3.2 Safety In Use: Additional Requirements for Doors
Virtually any type of door can be produced in PVC-U, such as single hinged, double doors, inward or outward opening, in-line sliding, folding & sliding, tilt & slide and lift & slide. When choosing a particular type of door, consideration should be given, for instance to the following( including the requirements for windows given in the previous section):-
• Access to buildings and the requirements of low thresholds and size of openings for wheelchair access.
• Safety in case of fire. It is important to ensure that means of escape in case of fire are provided. EN 14351- 1:2006 + A1:2010 also specifies that fitting of any emergency exit / panic hardware for a locked door on an escape route must comply with clause 4.10.
• The provision of additional security devices such as spyholes and chains need to be specified and agreed.
4.0 Handling and Storage
When transporting glazed or unglazed frames, they should be firmly secured in an upright position on clean resilient packing. This will help prevent scratching of the surface of the profile.
Frames stored on site should be treated in the same way and should be carried securely and placed in position without heavy impact, do not rest, lower or drop frames on corners or edges as it may result in permanent damage.
Windows that are delivered pre-glazed should have the glazing packed to ensure correct operation and to minimise distortion and breakage. Windows which have had the frames and glazing delivered separately should be packed in accordance with the recommendations and the latest version of BS 6262 and BS 8213-4.
PVC-U has a high resistance to weather, corrosion, and most materials found on building sites. However, as it is possible to deliver PVC-U frames, including glass to the installer in a“ completely finished” condition, care taken in transport, storage and handling will prove beneficial, thus ensuring a good installed appearance and customer satisfaction.
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