HARDWARE & SECURITY
How to meet your duty of care with panic hardware
Brett Evans , Technical Director Door Hardware at Yale , outlines the responsibilities of various stakeholders regarding panic hardware
» WHEN EMERGENCY STRIKES IN A building , it is vital that the people inside have a simple and intuitive means of opening exit doors and getting themselves to safety . That ’ s what panic hardware provides , and we in the industry all have a duty of care to make sure it functions as it should .
Simply supplying a CE- and UKCAmarked product is not enough . All panic hardware must be accredited to BS EN 14351-1:2006 + A1:2016 , while doors and gates ( with or with-out related hardware ) intended for use in ‘ Fire / Smoke Compartmentation ’ and on ‘ Escape Routes ’ fall under AVCP Level 1 .
Therefore , they require the services of a Notified Certification Body to carry out the certification activities required by BS EN 14351-1 and confirm the suitability of the components used in the manufacture of the door . This includes audits of the factory and factory production control system as required by BS EN 14351-1:2006 + A1:2016 , which emphasizes the need for proper installation , use , and maintenance of panic hardware .
Manufacturers , fabricators , installers and building owners all share this responsibility . Here ’ s a closer look at what it involves .
Installation advice While fabricators won ’ t be installing the panic hardware in the building , they still have a responsibility to provide clear instructions – plus technical support when needed – so the products can be installed in a way that meets the requirements .
This means explaining how to install them in the right position on the emergency exit doors , and how to mount them to the door and frame securely so they will be able to withstand the force of emergency use .
It also means providing installers with guidance on how to test the panic
hardware after installation , ensuring it still works smoothly and reliably . In addition , installers must be made aware of the need for clear signage that indicates the presence of panic hardware and provides instructions on how to operate it .
Maintenance matters Just as fabricators must guide the installer , so the installer must guide the building owner or manager . This involves showing them how the door operates , discussing cyclical maintenance and signing the handover document – all of which is a crucial part of ensuring that panic hardware continues to operate safely and reliably .
As such , fabricators must provide installers with detailed instructions on how to carry out a weekly visual inspection of the products , so the installers can then pass this on to the recipient , estates manager , maintenance team . Common checks include ensuring that the strikers are free from obstruction , the latches move freely and pass by the striker when operated and there are no loose components .
Those responsible for cyclical maintenance will also need to carry out longer-term checks , including that the device still works with the door both opened and closed , all moving parts are still lubricated and all fixing screws and covers remain fastened tightly .
The Yale service Here at Yale , we don ’ t just supply proven panic hardware – we also offer comprehensive support that enables fabricators , installers and building managers to carry out their full duty of care to end-users .
This includes detailed guidance on how to meet EN 14351 AVCP-1 throughout the lifecycle of the products .
We also provide a range of installation guides and videos , user manuals and maintenance recommendations that explain precisely how to install and maintain our products in a way that meets the regulations . These must be passed on to the installer and building owner or manager to ensure that the exit device remains compliant .
We all have a duty to encourage compliance with panic hardware regulations . While the specific role of each stakeholder varies , the key is to provide clear instructions and ongoing support to ensure the proper installation , use and maintenance of the products . Only then will we be meeting the guidelines in full – and doing our bit to keep building users safe if the worst should happen .
www . yaledws . com
22
JULY 2024
locksmithjournal . co . uk Issue Takeover