Door Industry Journal - Winter 2020

111 THE door industry journal winter 2020 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Locks & Building Hardware to many disabled people, including disabled children. It should be possible to operate door furniture one-handed, without the need to grasp or twist. For wheelchair users, a space alongside the leading edge of a door should be provided to enable them to reach and grip the door handle, and then open it without the user having to release their hold on the handle. Nor should the wheelchair’s footrest collide with the return wall. Managing fire risks The guidelines make clear that corridor fire doors should be held open with an electro-magnetic device, but self-close when activated by smoke detectors or a main fire alarm system. They should also close should power supply fail, or when activated by a hand-operated switch. Meanwhile, fire doors for individual rooms should be fitted with swing-free devices that close when, again, activated by smoke detectors, a fire alarm system, or when power supply fails. It is now widely accepted that everyone – including the old, young and disabled – should be able to access and use a building and its facilities easily, comfortably and independently. At the same time, key market drivers such as an ageing population and consumer buying power mean that those who do not prioritise inclusive design will face ever-growing challenges that damage their reputation and could lead to costly legal disputes. In this new decade, inclusive design is non-negotiable. The business advantage rests with those who can cut through the confusion and embrace it now. For more information about inclusive design and how to ensure your buildings are compliant, read the new white paper from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, titled ‘Inclusive Design – Why Should You Care?’: www.assaabloyopeningsolutions.co.uk/inclusivedesign. To learn more about ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, please visit www.assaabloyopeningsolutions.co.uk, email AASS-Forum@assaabloy.com or call 0845 223 2124.