Allegion - Experts & Thought Leaders

Kirk Smith of Allegion UK reviews a dangerous inconsistency in fire safety, outlining why fire doors deserve the same respect as the other day-to-day items people use around their homes, work, and places of leisure. Whether it’s boiling the kettle, charging the phone or changing a lightbulb, it’s second nature to be cautious when handling a potentially dangerous object. The common appliances, technologies, and commodities found around homes and places of work can pose risks, and from an early age, people learn to identify these dangers. However, there’s another everyday item that often gets overlooked and doesn’t receive the same level of attention: fire doors. passive fire protection system Fire doors and their hardware are purpose built to prevent the spread of smoke and fire in an emergency and are a key element of any building’s passive fire protection system. Though, despite their crucial role in safeguarding lives, and the fact they are used just as frequently as many of the other everyday objects in the built environment, fire doors are all too often neglected, misused and poorly maintained. Risky contradiction Whilst individuals are likely to study the safety features of their personal products and learn how to correctly use them, why is this not the case for fire doors and their hardware? Kirk Smith of Allegion UK discusses this risky contradiction: “Safety measures are an integral part of our lives, and many of us are vigilant when it comes to personal responsibility and how common items should be operated and looked after.” “As observant people, we review the condition of our charger wires, we blow out candles and matches when we’re finished with them and we closely check product reviews for the appliances we buy, all to reduce the chance of faults and fire and the danger it presents to the buildings we reside in. And when a product doesn’t perform as it should, we act.” Functionality and safety “It would appear then that we live in a culture obsessed with functionality and safety, yet there is a worrying knowledge gap when it comes to the world of fire door safety,” continued Kirk. “Whether it’s in our homes, places of work or public buildings, fire doors are used millions of times every day and are meticulously designed to serve as life-saving barriers, protecting property and people in the event of a fire.” “Though they play an ever present role in our day to day, many that walk through them fail to recognize the significance of a fully compliant fire door and what makes one effective at saving lives in an emergency.” First line of defense “Fire doors are often the first line of defense against fire and smoke and maintaining their integrity is critical to us all. When closed, a certified fire door will typically compartmentalize a space for 30 to 60 minutes, preventing the spread of smoke and fire and providing occupants with an opportunity to escape,” explained Kirk. “Conversely, an ineffective fire door system can fail within minutes, and an open one is considered useless in a fire.” “During the closing action, a fire door relies on its hardware, calling upon hinges, locks, latches and door closing devices to secure it firmly in place. In a fire situation, not one of these components can fail and as such, doorsets are rigorously tested to ensure they meet necessary standards, conforming to UKCA and CE certifications and FD ratings.” Legal requirement “We’re not simply talking about a safety feature; fire doors are a legal requirement in all non-domestic premises and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs),” continued Kirk. “However, individuals are less inclined to check whether they meet the right condition or standards once installed. Perhaps it’s a case of visibility, where a broken or exposed wire screams danger, a fire door simply blends into its surroundings until it is needed.” “Questions also remain over accountability and competence, with many unsure on the responsibilities associated with keeping fire door systems operational. Regardless, where building owners and designated responsible persons bear the legal responsibility for fire door compliance, everyone has a role to play in ensuring fire door safety.” Routine responsibilities can save lives In many cases, improved awareness and communication towards fire door safety can help mitigate risk In many cases, improved awareness and communication towards fire door safety can help mitigate risk. As many maintain a level of scrutiny towards other everyday items, it’s clear that a greater understanding is needed concerning fire door use and compliance. But what more can be done to ensure fire doors and their hardware receive the same level of attention and care as the other everyday belongings? Kirk Smith continues: “The first step is about fostering and filling knowledge gaps. What does a compliant fire door look like? How should one operate? And what is its role in my building’s fire safety strategy?” “Just because a fire door is visually present doesn’t mean it will work, especially if it has been neglected, misused or its fitted with hardware lacking the correct certification - a fire door certified for domestic use may not be suitable in a high-traffic commercial setting, for example. The industry must look to bridge the gap by providing resources and support tools whilst reminding people that fire safety is a shared responsibility.” Uncertified hardware “Where the use of uncertified hardware can compromise the effectiveness of a fire door, it’s also important to recognize that a building’s fire doors will not perform as intended unless essential hardware has been correctly specified, installed and maintained,” stated Kirk. “Routine maintenance checks are crucial, and responsible persons are urged to assess the certification, gaps, seals, hinges and closing elements on fire doors on a quarterly basis, ensuring they are maintained in an efficient state and in good working order. Though, in any circumstance, occupants should be encouraged to report damage and propped open fire doors.” “In higher risk buildings where many rely on shared fire safety systems, it’s vital that people feel comfortable to communicate concerns and, more importantly, know who they can turn to when a fire safety issue arises. Just as we wouldn’t ignore the smell of gas or exposed live electrical wires on show, you shouldn’t ignore a faulty or improperly used fire door. With this in mind, basic routine fire door safety practices can include: Keeping fire doors closed Locating fire door signage and recognizing emergency escape routes Checking hardware and intumescent/smoke seals are in good working order Reporting damage on fire doors and their hardware “Whether we recognize it or not, fire door safety is embedded into the way we live, work, and play, and it is wrong to overlook fire doors until we need them in an emergency.” “Instead, we must strive to create a culture, one that is centered around greater awareness, shared responsibility, and competent action. Simply put, it’s time to give fire doors the same attention as the items that entertain and convenience us,” concluded Kirk. comprehensive maintenance walkthroughs Allegion UK works closely with reputable bodies such as the GAI, BWF-FDA, and DHF, and as a conscious member of the supply chain, is committed to supporting customers throughout product specification and the necessary installation and maintenance procedures thereafter. Allegion has a wealth of customer support resources, including its newly downloadable ‘Fire Door Hardware Maintenance and Installation Logbook’, which has been designed to address common issues in these areas whilst offering accessible installation guidance and comprehensive maintenance walkthroughs for each of the critical elements of fire door hardware.

