IRONMONGERY & SECURITY
Geddes says that a cylinder lock might also work for a front door. These are anti-snap, anti-bump, anti-drill and anti-pick locks. However, he adds that it is likely that in the course of discussing security with homeowners, secondary security will be mentioned. “In many instances, a single lock is sadly not enough. Rim locks, chains and bolts offer further protection from intruders. Mortice bolts or surface bolts work well on front doors and are quick and easy to install.” For elderly or vulnerable people, door restricting accessories including door chains, are a key way to offer even more security, he adds. “When the doorbell rings and you don’t know who is there, a chain allows the door to open slightly. Spyholes in the centre of the door at eye height allow the homeowner to see through to the outside without opening the door at all.
Remote cameras controlled by smartphones and doorbell cameras are just two options that give the homeowner extra security protection.”
Windows are another vulnerable point in the home, where ironmongery accessories can protect and provide vital peace of mind. Geddes says: “Window locks, restrictors and bolts are all recommended in addition to double or even triple glazing on all windows. Taken as a complete solution, the mix of robust ironmongery and a modern security camera will be the package that offers 100% peace of mind to the homeowner.” BMJ
faulty or damaged hardware. Like hinges, check for metal dust deposits - typically located on the latch bolt or strike plate - as this could also show wear or damage.
Door Closers
Door closers facilitate the operation of a fire door and must be UKCA and CE marked and tested to EN 1154. When opened, a fire door should fully engage into the door frame every time, shutting tight by use of its own self-closing device. When conducting checks, the trick is to open a door to 5° or 75mm, and upon letting it go, it should close and engage the latch successfully. Failing to do so could indicate the door closer has been incorrectly installed or damaged and, therefore, needs adjustments or replacing. Adjustments can be made to the closing power and speed of door closers, and in busy environments such as schools and hospitals, a prolonged closing action is useful, giving people extra time to pass through the doorway.
Buildings with high footfall may benefit from approved, electromagnetic hold-open devices
EMERGENCY SPECIFICATION MADE SIMPLE S
trand Hardware is taking the panic out of buying emergency exit solutions with its Antipanic Emergency Exit and Panic range. In an emergency or panic situation, they release exit doors by means of a push bar, touch bar or a push pad on outward opening single or double doors. For day-to-day use, doors can be opened from the outside with an outside access device.
“When an emergency door can be locked or opened from the outside, it should still be freely released from inside – maintaining security without compromising its basic panic function,” said Strand Hardware MD Steve Marshall. The company offers PH (modular push bar/ push pad range), PHT (touch bar range), PHTM (motorised touch bar range) options. Selection criteria is provided by the EN standards EN1125 and EN179 and should reflect occupancy levels. Different strikes are used to suit various door materials and construction. For PVCU doors and frames, a range of profile related strikes are available for which the system manufacturer and profile model is needed. Glass doors require patch fittings to suit the escape device and door construction. Whether the doors are fire- resisting and how the door is hung will also have a bearing.
Single and three-point locking latches are available across all the ranges with the ability to convert on site from three point to two point in the most cases. External access can be provided
tested to BS EN 1155, which permit open fire doors that automatically release to close in the event of a fire. Naturally, these systems are more complex and regular maintenance is mandatory, so it’s vital to spot any potential faults, such as the door straining against its self-closing device upon operation. Exit devices are designed to provide safe and effective escape through a doorway with minimum effort. All panic and emergency exit devices must be functioning correctly, with fixings on the operating device, bolts and strikes tightly fit. Emergency exit devices and panic exit devices should be tested to BS EN 179 and BS EN 1125 respectively, as well as UKCA and CE marked.
When rated FD30 or FD60, a fire door is certified to resist smoke and fire for 30 or 60 minutes, respectively. For this to remain true, a doorset must be fitted with intumescent seals which, in the event of a fire, expand significantly to close the gap between the door and its frame. Intumescent seals should track continuously around the frame or door leaf and must remain in good condition, intact
December 2022
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
by a mechanical outside access device, using a key, push button digital combination and in most cases either a lever handle or knob. Again, thought needs to be given to how the door is to be used. Most electronic access control can be accommodated by use of an internal motorised touch bar.
Door widths and heights should be checked before ordering as many wider and taller doors can be catered for from stock by use of wider crossbars, wider model touch bars and extra- long rod kits.
Powder coated white and black finishes are available from stock along with the standard silver grey, which have the option of a green cross bar. A decorative plated satin stainless steel finish and simulated polished brass are available for many ranges. Where a high degree of corrosion resistance is necessary the DFine grade 316 stainless steel is available. Many other finishes can be provided to special order. BMJ
and undamaged. If you can see excessive gaps between the side of the door and the frame, a fire door may be ineffective. A maximum gap of 3mm is recommended around all fire doors and can be assessed with simple gap tester tools.
Additionally, ‘Automatic Fire Door Keep Clear’ signs must appear on fire doors with hold open devices and ‘Fire Door Keep Locked’ signs must be fitted to doors without self-closing devices – which can commonly be found in storerooms and cupboards.” A complete and functional fire door is a prerequisite for fire safety and regular maintenance periods are required to ensure they retain their standard while in operation. The first step is to understand the various components of a fire doorset and the potential faults to look out for when evaluating its condition. Should any doubt linger, it’s crucial to seek out professional advice immediately. Checks can save lives but where action is an obligation, knowing what to look out for is only half of the responsibility.” BMJ
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