add-on for our Securefold system: it’s discreet, stylish, convenient, requires effortless operation and we’re confident it will be received well by the market.”
Recent changes to security standards could also make the future an interesting lock to pick... The British standard setting out how buildings should be designed, constructed and maintained to create an accessible environment for disabled people, BS 8300, was first introduced in 2009. The standard is constantly updated to take account of important legislation, such as the Equality Act 2010 and Approved Document M, and shifting priorities for disabled access solutions, and was recently updated again.
Commercial sector ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions offers guidance on recent updates to BS 8300 and how they affect the commercial sector.
“Although the overall aim of BS 8300 is to ensure everyone can use built environments equally, regardless of disability, previous versions of the standard have focussed on the provision of accessibility solutions specifically for disabled people.
David Hindle, head of door closer sales at ASSA ABLOY UK, says: “In contrast, the latest update focuses on making the whole environment more universally accessible, rather than simply adding on separate facilities for disabled people. Building professionals in the commercial sector need to specify universally- applicable door closer solutions that take account of impairment or disabilities while also providing maximum protection against smoke and fire.” Hindle believes that balancing these two objectives is crucial.
BS 8300 addresses the requirements of everybody, regardless of disability, to enter, use and exit a building easily and independently, its scope covers all building features. Hindle continues, “Professionals responsible for installing door closers in the commercial sector need to be aware of the most relevant parts of the standard and how the update affects existing guidance surrounding building interiors.”
Other important aspects to the update include the increasing use of BS 8300 by inspecting building officers; the importance of selecting high-quality hinges when adhering to standard and the maximum opening force for doors, internal and external.
“The update recommends a maximum opening force of 30N for the first 30 degrees of initial movement of interior doors. That force must not exceed 22.5N from 30 to 60 degrees. It also covers how to best balance opening and closing force when specifying BS 8300-compliant door opening solutions.” concludes Hindle.
Fire in the spotlight Another British Standard that has recently stepped into the spotlight regarding the safety and security of building materials, is the EN54. The EN54 on fire detection and fire alarm systems is a mandatory standard that specifies requirements and laboratory tests for every component of a fire detection alarm system. However, Bradley Markham, director at Bull Products, says there is significant misunderstanding about the scope of EN54. Markham explains that EN54 does not apply to temporary use on construction sites: “The Construction Products Regulations require fire alarm products that are EN54 certified, but the CPR states that the regulation is intended for products that are used in permanent installation and not temporary products that are used to assist construction.”
He continues, “A contractor could install an EN54 Alarm system on a construction site but it may not be fit for purpose whereas a wireless alarm system for temporary use is appropriate to meet the unique demands of construction sites.”
“Taking this into account, and along with extensive knowledge of all relevant fire safety standards, our Cygnus alarm system has been designed outside of the scope of EN54 to make the product more practical for temporary use on construction sites as EN54 standards are very restrictive when applied to an alarm system for a construction site. For example, EN54 requires a 3 year battery life, however this is very difficult to achieve when an alarm will be moved but still needs to remain connected to the system. EN54 also requires a tamper alert on alarm devices which is not practical when they need to be moved frequently as the project progresses.”
Markham concludes, “Whilst the Cygnus system is by far the most advanced temporary system available on the market and offers many features of a comprehensive fire alarm. It also has many features that have been developed in conjunction with construction companies- these features fall outside the scope of EN54, for example: the first aid alert function and our patented PIR intruder sensor device.” BMJ
IRONMONGERY & SECURITY ALL LOCKED UP?
Online padlock distributors
Padlock.co.uk have noticed increasing interest from the builders merchant sector in their specialist ranges as ccount manager Jonathan Low- Hang says.”Some of the popular ones include the Squire Heavy Duty Combination Padlock series. This padlock comes in a range of sizes 40,50 and 60mm. The smaller padlocks have 4 dials. A possible 10,000 combinations. and the largest has 5 dials for additional security. A possible 100,000 combinations. The code is resettable using a reset key.
“For added security, the Abus 190CS series can be used to secure gates, lockboxes and compounds. It has a high strength steel body and a special chrome plate to help weatherproofing.”
Alternatively, “Keyed alike” padlocks essentially mean that the same key will open multiple padlocks. Low-Hang points out that the benefit with this system is the great number of choices including the budget options of the Abus 65IB series. “This padlock comes in 30, 40 and 50mm sizes. These come in a range of either hardened steel shackles or stainless steel shackles. Also, an engraving service is available for these padlocks. These types of padlock come with rust-free marine grade interior mechanisms. They have a 5 pin tumbler system that makes them secure against picking and a double bolted case to help prevent force attacks.”
With the increasing expense of brass in the marketplace, the Low-Hang believes the future lies with Titalium padlocks and the likes of the Abus 64TI series. “Titalium is an alloy of aluminium and titanium. It has proven to be both lightweight and strong with excellent weather resistant properties. This range comes in 20,30,40,50 and 60mm sizes. These padlocks have a hardened shackle with a nano-coating to help keep it rust free. As per the brass equivalent, an engraving service is also available. “These high-
security padlocks can come with a “key it twice” service that allows the customer to have a secondary set of keys that can be used to disable the first set of keys, he says. BMJ
25
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
