Door Industry Journal - Summer 2018

112 THE door industry journal summer 2018 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Fire & Security UNION warns of the dangers of incorrect closer specification for non-insulated metal fire doors UNION, part of ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, is warning specifiers and installers about the dangers of fitting incorrect door closers for non-insulated metal fire doors. While many door closers are stated as being approved for metal fire doors, in a number of cases this only applies to insulated metal fire doors. And with around 8 out of 10 metal fire doors sold in the UK are non-insulated, this means many door closers are not fit for purpose – with potentially disastrous results. Non-insulated systems provide certified fire resistance for integrity only, protecting against the passage of fire and smoke. However, as the name implies, these fire doors are not certified for insulation and so cannot protect against the passage of heat. This becomes an issue for a door closer that is filled with mineral semi-synthetic mix oil, as it can actually ignite when it reaches a high enough temperature. Certifire, the testing organisation, has recently revised their certification to more accurately state the type of metal fire door a door closer is approved for use. But with so many installers and specifiers unaware of this risk, UNION is urgently calling on installers and property owners to check their closing devices are suitable for non-insulated metal fire doors. David Hindle, Door Closer Specialist at UNION, explains: “We believe many door closers could have been incorrectly specified for non-insulated metals fire doors, which could pose a real danger to lives in the event of a fire. These door closers are not suitable for fire escapes or other applications where extreme heat could risk lives or cause serious damage to property. “Certifire have taken a proactive stance on this matter and updated their certification to give a specifier or installer more detailed information. “Professionals can overcome this issue by following three simple steps. First of all, check all relevant Certifire documentation and make sure this has been updated for any recent amendments. Next, check whether the documentation includes details on the type of fire doors that the door closer has been tested on. Finally, where metal fire doors are covered, are there any restrictions on the type of fire door? By following these steps you can discover if you have any issues to resolve with your door closers. “For complete peace of mind, all UNION door closers are supplied with a glycol mix that has been successfully tested on non-insulated fire doors by two UKAS accredited fire testing facilities. Therefore, those choosing a UNION door closer can be safe in the knowledge that they are fitting a device that does not contain an oil that could possibly ignite in the case of a fire. “This is a hugely serious issue that all specifiers and installers need to be aware of. Anyone worried that they may have a door closer that is not safe can also call us for advice on 0845 2232124.” For more information, please visit www.uniononline.co.uk . Learning Could Be a Lifesaver GEZE UK has revised a piece of lifesaving learning - its popular RIBA-approved CPD on specifying, installing and maintaining ironmongery for fire doors. The 40-minute seminar explains what fire doors are, identifies their various components, how they work, the standards and regulations which surround them and why smoke is so dangerous. It is intended for Chartered members of RIBA but is also suitable for facilities managers, property managers and architectural ironmongers and completely updates the 2016 version. It incorporates the latest statistics for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, including the number of people that die from smoke inhalation every year. It also highlights the latest regulations. CPD presentations can be arranged at architects’ practices at a time to suit (usually lunchtime but breakfast seminars or afternoon sessions can be accommodated). To find out more or to book a CPD seminar, email cpd@geze.com or visit www.geze.co.uk/geze/cpd . The revised CPD fits into the core curriculum subjects of: Design, Construction and Technology and Health, Safety and Wellbeing for the General Awareness knowledge level. www.geze.co.uk UNION’s RetroV door closer. All UNION door closers are supplied with a glycol mix that has been successfully tested on non-insulated fire doors by two UKAS accredited fire testing facilities.