The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) and the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) have today (Wednesday 8 February 2023) published a new technical briefing. The new document provides clarification on what should, and shouldn’t, be included in access control systems and electronic locking on escape doors.
This new briefing came into being following frequent requests from across the sector as there is no ‘one approach fits all’ solution to specifying hardware that balances safety and security adequately. It provides guidance around standards to be aware of, such as BS EN 1125, BS EN 179 and BS EN 13637. It also details how electrically controlled locking products, such as electromagnetic locks, electric releases, electrical panic hardware and electric locks can be used on escape doors as part of a compliant system.
Douglas Masterson, GAI Technical Manager, commented: “The briefing will provide welcome guidance with the specification of access control products for escape doors. The Guild is regularly asked for advice on this matter, and we are happy to have collaborated with DHF to provide this guidance for the sector.”
In addition, the document discusses how relevant building regulations will impact the specification of access control products and makes specific reference to the Republic of Ireland’s Private Security Authority’s Licensing Requirements for Electronic Security – Access Control (PSA 67:2021).
Michael Skelding, DHF General Manager, said: “I welcome this new guidance to the fraught subject of combining provision for emergency escape with prevention of unauthorised access. This has frequently led to debate in the past and I am confident that this joint technical briefing will play its part in helping to resolve these issues.”
Access Control on Escape Doors is available for DHF members to download under the ‘additional publications‘ section.
