Door Industry Journal - Winter 2012

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 43 THE door industry journal winter 2012 doorsets OPEN THE DOOR... In buildings that are under constant, often demanding use, such as schools and hospitals, it is important to ensure that any internal fittings and fixtures selected will be able to withstand the demands placed upon them. As such, heavy duty doors and associated ironmongery are often core to this requirement. Here, David Goodwin from Laidlaw considers the pressures that doorsets face when under such use and what to look out for when selecting a door for this kind of environment. When specifying products of any nature, it is important to ensure that the selected system will be able to meet expected demands whilst continuing to look good for many years to come. Considering doors and ironmongery specifically, it can become somewhat of a minefield to ensure that both of these criteria are met. Doorsets themselves can face tough long term use when installed in high traffic areas - as such, it is imperative to ensure that the chosen door will live up to expectations. Laidlaw for example, ensure all of its doors and ironmongery undergo a series of rigorous tests to prove that they are fit for purpose. The compliance of such products falls into three categories - firstly, products and systems are performance tested according to the latest European standards, including CE marking where this is appropriate. Secondly, doors are tested for their suitability for use as a fire and smoke door with additional ironmongery products successfully included on timber and steel door fire tests too. Finally, compliance with the requirements of Approved Document M of The Building Regulations and BS 8300 are also required and thereby mean that the product or systems is considered suitable for use in DDA applications. Following the testing procedures, the door and/or ironmongery will be given an eight-digit code which relates to separate areas of classification. The first number awarded is under the ‘Category of Use’ test which results in a figure being awarded from one to four - a Grade Three for example equals high frequency use by the public with a high chance of misuse. Where a product has achieved a three, this means that it will be able to cope with most demands placed upon it, making it highly suitable for use in high traffic areas. The risk of fire can also present a very real problem in public spaces. As such, doors and ironmongery must be able to also meet basic fire protection requirements. When it comes to ensuring that such products are compatible and meet these needs, a door will be fitted with compatible ironmongery and put through an intensive fire test procedure as one complete unit. In this way, it is possible to apply a fire safety rating to the products as an entire solution. All products that are tested to such standards must hold a comprehensive test certificate, which if required, can be produced by the supplier on the request of the specifier. The correct specification of a doorset solution is vital in ensuring the project in question is fitted with the most suitable products. By working with a specialist, such as Laidlaw, specifiers can be sure that they are selecting a system that will meet the desired needs, delivering a hard wearing doorset solution that is effective against excessive wear and tear from long term use.