across the entire UK . In these facilities , door hardware is in constant use and needs to be more than just an afterthought .
Hardwearing design for a wide range of people
Leisure centre users can range from families with young children to teenagers and older adults , school groups and sports clubs , individuals or groups with disabilities or special needs .
But designing for such a wide range of users requires careful thought and consideration . Sports England has guidance for designing leisure facilities , which includes sections on accessibility , swimming pools and combined leisure provision . The choice of door hardware is a key element of this design process and can significantly impact how customers and staff experience the building .
The hardwearing finish of HOPPE ’ s Resista ® range provides the perfect door hardware for frequent use in leisure centres . Available in a range of colours in a polished or satin effect , hardware can complement the design and branding of the building .
With a 10-year surface guarantee and a 10-year mechanical operation guarantee , these long-lasting door handles require minimal maintenance , an important consideration for cashstrapped leisure centres .
A clean and safe environment
Good hygiene is a vital element of running a safe and successful leisure centre , and the right door hardware finish can help ensure customers stay safe and well .
Polished stainless steel is a good choice from a hygiene perspective as this surface is smooth and easy to clean . Satin anodised aluminium or Nylon also don ’ t require any specialist cleaning and , because they have an even surface , they don ’ t easily harbour bacteria .
For even more peace of mind , ironmongery products can be manufactured from materials with inbuilt anti-bacterial or anti-microbial properties or covered with a special coating that will give similar protection .
Café facilities within leisure centres can benefit from the additional protection provided by coatings such as HOPPE ’ s SecuSan ® which offer an antibacterial and antimicrobial surface . When applied to hardware , SecuSan ® helps to reduce the spread of bacteria . While products such as these cannot eliminate or kill all germs , they do provide an additional level of protection and can help to maintain better hygiene standards when people are present in large numbers .
Accessible for all
Everyone should be able to access and navigate a building safely and comfortably and advice on designing for accessibility can be found in BS 8300:2:2018 , PAS 6463:2022 ‘ Design for the mind ’ and The Inclusive Design Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work .
BS 8300:2:2018 brings together a definitive source of authoritative recommendations on the inclusive and accessible design of buildings . PAS 6463 is a guide to help the design of inclusive spaces for neurodivergent groups who can find certain environments uncomfortable on a sensory level . Meanwhile , The Inclusive Design Overlay provides insights , knowledge and best-practice guidance to those involved at all levels and stages of a project to make buildings more inclusive .
Handles within a leisure centre need to withstand frequent use and comply
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NOVEMBER 2024
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