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» DOOR & HARDWARE Federation ’ s ( DHF ) marketing sub-committee for its Building Hardware Group members has been working hard since August 2020 to identify the most pertinent issues currently facing the building hardware sector . It has been a challenging year for the industry , with Brexit and Covid-19 creating a ‘ perfect storm ’ of trial and uncertainty .
“ One of the more current and continuing problems the sector faces are the measures that will need to be taken going forward to limit transmission of the virus , and central to this is reducing ‘ touchpoints ’ throughout a building by means of anti-Covid hardware and fully-automated doors to enable access with
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no human contact ,” explains DHF ’ s Head of Commercial Operations , Patricia Sowsbery- Stevens . “ This is crucial for building owners and facilities managers .”
In particular , doors are the one item we all touch every day ; they form a physical barrier to keep us secure and safe , but how can risk be mitigated in the post-Covid world ?
Issues identified by the building hardware group and the marketing sub-committee have been addressed and the solutions provided will help minimise the spread of infection .
“ Something as simple as ensuring existing door hardware is being cleaned properly with
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anti-bacterial detergent and water solution can make all the difference ,” says Patricia .
“ In areas of high traffic , products that enable doors to be opened without a person having to use their hands ( e . g . using arm and foot pulls ) can also be an easy and cost-effective solution . The committee has also recommended products that feature anti-microbial surfaces , which can dramatically reduce the risk of transmission , and hold-open door controls can help keep doors open at all times , except in the case of an emergency .”
Products also exist for those seeking to offer a completely hands-free solution , such as access control devices
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requiring a ‘ wave of a hand ’ to open , and fitted with motionsensing technology , which are best suited in bathrooms , hospitals , laboratories and schools . Access control solutions using personalised keys can also provide an additional layer of protection . Sharing keys between personnel can quickly increase the spread of bacteria , and therefore , the use of individual keys can limit this risk .
www . dhfonline . org . uk
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