ACCESS CONTROL
SPECIFICATION AND INSTALLATION : THE KEY TO EFFECTIVE DOOR CONTROLS
» SAFE AND SEAMLESS MOVEMENT IN our built environment hinges on accurately specified and installed door hardware , explains Russell Marks , managing director of Boss Door Controls .
With millions of doors used each and every day , it ’ s important to recognise the details behind effective access and egress . Whether it ’ s the regular composite doors found in our homes , the electromechanical access points located in public settings , or the emergency exit fire doors that keep us safe in our work and leisure spaces ; door hardware plays an integral role in the safety , security and accessibility of our buildings .
Doorsets are assembled in a variety of configurations , sizes and styles , yet , their operation is always reliant on door control components such as hinges , locks , latches and door closers . Take fire doors for example , which are designed to stop the spread of smoke and fire when closed and provide an effective means of escape when open . When operating as intended , a fire door will work in tandem with each of its hardware components , but should one area fail , its fire resistant capabilities become compromised , leaving a building and its occupants at risk . With that in mind , just how significant is accurate specification and installation ?
Suitable specification
Incorrect hardware specification is a common problem associated with building safety . Door controls will directly influence the functionality , accessibility and durability of doors , and as such , it ’ s essential to understand a building and its user ’ s needs when choosing between hardware options .
Considering factors such as fire safety and inclusive design , specifiers and decision makers are urged to review the door application itself , confirming the chosen hardware meets the required performance ratings , fire ratings and the latest building standards . Where many buildings require escape routes for example , it is necessary for all doors located on those routes to have suitable exit hardware installed - which is determined by a number of factors including the building ’ s size and whether it is public facing or not . Equally , it is also a legal requirement for all exit devices to comply with the latest revisions of EN 1125 or EN 179 and to possess UKCA and CE markings .
With occupant safety and legal compliance on the line , it ’ s clear that specification should never be undervalued . In fact , by focusing on a project ’ s requirements as opposed to quick , cost-saving wins , decision makers can preserve the functionality and safety of buildings whilst adding real value for occupants .
Sources : https :// www . dhfonline . org . uk / media / documents / documents34a . pdf , https :// www . gov . uk / guidance / ce-marking , https :// www . gai . org . uk / GAI / GAI / News / News-Items / 2022 / fdis-survey-finds-three-quarters-of-uk-fire-doors-do-no-mete-the-required-standard . aspx
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DECEMBER 2024
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