SECURED BY DESIGN
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This causes issues with Equality Act compliance , because it restricts the clear opening and raises safety issues around egress and evacuation . Even when the door can fully open , a bulky cowl may cause damage to wall surfaces due to repeated collisions . This can lead to snagging issues and sometimes results in the cowl being removed , which can compromise security and fire safety .
Compliance with Security and Aesthetics
The need to fit TS008 letterplates for PAS 24:2016 compliance and Document Q approval in many new build homes leaves specifiers with the challenge of finding a compliant solution that is not bulky . A key design feature to look out for is a pivoting stay mechanism , which enables a reduced internal flap projection from the door surface , giving a less intrusive feel to the door and enabling the door to open fully without the risk of any damage to the interior wall .
It is also advisable to select a TS008 letterplate with no fixings to the exterior door because this further enhances security by preventing anyone from unscrewing the outer section from the door .
Long-term performance is important , so test data that proves smooth operation over a number of years is also a feature to look out for . And , of course , aesthetics matter too , so a range with a variety of colours and finishes to match the aesthetics of the door is also advisable .
Safer Solutions
Fire safety is an important factor for any letterplate required for use with a fire door . It is now four years since the Grenfell Tower fire , and the tragedy has had far-reaching consequences , including a positive impact on due diligence when selecting building products , particularly for use in residential buildings 18m high or more .
Effective protection from the spread of fire from either side of the door is an essential feature of any letterplate installed in a fire door . Although a letterplate may not seem to be a safety product because safety is not its primary function , as an integral element of a fire
door , it should have undergone rigorous in-house and third-party testing . TS008 letter plates designed for use in fire doors are manufactured with intumescent material in their construction , which expands to create a fire barrier equal to the performance of the required fire door . Only Certifire approved TS008 letterplates can be fitted to timber fire doors with no further testing . For composite or steel fire doors , the letterplate must be tested as part of a complete door configuration .
Performance Matters It ’ s easy to mistake a letterplate as a simple piece of hardware that frames an aperture for post , but it plays a critical role in preventing that aperture from becoming a risk to security and fire safety . Aesthetics are always important , but , when it comes to safety and security , it ’ s performance that really matters .
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APRIL 2024
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