Notice Board
Design by Certification
More than ever , modern building projects can benefit from the use of certified products , writes Daniel May , Director of Consort Architectural Hardware .
» THE NEEDS OF MODERN BUILDING environments have evolved . Throughout the construction process , decision makers are more commonly deliberating on themes such as innovation , accessibility and sustainability . And that ’ s not mentioning the renewed focus on building safety and performance , succeeding the Hackitt Review .
As the collective commitment towards these topics grows , it ’ s as vital as ever for design professionals to deliver reliable , quality materials and hardware on their projects .
Architectural hardware for example , is one of the most heavily used elements within a building environment , and a typical busy door can be used 150 times each day . Door hardware plays a pivotal role in a building ’ s operational network and its fire safety , and so the application of certified hardware solutions shouldn ’ t be undervalued .
Daniel May of Consort explains :
“ While it ’ s important to deliver on aesthetics and innovation , there is always a clear responsibility to provide safe and secure building environments . The latest in reforms - think the Building Safety Bill and the regulations that has introduced - will continue to raise the standards associated with building design and with that , the benefits of certified hardware will shine .
“ Along the supply chain , the durability of hardware products is key , and this is in no way more assured than with independent certifications . For example , for fire doors to operate as intended , they rely on fitted hardware to perform - opening and closing upon demand to ensure the compartmentalisation of smoke and fire .
“ Fire door hardware products should , at a minimum , be CE marked , showing they comply with the minimum in
regulatory requirements . However , to emphasise the highest levels of performance and durability , product manufacturers will often look towards third-party certifications such as the commonly recognised Certifire - a certification scheme that assures the performance , quality , reliability and traceability of hardware products .
“ For architects , specifiers and end users alike , product certifications such as Certifire boost the dependability of hardware choices and make for an easier , less time-consuming selection process . They provide additional confidence that the chosen product will perform when called upon , remaining safe and high performing throughout its lifecycle .
“ A building is a network of design choices , all of which must work in tandem for the infrastructure to operate as intended . Should one area fail , for example , the mechanisms of a fire door closer , the infrastructure becomes compromised - heightening safety and security risks for the building ’ s occupants and visitors . It ’ s critical that
Sources ; https :// www . gov . uk / government / collections / independent-review-of-building-regulations-and-fire-safety-hackitt-review , https :// www . consortme . com / quality , https :// www . gov . uk / government / collections / building-safety-bill , https :// www . disabledaccessramps . net / dda-compliance /, https :// www . gov . uk / guidance / ce-marking , https :// www . iso . org / iso-14001-environmental-management . html
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JAN / FEB 2022
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