The Locksmith Journal Sep-Oct 2016 - Issue 46 | Page 94

94 • HARDWARE&SECURITY PROUD SPONSORS OF THIS PAGE Disabled toilets protected through National Key Scheme In association with Disability Right UK (formerly The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation RADAR), N&C Phlexicare provide special locks and distinctive RADAR blue heart keys for disabled toilets in public areas. »»THIS SPECIFIC LOCK system can only be operated using a RADAR key, which are available to those that have a disability or are registered as being blind. This enables them to access facilities safely, comfortably and without the need for queuing for public toilets. This concept is promoted in the UK as ‘The National Key Scheme’ and offers people access to locked public toilets around the country. This program has in fact been rolled out all over the country. ‘The idea of the design used for the N&C Phlexicare RADAR lock system was created with ease of installation and use and good visibility in mind’ RADAR locks can be found in shopping centers, cafes, department stores, train stations and many other public locations. N&C Phlexicare’s latest design for the 5th generation lock system features a six lever lock operation for use by all official key holders. This new and exclusive version can now be easily distinguished as the official genuine lock, despite having several copied designs available on the market. The new lock design still uses the original lockset manufactured by N&C Phlexicare as a trusted mechanism that still accepts the very first keys that were launched over 40 years ago. The latest 5th generation lock has been improved with a bow shaped handle for better ease of use to meet the requirements set out in the Equality Act (BS8300), achieving a category of use to Grade 2 EN1906. The idea of the design used for the N&C Phlexicare RADAR lock system was created with ease of installation and use and good visibility in mind. Therefore, this product has been created to be retrofitted to replace existing locksets, with an optional vinyl surrounding to create a contrast against the lock, allowing the lock to be easily visible for users who are partially sighted. Concentrating also on the easy use for end users N&C Phlexicare has ensured that the lock system is ergonomically designed for a better grip. LOCKSMITHJOURNAL.CO.UK | SEP/OCT 2016 THE DEVELOPMENT OF NKS In 1981, an appropriate universal lock was introduced by N&C Phlexicare, a company with an established record in promoting ironmongery to the disabled market. This introduction saw the launch of the National Key Scheme, which today is fitted in over 10,000 toilets around the UK. The scheme allowed for public facilities that were previously locked due to vandalism and misuse, to be once again available to disabled users by local authorities. The Key Scheme first grew UK wide, when the National Rail installed the locks in over 40 stations across the country. N&C Phlexicare is part of the Nicholls & Clarke Group established in 1875 in the heart of London. N&C Phlexicare are longstanding members of GAI, and manufacture and distribute quality ironmongery products. Not only have they designed and manufactured the lock system but they have and continue to design and manufacture various disability products such as height adjustable kitchens, grab rails and shower seats to ensure that their products help to make everyday tasks easier for end users. www.nichollsandclarke.com