DOORS
Timber-free bi-parting operating theatre doors.
critical part of the construction process, so it is essential that the appropriate fire door is selected and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Specifiers should only select fire doors that have been tested by a third-party UKAS- approved/TUV laboratory, with door manufacturers being asked to provide test evidence. It cannot be overstated that a fire door is much more than just a door leaf. The door leaf, the frame, the hinges, the fittings, the hardware, the glass in the vision panels, and even the acoustic seals, are all dependent upon each other, to ensure the effectiveness of the door in a fire. The full door assembly must be fire tested as a combination of all elements together, rather than each component individually. It is also important that test evidence is supplied to support installation in the appropriate wall construction – be this blockwork, a drywall, or a panel system.
Confidence in fitness for purpose Specifying doors that have third-party test certification also gives specifiers confidence that a product is fit for purpose, and is manufactured using a clear quality system. This is important for installers, inspectors, and clients, to ensure that the relevant standards have been met. Many facility owners also require fire doorsets to be installed according to third- party certification (such as BM TRADA). This offers the client additional written reassurance that the doorset has been installed correctly and, critically, that it can meet the fire standards that were specified by the architect. The UK Government is encouraging
more and more off-site fabrication within the healthcare sector. Building in a factory-controlled environment reduces waste and onsite disturbance. It is also considerably quicker, and often cheaper, to produce a working facility or additional space, compared with traditional construction methods. Doors for modular buildings are delivered to (and installed
106 Health Estate Journal October 2023
Hygienic GRP doors in an operating theatre.
in) the factory, which can dramatically reduce on-site disruption, labour time, and installation costs. Modular buildings often use repeatable room sizes, wall thicknesses, and structural openings, meaning it is far easier and quicker to design, supply, and fit, the doorsets. This also reduces possible site issues, such as improperly installed hardware or hardware compatibility, or structural openings that aren’t the correct size, walls not straight, or floors level.
Installation and maintenance When choosing a healthcare facility door, in particular a fire door, it is often preferable to select one where the manufacturer is also able to provide a warranty on both the door and the installation. This could be where the doorset manufacturer offers a full single source service to design, manufacture, and install, which offers extra peace of mind to the end-user that a doorset will indeed be fit for its intended purpose. In addition, hygienic GRP doorsets can be offered with performance warranties of up to 25 years, subject to regular maintenance by the manufacturer.
Making the right choice In conclusion, when specifying a door system, considering the following points will not only contribute to the cleanliness of the working environment, but will also ensure operating efficiency and a long, trouble-free lifespan for your doorsets: n The level of hygiene required in the particular space.
n Timber-free, inorganic materials for hygiene-critical areas.
n Consider sliding over-hinged doors in certain environments.
n Air control – hermetic doors for air control.
n Access control and automation. n Fire doors certified by a third-party test facility.
n Installation and maintenance by the doorset manufacturer.
Paul Coley and Dortek
Paul Coley, UK Commercial and Specification manager for Dortek, supports architects and specifiers in the healthcare, leisure, pharmaceutical, life science, and food sectors with technical assistance, specification writing, and ‘all-things BIM’. For over 50 years Dortek says it has manufactured high-quality fully encapsulated GRP door systems that can be found in hygiene-critical environments worldwide, including in healthcare facilities, high classification cleanrooms, pharmaceutical facilities, swimming pool environments, milk powder processing plants, food processing factories, and life science research facilities. Dortek has completed over 250 healthcare projects in the UK, and has supplied doors to over 60 countries worldwide. The company offers a full turnkey package – including technical advice on design, specification writing, BIM objects, CAD drawings, site surveys, scheduling, manufacture, installation, commissioning, after-sales service, and preventative maintenance.
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