DOOR CLOSERS & CONTROLS
Maintenance, Compliance & Commercial Opportunity
By Simon Griffiths, MLA Tutor
» I STARTED WORKING ON ESCAPE door hardware in the early 1980s, early in my apprenticeship- long before European Standards were even imagined.
At that time locksmiths were constantly navigating the tension between safety and security. The rules were often interpreted to suit the customer’ s immediate needs. Even then, it was possible to get it badly wrong.
At an MLA Northern Region meeting in the mid-1980s, a Fire Officer summed it up perfectly:
“ Security is an insurance requirement. Safety is a legal requirement and, in court, I win every time.”
That principle has stayed with me throughout my career.
From Best Practice to Legal Requirement
EN1125 was introduced in 1997 and revised in 2008, alongside EN179. Initially regarded as best practice in the UK, these standards became mandatory in 2013.
Emergency exit and panic hardware are now recognised as part of a building’ s life safety system- not simply another item of ironmongery.
Over the years, my understanding of these Standards has won me work repeatedly. Being able to specify the right product for the right application- and explain why- sets you apart from competitors quoting like-for-like replacements without considering compliance.
Often, the real value lies in identifying what is wrong with an existing installation.
Associated Products / Door Closers: Critical to Compliance
Owners and managers of public- and many private- buildings have a legal Duty of Care to ensure safe escape in an emergency. That responsibility extends beyond the panic bar.
Door closers, hinges, latching hardware and access control integration all form part of the overall escape strategy.
Door closers in particular are often treated as secondary hardware- adjusted, replaced or even removed without fully considering their role. Yet in both fire and escape scenarios, the closer:
• Ensures the door returns fully to the frame
• Maintains compartmentation
• Controls opening forces
• Works in conjunction with hinges and latching hardware
• Affects the compliance of the complete door assembly
Incorrect specification, poor adjustment or incompatibility with aluminium or timber door sets can compromise safety and certification.
As updated NSI guidelines demonstrate, hardware must now function correctly as a complete assembly. This presents a genuine opportunity for locksmiths who understand how all the components work together.
Knowledge Creates Commercial Advantage
There remains a clear skills gap in the market. I have even been asked to undertake work in Scotland because local companies would not touch panic hardware.
Compliance-led work is often less price sensitive than general locksmithing. When you can confidently explain:
• The relevant Standards
• The legal implications
• Why a particular closer or panic device is required
• The risks of non-compliance
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MARCH 2026
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