Door Industry Journal - Spring 2018

Locks & Building Hardware Feature

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk

The healthy way to close doors

Few areas of the building industry require greater attention to product specification than the health and care sector, where the needs of patients, staff and residents are so varied, specialised and demanding. Those involved in product selection will be all too aware of the critical role that door closers play in assuring the efficiency and effectiveness of fire doors. However, they can also make an enormous contribution towards reducing risk, improving hygiene and enhancing the safety, comfort and well-being of patients and staff alike. In common with many other building products, door closers need to be selected with care and consideration. Performance Naturally, door closer selection has to start with

ensuring that the product satisfies relevant performance standards. In the case of door closers, these cover fire safety and accessibility. For fire doors, the door closer must carry the CE mark, indicating compliance with BS EN 1154, and, in the case of a free swing device, BS EN 1155. Accessibility is governed by BS 8300 and Approved Document M (Section 3 in Scotland, Part R in Northern Ireland), which stipulate maximum forces required to open a door. It should be noted that these requirements are applicable to the entire door assembly and, therefore, door closers and other hardware cannot claim compliance in themselves. However, the performance and efficiency of the door closer will have a direct effect on the door’s ability to meet the requirements and specifiers should be certain that products can deliver this performance reliably throughout the life of the product. Choosing the right door closer for many situations often means looking beyond performance. There are other vital considerations in the selection process that might be imposed by the nature and use of the varied departments found within the healthcare system:- Institutionalisation There is broad recognition that interiors which are less institutionalised in appearance help to create more therapeutic environments for patients and more pleasant working conditions for staff.

The principle is particularly valued in psychiatric care where, in addition to assuring the safety and security of patients and other users, the ability to create a comfortable, homely environment can have positive effects on well-being and recovery. Materials and finishes, such as the mechanical boxes and control arms of surface mounted door closers, which are redolent of a hard, uncaring, functional institution, need to be avoided where possible. Jamb-mounted, concealed door closers, such as Powermatic, do not present such problems, thereby helping to create a less institutionalised interior, more in keeping with the therapeutic needs of clinicians and patients.

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THE door industry journal spring 2018