Door Industry Journal - Spring 2012

Also online at: www.doorindustryjournal.co.uk NEW DHF GUIDE HELPS SPECIFIERS JUDGE LONG-TERM PERFORMANCE OF DOORSETS The Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) has published a new specification for enhanced lifetime performance of hinged and pivot doorsets. The DHF, which represents the UK’s door, hardware and architectural ironmongery sectors, developed the Technical Specification TS 006 so that its members could prove to specifiers the long-term performance and fitness for purpose of their doorsets. The specification was developed jointly with Chiltern Dynamics, the testing and certification organisation, and Exova Warringtonfire, which tests a broad range of doors, windows and hardware products. Using knowledge gained from Chiltern Dynamics’ CDTM01 test programme, as well as Exova Warringtonfire’s experience of steel doorset testing, the TS 006 DHF Enhanced Specification for Doorsets has increased some of the performance requirements called up in the published British and European standards. The test programme covered high-performance hinged doorsets made from all materials including steel, composite and timber. The specification for doorsets includes a wide range of performance criteria, including: • Vertical load • Static torsion • Soft and heavy impact • Hard body impa ct • Slamming shut • Slamming open • Closure against obstruction • Resistance to jarring and vibration • Abusive force on handles • Operating forces • Cycling (1,000,000 opening and closing cycles). Performance against these characteristics allows the door to be classified in terms of its duty. ‘Severe’ is the most demanding classification and relates to the wear and tear typical of cross- corridor locations in hospitals, schools or large offices. Said DHF general manager and secretary Michael Skelding: “There is a need for precise performance criteria to help specifiers judge whether a doorset is fit for purpose in situations of long term heavy use. Our new TS 006 specification for enhanced lifetime performance of doorsets will help building owners, contractors, specifiers and buildings/facilities managers identify the most appropriate doorset for their particular application.” Technical manager of Chiltern International Fire/Chiltern Dynamics Vincent Kerrigan added: “Demand from specifiers for proof of fitness for purpose is raising the bar for the whole industry. It is refreshing, too, that here we have an example of two highly respected UKAS-accredited test laboratories working together to assist the DHF to develop a significant test standard for this sector.” 45 THE door industry journal spring 2012 metal doorsets GLASS DOOR HANDLE ADDED TO HÖRMANN DESIGN OPTIONS A new glass handle is now an option with Hörmann aluminium entrance doors. This elegant handle adds to the wide range of options available to create bespoke entrance doors, to suit any home, through the Hörmann Vario programme. From a simple plain door to highly decorative twin coloured options that are unique to Hörmann, the vast range of handle options truly offer the opportunity to create an individual look. The DesignPlus handle series include a range of colour options and Decograin finishes while the full length design handle is available in three standard colours or in any RAL colour of your choice. Design, colour, style and glazing options give the end user the opportunity to have a bespoke, high quality entrance door that is both secure door and will give many years off reliable service. LHC OPENS NEW FAST TRACK PROCUREMENT ROUTE FOR EXTERNAL DOORSETS LHC has launched a new External Doorsets (C6) framework arrangement for the supply and installation of made to measure, quality and complete external doorsets. The collaborative procurement network has introduced the new C6 framework arrangement to help public sector professionals save time on separate tenders and allow work to start on site in a shorter timescale, meaning scarce staff resources can be used more efficiently. Main features of C6 include a wide variety of door designs, which all comply with latest Building Regulations, DDA requirements and conform to BS 8300. A choice of additional options includes enhanced security, high levels of weather resistance and operation by people with special needs. All doorsets are compliant with BS 8529, PAS 23 -1 and BS EN 14351-1 ensuring quality standards of manufacture and performance. LHC has appointed eight companies to service C6 across fourteen areas in England, Wales and Scotland, to provide the opportunity for local companies to be involved in framework arrangements. To find out which companies operate in your area, or discover more about the new C6 framework arrangement, please visit www.lhc.gov.uk/c6 for more information and to download the C6 Procurement Guide. LHC is a not-for-profit, local government organisation available for any public sector organisation to procure building products and services for construction, refurbishment and maintenance of social housing, schools and other public buildings.