PANIC HARDWARE
HARMONY THROUGH HARDWARE : CURRENT STANDARDS VS HISTORIC BUILDINGS
» LOUISE FROST , A SENIOR MARKETER at Door Controls Direct , talks through a recent case study of the specification and supply of panic hardware to a local refurbishment project .
R . Moulding & Co , a Wiltshire-based builder , specialise in high-end residential building projects and has a long-standing relationship of over 30 years with Door Controls Direct .
Earlier this year , they approached us for ironmongery to a historic building on behalf of the rural managing agents for Fontmell Magna Estates . The client requested compliant panic hardware for various pairs of doors and single doors to what will soon be a fully-functioning distillery , which will include a visitors ’ centre .
Not a problem on the surface of things . There was a requirement for panic hardware on external glazed doors . Easily done . However , it had to be in keeping with the rustic aesthetic , complement the other items of door hardware that we were supplying in a black iron finish , whilst providing safe egress for staff and visitors , and locking on their master key system .
Any ironmongery and door hardware specifier will feel the pain here . The objective is always to find the balance between the client ’ s requests for appearance with compliance , functionality , availability , and budget .
From this brief , our Specification Manager , Laura Jupe , began working through the architect ’ s floor plans and fire safety strategy documents to determine the best fit of panic hardware for the different doors that included stairwell exits , visitor centre main doors , and fire escape doors that would be behind equipment such as spirit stills and fermenting vessels .
Start with compliance . Life safety should always be top of the agenda . This is where knowledge of regulations and product standards comes in . EN 179 or EN 1125 , that ’ s the question . Establishing which standard needed to be met for each individual or pair of doors on site was the first consideration .
There are numerous well-known , longestablished brands of panic hardware on the market but our solution for this project was to look toward Exidor and their range of panic and emergency escape hardware . With both panic hardware tested to EN 1125 and emergency escape hardware tested to EN 179 , it was then a case of establishing which model could be installed in each area .
It was at this stage that Building Control was consulted by the estate ’ s team to establish whether their requests for more discreet exit hardware would be acceptable . The resulting specification
was a matt black finish single push pad panic bolt . The narrow style allowed for a clear view through the glazed doors whilst providing single action egress .
The requirement for external controlled access was satisfied by providing lever operated outside access devices with a euro profile aperture . These two products had been tested together so there was no concern over compatibility . The cylinder aperture also allowed the estate ’ s team to install cylinders as an extension to an existing master key system across their facility .
Despite initial concerns around satisfying the entirety of the brief , we were able to specify and supply hardware to complement the building ’ s design , that worked in tandem with other ironmongery requirements and complied with all current standards and regulations .
The site isn ’ t yet complete , but you ’ ll see that the door hardware has been installed . The resulting impact of which is a safe exit for users , a complimentary finish and style to the overall appearance of the property , and a clear line of sight from the inside space through to the surrounding landscape outside , whilst keeping the premises secure and allowing for controlled access with suited outside access devices .
The building contractor may be a longstanding customer , but it is because we continue to give them reasons to return to Door Controls Direct . Whether it is ironmongery for a modern hotel , access control for an office building , fire door hardware for a hospital , electric locking in a school , or antique brassware for a historic residence , we can work with you to establish the right product for the right job .
On this project , the modern emergency escape hardware fits seamlessly with the mix of black iron arrow head t-hinges , pull handles , and lever door handles , all nestled in the idyllic rural countryside of the south of England . The past , present , and future in perfect harmony .
www . doorcontrolsdirect . co . uk
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NOVEMBER 2023
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