ARCHITECTURAL IRONMONGERY
• Ensure all keeps and sockets are free from obstruction .
• Check tightness of fixings and adjust in accordance with manufacturer ’ s instructions
• Follow manufacturer ’ s instructions on cleaning .
• Check any operational area gaps on the device have not increased / widened due to device wear , as these may present a finger trap danger .
• Ensure there are no objects or barriers on the opposite side of the door that may inhibit any full opening of the door to allow safe escape .
Digital Locks :
• Follow manufacturer ’ s instructions on cleaning .
• Check tightness of fixings and adjust in accordance with manufacturer ’ s instructions .
• Ensure your digital door lock is always performing at its best by updating to the latest firmware for any new features or improvements .
• When required , batteries to be changed with new equivalent batteries .
Electro-Magnetic Locks
• All fixing screws should be checked and tightened on the mag lock & armature plate .
• External surfaces to be wiped over with a soft damp cloth to remove any dust build up .
• Ensure that armature plate can pivot slightly and is not rigid . This allows engagement of maglock in event of door opening imperfections .
• For shear magnets , ensure the locating element of the magnet marries up with the corresponding slot in the armature and that the armature is clean and free from any obstructions .
• Check electrical power release from activation device ( keypad , card , fob etc .) and there are no delays in release of the magnetic lock .
Electric Strikes :
• Follow manufacturer ’ s instructions on cleaning .
• Check tightness of fixings and adjust in accordance with manufacturer ’ s instructions .
• A little light machine oil may be used from time to time around the pivot point of the strike jaw to maintain a smooth operation .
• Under no circumstances use a spray lubricant , as this type of solvent can damage electronics .
• Check electrical power release from activation device ( keypad , card , fob etc .) and there are no delays in the releasing of the jaw of the electric strike .
Electro-mechanical locks
• Follow manufacturer ’ s instructions on cleaning .
• Check tightness of fixings on strike plates and forends and adjust in accordance with manufacturer ’ s instructions .
• Ensure latch bolts are free from dirt or debris .
• Lubricate latch bolt where necessary with light machine oil . Do not put any lubrication inside the lock case .
Fire Doors
In addition to the above maintenance tasks for ironmongery and locking devices , specific care should be taken in respect of maintaining fire doors . It should be noted that Regulation 10 of the Fire Safety ( England ) Regulations requires that , if the top storey of the building is above 11m in height ( typically , a building of more than four storeys ) the Responsible Person must :
• use best endeavours to check all flat entrance doors at least every 12 months ; and
• carry out checks of any fire doors in communal areas at least every three months .
Within the End User Guides . as a helpful guide to some of the most important points to be considered for fire doors , the GAI has listed the key areas which should be included in periodic maintenance checks , which we have referred to as ‘ GAI HAS CALLED ’. Further detail on the checks for each area can be found in the End User Guides themselves .
• G - Glazing and vision panels
• A - Apertures
• I - Intumescent fire and smoke seals
• H - Hinges
• A - All operating furniture
• S - Signage
• C - Closing devices
• A - Air transfer grilles
• L - Locking devices
• L - Labels - certification schemes
• E - Excess gaps
• D - Door leaf and frame condition
There are currently two GAI End User Guides available on Residential and Commercial sectors with two further Guides on Education and Healthcare which will be published by end of August 2023 .
These are available to all on www . gai . org . uk / user
JULY 2023
27
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