INTERIORS 59
and whether it is public facing or not. Equally, it is also a legal requirement for all exit devices to comply with the latest revisions of EN 1125 or EN 179 and to possess UKCA and CE markings. With occupant safety and legal compliance on the line, it’s clear that specifi cation should never be undervalued. In fact, by focusing on a project’s requirements as opposed to quick, cost-saving wins, decision makers can preserve the functionality and safety of buildings whilst adding real value for occupants.
Fixing improper installation In many cases, an appropriately specifi ed and perfectly operational door control device can be found ineffective solely as a result of poor installation. Door hardware installation remains a pain point for the fi re safety industry specifi cally, with evidence suggesting that incorrect installation is one of the leading causes of fi re door failure. Hardware products are often unique to the manufacturer, with distinctive components, fi ttings and fi xing points, and as a result, they should never be approached as like for like installation projects. Instead, during installation, installers must look to follow manufacturer guidelines and fi tting instructions. With door closers for example, a fi re door’s integrity can quickly become compromised as a result of alignment issues and improper installation methods. Consequently, a fi re door may not be able to latch or close fully from its standing position, leaving gaps large enough for smoke and fi re to pass through in an emergency situation.
Where there is currently no legal framework to assess the competency of installers, it’s important for teams to plan ahead, appreciating that door hardware installation is a specialised task. To further raise safety standards and improve installation accuracy, conscious manufacturers share a wealth of information and detailed walkthroughs in the form of installation templates, product datasheets and video guides. Additional guidance can usually be found online, with the product packaging, or can be requested directly from the manufacturer. These materials can also be useful post-installation, where teams are required to perform regular maintenance periods as part of their obligations.
Russell Marks is managing director of Boss Door Controls ADF JANUARY 2025
WWW.ARCHITECTSDATAFILE.CO.UK
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 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
