Door Industry Journal - Winter 2014

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk building hardware feature 75 THE door industry journal winter 2014 enter the building. In an emergency or evacuation, usual rationality may be diluted, which means a solution that does not cause a door to give way upon pressure is not a good choice. This is also coupled with the fact that there can be a crush of people pushing up against a door which could cause a button to be out of sight. “So, why do we continue to see this technology present in public buildings? If there is doubt that the personnel in the building are not trained for the device, then a BS EN 1125 device should be specified. “Panic bars are the most appropriate solution for public buildings as they enable the door to automatically give way through what is commonly described as a “crash bar”. However, there are all kinds of other aspects to consider such as the type of person that will be occupying a building and their capabilities. If disabled people, elderly, infirm or children inhabit the building, ease of opening needs to be a factor. It’s important to emphasise accurate specification at the inception of a project, all too often we see emphasis put on the larger items that go into building design, with smaller elements such as door hardware becoming an afterthought. Product considerations “Once a bespoke panic hardware solution for a building has been decided upon, the type of product and also the installation properties become crucial. With a shortage of skilled labour in the UK, time is precious so Allegion has invested time in ensuring every brand across its exit hardware range guarantees a simple installation, with illustrated instructions that are easy to follow, and can be completed using standard tools. This is especially important when specifying panic hardware throughout a whole building. Allegion brands installations also possess include self-adhesive templates to ensure uniform installation, leaving no room for errors. “The latest Briton models - the Briton 560 – 570 series of fire exit devices - cut installation time by a half, enabling architects and investors to delegate resources effectively and as stipulated by BS EN 1125, the products are tested to 500,000 cycles. Care should also be taken to ensure any hinges and seals are correctly fitted so that the escape doors are able to open freely once the exit device is operated. “Aesthetic appeal is a key factor in both public and private buildings today so easy fit and screw on sides are accompanied by clips over all joins. Allegion is making a move to highlight specification and launch new guide this winter, accompanied by a dedicated specification team. With greater care at the specification stage, the correct panic hardware can be arranged at the inception of a project to aid architects and contractors throughout the installation process, and ensure everyone within the building remains safe at all times”. For further information on Allegion’s product and services visit www.allegion.co.uk . TRAKA LAUNCHES PLUG AND PLAY KEY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Traka, the key and asset management specialist, has launched Traka 21, an innovative plug and play system that provides small to medium size businesses with the very latest intelligent key management solutions. The system has been designed to provide a simple, efficient and cost effective method of managing keys and helps users become accountable for their business assets. Traka 21 helps trace and account for every single key or keyset, by individually locking them in place, ensuring that critical business operations are never jeapordised. Even within smaller businesses, commercial security is growing in sophistication. However, the management of business critical keys remains a weak link. The worst-case scenario is keys are hung on a hook in open view or hidden somewhere at the back of a drawer. The best-case scenario is that they are issued from a security desk. But, even the more secure option does not protect a business from accidental loss or theft. This can result in keys to secure areas, equipment, machinery, lockers, cabinets and vehicles falling into the wrong hands. The difference between key issue and key management with Traka 21 is that it authorises, secures and monitors all of your keys, automatically controlling and recording when a key is used, and by whom. This information is made available either through the cabinet’s display or by export on a USB pen drive. The sophisticated, stand-alone key management system combines RFID technology and robust design and provides advanced management of 21 keys or keysets, in an affordable plug and play unit. It works by creating PIN access to designated keys or keysets, which are individually locked in place. There is no requirement for network connection, and is mains operated with optional battery backup. www.traka.com