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FIRESAFETY&SECURITY • 35
Graham Hulland
– this does not automatically mean
that the door closer is compliant for the
scenario it has been selected for.
The ‘scope of approval’ on the test
certificate itself, which details the
product’s suitability for door types and
the installation variants, should be
checked to ensure compliance. For
example, in the case of door closers
– these can either be door or transom
mounted, with a standard arm, parallel or
slide arm application for use on latched
or unlatched door. Those responsible for
the fire doors should always check the
certificate covers the proposed type of
installation.
However, even where fire doors and
their hardware meet the fire regulations
there is also a need to comply with
other building regulations, specifically
access requirements. It is important to
understand that not all door closers can
meet both criteria for fire safety and ease
of access. This is where the CE certificate
and Third Party Fire Test Certificate, will
satisfy Approved Document B and the
necessary fire performance.
When it comes to access into and
through buildings, this is the main
‘Reputable manufacturers will never shy
away from providing comprehensive data or
support to ensure an educated and informed
decision – so a fire door is truly fit for purpose’
requirement of the Equality Act. The
specific performance of door closers and
the revised requirements for minimal
opening forces is detailed within the
Building Regulations BS8300: 2009 and
Approved Document M in England and
Wales, Section 3 in Scotland and Part R
in Northern Ireland. These all state that:
“…a door set must produce an opening
force of below 30N between 0° and 30°
degrees and below 22.5N between 30°
and 60° degrees.”
Whilst that might sound straightforward
- it is important to be aware that it is
impossible for a manufacturer to claim
it has a door ‘closer’ that is compliant
with the Equality Act. The Act does not
mention door hardware. However if the
building regulations are met then this
will meet the Equality Act’s requirements
for ease of access. Unless the door is
Automated or fitted with a Hold Open or
Free Swing door closer, then there is no
way of guaranteeing compliance.
LOCKSMITHJOURNAL.CO.UK | SEP/OCT 2018
Regulations state the opening forces are
in relation to the door ‘set.’ Door closers
are an important element in meeting the
values for door opening forces; however
the effect of other ironmongery should be
taken into account.
When it comes to fire safety and ease
of access, there is a huge amount of
legislation, but it is important to be aware
of the issues to consider in order to get
the specification right from the outset.
This means only ever using a third party
certificated piece of door hardware, which
is CE marked and undertaking a thorough
investigation of the information and test
certificates. Reputable manufacturers
will never shy away from providing
comprehensive data or support to ensure
an educated and informed decision – so a
fire door is truly fit for purpose.
For further information on how to
ensure hardware compliance for fire
doors visit www.dormakaba.co.uk