Fire safety


the building must all be considered as to whether panic or emergency exit hardware is required.


Panic hardware is used where members of the public have access to the building but may not be familiar with the exit routes. Care homes fall under this category. Panic hardware is also used for any building that can accommodate more than 60 people. Meanwhile, emergency exit hardware


is specified when building users are familiar with exit routes, such as offices or warehouses, and the building is not accessible to the general public. This hardware would therefore not be suitable for public areas of a care home but could be used in back offices or staff facilities. Any doors in areas that are accessible to the public must have a device fitted that is operable by a horizontal bar that covers at least 60 per cent of the overall door width. As well as being easier to see and use from an accessibility point of view, it also adds another layer of safety functionality in the event of an emergency.


When it comes to panic or emergency


exit hardware, there are two British and European Standards that specify the requirements for the manufacture, performance and testing of these particular products: n Panic hardware: BS EN 1125:2008, which applies to type A (push bar panic bolts) and type B (touch bar panic bolts).


n Emergency exit hardware: BS EN 179:2008, which applies to type A (lever handle operated emergency device) and type B (push pad operated emergency device).


Both standards require the manufacturer’s name or trademark or other means of positive identification to be visible when fitted, as well as an identification number of the certification body, and a CE or UKCA mark. Both UKCA and CE markings will be


available in the UK beyond the 30 June 2025 deadline set by the previous government. This was announced by Building Safety Minister Rushanara Ali on 2 September 2024, who confirmed that the CE mark will be available indefinitely for construction products. From here, any future change to CE marking will be subject to a two-year transition period.


7. Consult the manufacturer, or call an expert If you are not sure your fire door is working properly, if it needs repair or replacement, or if you need advice on how to make it more


26


Single panic bolt


accessible for residents, always consult the manufacturer or an expert. They will know what door hardware is compliant for that specific doorset and will also check it has been tested to BS 8300-2:2018, which covers the design of an accessible and inclusive built environment. They can also confirm testing to EN 1634-1 on fire resistance of door and shutter assemblies, and EN 15269 on the extended application of test results for fire resistance and smoke control. Unless training and qualifications are


to a very high standard, always seek expert advice to confirm equipment is tested to the correct standards, has the right handles, door closers, and other features fitted, and is following a regular schedule of maintenance.


Getting the spec right


For many residents in care homes, particularly those with reduced strength or mobility, fire safety is key. Care homes are moving further up the priority list and this has been reflected in recent changes to the law. Building Regulations have recently been amended to class care homes as higher risk buildings, meaning sprinklers will now be a requirement in all new care homes in England from 2 March 2025, under Approved Document B. Getting the specification right is so important in care homes to ensure both accessibility and performance. However,


Rob Adams


Rob has more than 13 years’ experience in the architectural ironmongery industry and joined ARRONE, a HOPPE brand, almost three years ago to deliver certification across all product ranges. He is a member of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, is GAI Registered in door systems, and holds a GAI Certificate in standards and regulations. Previously, Rob was technical services manager at ASSA ABLOY for almost six years and was product manager for Yale.


with the right approach, door hardware can contribute significantly to the safety, comfort, and dignity of those who call these facilities home.


n


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com January 2025


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50