DHF (Door & Hardware Federation) has released a new Best Practice Guide for the locks and building hardware industry covering the British Standard for Mechanically Operated Push-Button Locksets (BS 8607:2014 + A1:2016). The Standard sets out the requirements and test methods for durability, strength and also functionality.
Classification of the Mechanically Operated Push-Button locksets is in five grades. Products tested to BS 8607 incorporate specific performance grades from BS EN 12209 for mechanically operated locks, latches and locking plates, and also requirements of BS EN 1906, BS 3621, PAS 24 and for the overriding cylinder, where applicable, BS EN 1303. A BSI Kitemark certification scheme is available for products achieving grade 5.
The British Standard includes requirements for locksets intended for use on fire-resisting and smoke control doors but does not specify requirements for locksets intended for use on final exit doors on escape routes, which are covered in BS EN 179:2008. The standard also will test the performance of the lever/knobs as well as the durability of keypads.
“The objective of this British Standard is to provide a classification for Mechanically Operated Push-button Locksets,” explains DHF’s CEO, Bob Perry. “These products are generally used as a means of convenience, but they are now also used on fire doors and perimeter doors and the standard is available to give specifiers guidance on the performance of these types of products. Locksets should not only have acceptable documentary evidence to demonstrate that they are fit-for-purpose on any smoke and/or fire-resisting doors for which they are intended but must be correctly installed. This is essential in ensuring that they are able to operate efficiently within the performance levels described in the Standard.
“We have simplified this standard for our members, with the Best Practice Guide providing practical help for all those involved with Mechanically Operated Push-button Locksets and offering clear guidance on safety, compliance and the standards that they should be adhering to. This is at the very heart of the support we continue to offer to our members.”
The Code has also received support from the industry. Michael Brooke, Senior Technical Officer at Secured by Design said:
"Secured by Design is pleased to support the introduction of this Code of Practice. We see it as a valuable tool to guide users and specifiers in an area that can be confusing to many. By the appropriate use of the correct product we hope communities and properties will be protected from crime."
DHF’s latest Best Practice Guide is just one in a series of guides addressing the major issues that should be considered when specifying, ordering or using the products it describes. Its objective is to provide its members with a concise and comprehensive document which includes a summary of relevant sections from the new European product standards.
The Best Practice Guide BS 8607:2014 + A1:2016 is available now from the DHF website: https://www.dhfonline.org.uk/publications/best-practice-guides/2.htm
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