FIRE SAFETY
Closing The Gap
Evidently , the gap in fire door safety expertise is resulting in poor design choices , faltering standards and general lack of knowledge . While it ’ s clear that expertise is lacking across various touchpoints - think product selection , installation and maintenance - there is momentum to incite real change and the resources to improve awareness and education .
In response , and leading by example , is the Architects Registration Board ( ARB ) which recently published guidance to suggest fire safety is taught under architecture curriculum at universities . And while this shows positive steps are being made , the onus can ’ t solely be passed to the next generation of architectural professionals . All professional areas must commit and , in an age where information is almost instantaneous , there are several methods to gain a greater understanding of fire door safety - and all from trusted sources .
In light of Fire Door Safety Week , the British Woodworking Federation Group shares regular advice and useful toolkits on fire door safety ; including a five step checklist that ’ s designed to support building owners in assessing their own
fire doors ( via certification , apertures , gaps and seals , closers and operation ). Information pools like this provide modern building managers with the know-how they need to monitor and act - making the decision to repair or replace fire doors where necessary . For those actively involved in the maintenance stage , further guidance on topics such as certification and door closer adjustments is available online and by manufacturer request - showing fire door safety doesn ’ t need to be tackled alone .
When it comes to product selection and installation , there ’ s also a wealth of information and walkthroughs available in the form of detailed product datasheets and installation guides . These can often be found online and allow for a greater understanding on the hardware that ’ s available , leading to better design decisions and more reliable installation . Aside from product manuals , installers and contractors are commonly offered specialist site visits , training portals and even hardware classification guides in a bid to assist with projects post-installation . With this , professionals can ensure that their standards don ’ t slip after time passes , by understanding more about the rounded process that fire door safety is and being ready for maintenance periods when they approach .
Today ’ s associations , professional bodies and manufacturers are on hand more than ever to assist specifiers , installers and end users throughout the process that is fire door safety . The support is there , and the resources are readily available and so , there ’ s now a real opportunity to improve fire safety awareness and education for the better .
How Allegion UK can Help
Allegion UK has a wealth of resources to help professionals undertake product selection , installation and maintenance checks on fire doors and hardware . This simple toolkit provides information and tips on detecting potential faulty doors and poor installation , a guide to the EN classification system and a safety checklist . There ’ s also an option to order a free door gap tester or download Allegion ’ s general guide to service and maintenance for free . For information on product selection and installation , please speak to our experts or head to our download centre for technical fitting instructions .
www . allegion . com
Sources ; https :// shop . bsigroup . com / products / fire-resistance-and-smoke-control-tests-for-door-and-shutter-assemblies-openable-windows-and-elementsof-building-hardware-fire-resistance-test-for-door-and-shutter-assemblies-and-openable-windows ? pid = 000000000030381780 , https :// www . bwf . org . uk / latest-news / fire-door-safety-week-2020-insight /, https :// www . architectsjournal . co . uk / news / arb-demands-universities-teach-sustainability-and-fire-safety , https :// www . firedoorsafetyweek . co . uk , https :// www . firedoorsafetyweek . co . uk / toolkit / five-step-fire-door-check /, https :// www . allegion . co . uk / content / dam / allegionuk / Literature / Information % 20Sheets / K8389 % 20EN % 20Classification % 20and % 20CE % 20Marking % 20Guide % 20FINAL . pdf
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