Door Industry Journal - Winter 2020

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 110 THE door industry journal winter 2020 How to Ensure Door Opening Solutions are Inclusive Eryl Jones, Managing Director, ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware Group It is clear that there is still much confusion across the building industry about the guidelines covering inclusive design. While this may be somewhat understandable given their number and complexity, failure to meet with the guidelines risks serious fallout, with specifiers likely to be held responsible. Add to this the fact that there is a moral duty of care to ensure that buildings are accessible and inclusive to everyone who uses them – and there is no excuse for falling short on inclusive design today. For a detailed overview of the practical guidance set out by BS 8300:2018 and Approved Document M, those involved in the decision-making process should seek the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable supplier in the industry. However, here follows an overview of what the guidelines governing inclusive design state – and how to ensure that door opening solutions satisfy them. Accessibility According to Approved Document M, ‘doors should be accessible to all, particularly wheelchair users and people with limited physical dexterity.’ This means that all doors to accessible entrances must be wide enough, once opened, to allow unrestricted passage for a variety of users, including wheelchair users, people carrying luggage, people with assistance dogs, and parents with pushchairs and small children. Opening and closing forces BS 8300-2:2018 states: ‘If the force required for opening doors is greater than wheelchair users and people with limited strength can manage, they will be unable to continue their journeys independently. If the force of the closing device is too great or its speed too fast, there is a risk that people could be pushed off balance.’ As a result, to enable independent access through a door, the opening force – when measured at the leading edge of the door – should be no greater than 30 N, when moving from the closed position to 30° open. Then, the opening force required from 30° to 60° should be no more than 22.5 N. In terms of the maximum closing force exerted by a controlled door closing device, this should be within 0° and 15° of final closure. Effective clear widths The effective clear width through a doorway refers to the distance a door needs to be clear of any obstructions when opening. All doors must meet the required effective clear widths, which vary depending on the direction and width of approach and whether the building is new or not. Visual considerations To assist those with impaired vision, doors, their furniture and frames must contrast visually with other door surfaces and their surroundings. A careful choice of colour and materials is important here. In addition, for any door that is not self-closing, or is likely to be held open, the surface of the leading edge must contrast visually with the other door surfaces and its surroundings as well. Door fittings Door opening furniture should be easily reached and provide a secure grip to users. This is critically important Locks & Building Hardware