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.
