FIRE SAFETY
The True Importance of Door Hardware Selection
» DOOR HARDWARE IS MORE THAN just a cosmetic consideration . In fact , it plays a role in the operational integrity of a building , and more crucially , is a key element of a facility ’ s fire safety and security . Karen Trigg of Allegion UK outlines the importance of hardware selection and reminds decision makers of how routine checks can save lives .
A change in culture
Fire doors are designed to protect occupants from the spread of fire , smoke and toxic fumes . Because of this , hardware ( including handles , closers and hinges ) must meet certain standards and Continuing Professional Development ( CPD ) requirements .
However , phase one of the Grenfell Inquiry has once again reminded us that not all buildings are meeting these requirements . In fact , detailed Grenfell reports have raised questions over the integrity of the fire doors , focusing on the failure of compartmentalisation and broken self-closing mechanisms on flat entrance doors . With incorrect hardware selection or failed maintenance to blame , this case , like many others , should become the catalyst for change – before the safety of others is jeopardised .
Today , hardware is designed to adapt and tackle almost all fire safety , security and operational challenges that a building can throw its way . From access and emergency egress elements to the more unique and defined details such as flow of movement , its importance simply can ’ t be understated . But too often , as with other purchasing decisions , cost can sometimes triumph over quality .
With this in mind , industry experts are calling for a change in fire safety culture . Although there are various elements and touchpoints to consider , one area that must change quickly is how we choose our door hardware . Manufacturers , architectural ironmongers and installers must all recognise that a ‘ one size fits all ’ solution doesn ’ t exist and , instead , make adequate , proactive choices .
It never has been acceptable to install substandard equipment . We must build on industry education and move away from reactive decisions because fire safety requires extra consideration – even after a decision on hardware has been made .
Routine checks
Even with the correct door hardware in place , operational life can be significantly reduced if basic maintenance is neglected . Previously , best practice guidelines have suggested that the performance of self-closers should be checked once every six months . However , in line with the failings of various buildings , the ‘ Ministry of Housing , Communities and Local Government ’ has proposed quarterly fire door checks as part of their updated fire safety reforms .
From door furniture to panic and emergency exit hardware , building owners must ensure all doors are well kept and operational to meet health and safety requirements . Most entrances endure repeated use , especially in buildings with a high footfall , which means durability can sometimes become an issue . However , both occupants and qualified teams can undertake a number of hardware checks as part of regular maintenance periods .
Visual inspections can determine whether a door and its hardware has attained any damage . Both the physical door and its surrounding frame and hardware can become damaged over time . However , if its functionality is being effected , the damaged area should be replaced immediately .
Functional checks are also key to maintaining a door ’ s fire safety and operational elements . These checks will reveal whether hardware is still operating effectively , without requiring any undue force . Seals or weatherstripping can sometimes become loose and inhibit the correct operation of a fire door and may need to be replaced . Similarly , some fixings may need to be tightened to ensure that the door can swing freely . By completing these checks , not only will facility managers expand the lifespan of their hardware , but they ’ ll also protect the lives of occupants .
Proactive Behaviour Simply put , the choice of hardware will always be integral in the success of a facility ’ s fire safety . With various high profile failings being publicised it ’ s clear that a change in approach to fire safety is long overdue . With the development of new fire safety reforms , we now should be guiding those responsible to better standards within their own buildings . After all , it only takes the failure of one designated fire door to spell disaster .
www . allegion . com
Sources ; https :// www . gov . uk / government / publications / grenfell-tower-inquiry-phase-1-report-government-response ? utm _ source = a419ba4f-539b-4aba-8eba- 4df5620337a3 & utm _ medium = email & utm _ campaign = govuk-notifications & utm _ content = immediate ; https :// www . grenfelltowerinquiry . org . uk / phase-1-report ; https :// www . bafe . org . uk / dame-judith-hackitt-states-competence-and-accreditation-is-going-to-be-a-major-safety-feature-of-the-future /; https :// www . insidehousing . co . uk / news / news / governmentwill-legislate-for-three-monthly-fire-door-checks-65036 ; https :// assets . publishing . service . gov . uk / government / uploads / system / uploads / attachment _ data / file / 869532 / Building _ safety _ advice _ for _ building _ owners _ including _ fire _ doors _ January _ 2020 . pdf ; https :// www . allegion . co . uk / content / dam / allegionuk / Literature / ServiceMaintenance _ V14Aug16 . pdf
48
SEP / OCT 2020
locksmithjournal . co . uk Issue Takeover
Magazine Sponsor