The Locksmith Journal Sep/Oct 2019 - Issue 64 | Page 69

FIRE SAFETY & SECURITY ‘if any door hardware needs replacing, including fire door closers, as part of regular servicing and maintenance, the replacement parts must meet the requirements of both the original specification, and the current legislation’ Whilst changes to an approved specification can be made for a number of reasons, are there any long- term factors that should be considered prior to any deviation from the original? Value engineering is often identified as the key driver behind specification switches, with financial pressures leading to elements of the building being altered from the original product specified in an effort to reduce initial costs. While this may reduce short-term pressures, it could then increase the long-term costs involved with maintaining the building as a whole. It is also important to remember that if any door hardware needs replacing, including fire door closers, as part of regular servicing and maintenance, the replacement parts must meet the requirements of both the original specification, and the current legislation. What can specifiers do to ensure a robust, safe specification? As I have already mentioned, keeping to regulations and ensuring that the specified door closer is user friendly in daily life are both key considerations to ensure resident safety. To ensure TS 99 FL/FLR EN 2–5 Free-swing slide channel door closer in Contur design a robust specification, it is advised that a trusted supplier is engaged with early on in the process — helping the correct solution to be identified and for detailed information to be included in the specification. www.dormakaba.com SEP/OCT 2019 Magazine Sponsor Issue Takeover locksmithjournal.co.uk 69