Door Industry Journal - Summer 2018

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 114 THE door industry journal summer 2018 Locks & Building Hardware Feature Door closers create safer high-rise homes The Grenfell Tower Inquiry has placed the spotlight on fire safety measures in high-rise flats and apartments. Understandably, much of the focus has been on the cladding used in the building’s refurbishment. However, reports also suggest that there was a failure in compartmentation which contributed towards the spread of fire and smoke within the lobbies, lifts and stairwells. This was attributed to a total absence of door closers on the main entrance doors to some of the flats. Samuel Heath has seen an increase in demand for Powermatic door closers from local authorities and social landlords seeking to update fire safety measures in high-rise and other properties. Future improvements will undoubtedly see a greater emphasis being placed on the performance, quality and reliability of products used, which can only be good news for reputable manufacturers and installers of doors and hardware. Providing safe, secure and comfortable accommodation in the social housing sector imposes enormous responsibilities