Tamworth-based trade association, DHF (Door & Hardware Federation), has published a new best practice guide named Biosafe Hardware. The guidance document targets architects, facilities managers and building managers/owners, and offers information and support on how they might effectively balance health, safety and security, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
“The objective of this document is to guide the reader towards the best solutions for making the doors in their buildings as biosafe as possible,” explains DHF’s Head of Commercial Operations, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. “Building managers and owners need to balance the requirements of security and safety, whilst at the same time, minimising the transference of infectious diseases through ‘touch’, such as Coronavirus, SARS and MERS.”
The document is broken into four sections: powered pedestrian doors, doors which can be held open, doors which have to be touched, and solutions suitable for lever handles, knobs and similar, and provides the reader with a succinct guide including a summary of sections from the relevant European product standards. A helpful ‘door flow chart’ is also included offering multiple options on selecting the best solution to improve door hygiene.
“Very often, there will be a number of potential options for achieving door safety and these need to be balanced against budget, practicality, door type and frequency of use,” adds Patricia. “The flow chart of questions, for example, is an excellent tool for enabling the reader to locate the sections of the document relevant to them.”
DHF prides itself on keeping its members - and the industry - informed of changes in the sector, and despite the turbulence of 2020, has been as proactive as ever in its provision of vital advice, support and guidance to the wider community.
“The doors in our buildings are the one thing we all touch on a daily basis and serve as a physical barrier to keep us safe and help control temperature. However, now more than ever, touching a door can pose a greater risk to health,” concludes Patricia. “The new best practice guide is a further example of our continuing commitment to the health and safety of those who have a responsibility towards the well-being of others. The document will hopefully provide clarity and enable the reader to seek further specialist advice with regards to their requirements.”
The Biosafe Hardware Best Practice Guide is available to download from the Locks & Building Hardware section in the Publications - Best Practice Guides section of the DHF website.
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