Exceed doorset standards with Assa Abloy

Tina Ainsworth from Adams Rite, part of ASSA ABLOY, explains how and why they not only meet, but exceed doorset standards.

With several different standards aimed at a number of different disciplines - such as fire resistance, security, acoustics - it's important that each door is correctly fitted and dressed with the appropriate architectural hardware and door furniture.

This will allow each door to fulfil its role and meet the latest stringent legal requirements.

With its own independent testing centre, ASSA ABLOY has made a habit out of subjecting its products to the limit.

By exceeding these rigorous trials, ASSA ABLOY products become popular choices when overarching regulations apply e.g on doorsets as a whole.

ASSA ABLOY products are tested far beyond the levels required, which means that when new standards are launched, few - if any - enhancements are needed for them to meet the new regulations.

In this way ASSA ABLOY aims to future-proof its security solutions.

This longevity is something that customers are always on the lookout for - especially where fire and safety is involved.

With British (BS), European(EN), International(ISO) and independent standards (e.g Secured By Design (SBD)) for both commercial and residential specifications; it can be quite confusing which standard should be specified.

They often cover very similar ground - indeed, BS and EN standards no longer conflict - but the most recent standard is usually the most popular.

Secured By Design LPS 1175.

Secured By Design (SBD) is set to launch LPS 1175 for commercial specifications - the next big challenge for door and architectural ironmongery manufacturers.

LPS 1175 will measure the integrity of the door as a whole - rather than the individual components.

Testing can be an expensive process - especially if one or more components of a doorset consistently fail the tests.

That is why it is important ASSA ABLOY physical security products are tested to not only meet, but exceed this requirement.

One of these products, the new Sentinel 6 Deadlock, has been shortlisted for Physical Security Product of the Year at the IFSEC Awards.

The Sentinel 6 package has helped Adams Rite to enhance its reputation as a supplier at the forefront of technology as it takes the complete doorset beyond the LPS1175 standard for commercial and retail premises.

The deadlock was designed to meet the stringent requirements of BS EN12209, the European single point mechanical lock standard, and achieves security grade 6.

We know of no other deadlock specifically designed for aluminium doors that has previously achieved this standard and helped a doorset exceed LPS 1175 - making Sentinel 6 and Adams Rite, leaders in the field.

The Disability Discrimination Act.

Many new doors have to take into account the Disability Discrimination Act.

This can have a huge effect on which product is specified.

Similarly with SBD standards, a lock itself cannot be classed as DDA compliant; but, by specifying the correct products, the whole doorset can be measured under this rule.

When it comes to locks and latches, smooth operation is essential, particularly for those with poor dexterity and they should be easy to reach.

Ideally, they should be fixed at an optimum height of 1000mm from the finished floor level.

When selecting upright mortice locks, consideration should be given to the accessibility of the keyway.

The ASSA Evolution lockcases, for example, are designed so that the key is positioned above the handle rather then below it.

This distinctive feature makes them far easier to use and is in line with the recommendations of BS 8300.

Door furniture should have rounded ends to reduce the risk of injury, and lever handles should be a minimum of 19mm in diameter with a minimum length of 125mm overall.

It is also recommended that the end of the lever is returned towards the face of the door.

This avoids loose clothing being caught and aids grip.

This is particularly important as many elderly, infirm or disabled persons use the lever handle to support themselves.

CE Marking.

The CE marking is very much a minimum requirement - unless it is being used on fire doors and escape exits.

It's not even a security, installation or other performance requirement so compliance with CE marking does not necessarily mean conformity with relevant European standards.

The CE mark demonstrates that the product has complied with the relevant 'Essential Requirements' of the relevant European Directive ASSA ABLOY works with trade bodies and customers throughout the country to try and improve knowledge of standards within the industry.

Experts travel the country to help trade bodies run CPD courses while a training programme has been set up at the Abloy UK headquarters in Watford to educate and inform security professionals of the rhyme and reason behind physical security standards.

Visitors to the ASSA ABLOY stand at E10 Hall 3 at IFSEC 09 can see some of the group's leading edge physical security products.

Three of the showcase products are in the running to win Physical Security Product of the Year, while there are many more that demonstrate the latest in cutting-edge technology for physical security.

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