In support of greater fire safety standards, Allegion UK has announced the launch of its new Fire Door Hardware Logbook, a practical guide designed to assist responsible persons with hardware installation and maintenance. Allegion has unveiled its latest customer resource in line with this year’s Fire Door Safety Week, with an aim of drawing attention to two of the most prominent problem areas of fire door safety in improper installation and inadequate maintenance. Allegion’s new logbook addresses the common issues in these areas and offers accessible guidance on essential compliance requirements whilst simplifying documentation and record-keeping for those tasked with upholding the integrity of fire door systems. Hands-on resource The launch reflects Allegion’s ongoing commitment to raising standards within the fire door industry With an intuitive format covering detailed installation guidance and quarterly maintenance checklists, the logbook acts as a hands-on resource for responsible persons and provides comprehensive walkthroughs for each of the critical elements of fire door hardware, including overhead door closers, panic and emergency exit hardware, electromagnetic hold open devices, seals, locks, latches, and door furniture. The launch reflects Allegion’s ongoing commitment to raising standards within the fire door industry. Fire door compliance Pete Hancox, country manager at Allegion UK, comments on the launch: “As the industry continues to address fire door compliance and building safety, the significance of accurate fire door hardware installation and competent maintenance procedures can’t be overstated.” “Our new Fire Door Hardware Logbook is both a valuable tool and a reminder for building owners, facility managers and responsible persons that fire door safety continues to require attention following the specification process.” “We’re proud to add another invaluable resource to our library of support tools as we take a proactive step towards improving awareness and education on installation and maintenance.” Fire door safety week “The launch coincides with fire door safety week and presents us with an opportunity to amplify crucial messages, as we look to support best fire door safety practice and positively contribute to safer buildings across the UK,” concluded Pete Hancox. The new Allegion ‘Fire Door Hardware Installation and Maintenance Logbook’ is now available in digital format.

Allegion UK, alongside its family of pioneering door hardware brands, is set to present a complete fire door solution at The Fire Safety Event, taking place between the 8th and 10th April at the NEC, Birmingham. With a focus on keeping people safe where they live, learn, work and connect, Allegion’s team of experts will be on hand with specification, installation and maintenance advice at this year’s event, and will showcase a flagship range of fire door solutions, including architectural hardware, fire and smoke seals, vision panels and an intumescent fire block louver system. Set of tested and certified products  Allegion is inviting visitors to stand 4/K106 where they can experience three full-sized door models To demonstrate the crucial role that fire door hardware plays in fire safety, Allegion is inviting visitors to stand 4/K106 where they can experience three full-sized door models, each displaying a harmonized set of tested and certified products suitable for timber and steel fire doors. Throughout the three-day event, Allegion will also exhibit a working model of its unique XB120 automatic door operator from Boss Door Controls. Available in a choice of seven high-quality finishes, ranging from ‘Light Bronze’ to ‘Matt Black’, all finish options are designed to enhance all architectural styles. Key element of passive fire protection Speaking on their plans for the event, Pete Hancox, country manager at Allegion UK, commented: “Fire doors are a key element of passive fire protection, and in the event of a fire, it’s crucial that essential door hardware has been expertly specified, correctly installed and properly maintained." "As part of our ongoing campaign to raise awareness and reduce knowledge gaps in these areas, we’re delighted to return to The Fire Safety Event, as it provides the perfect platform to offer valuable expertise and support to a key audience." Highest standards in fire safety management Hancox added: “We will be showcasing the Allegion family of brands at this year’s event and plan to offer visitors true peace of mind by presenting a complete fire door solution that combines a range of our certified, highly-engineered and third-party tested fire door safety products. Our team of experts will also share real-time installation advice, with live demonstrations of our unique self-adhesive Accufit system, which has been enhanced to facilitate easy and accurate installation of our Briton door closers.” The Fire Safety Event supports industry practitioners, professionals and organizations in achieving and maintaining the highest standards in fire safety management, and provides visitors with the perfect opportunity to observe the latest products, technology and solutions in fire safety.

Whether it’s the end of the day or end of term, when schools close, it’s not unusual to see children and staff alike scrambling out the doors as they head for a much needed period of relaxation. Though, more vital than finding an exit for a break is the need to safely and swiftly evacuate school premises when an emergency situation arises. When fire breaks out in a school building, every second counts. Panic and emergency escape routes provide a direct path to safety and are critical in minimizing risk and the time spent evacuating, and as a result, are highly regulated in educational facilities as per the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Building Bulletin 100 (BB100). Emergency escape routes Designated panic and emergency routes must be highlighted with concise signage Accordingly, designated panic and emergency routes must be highlighted with concise signage, remain clear at all times and contain fully compliant and operational fire exit doors - which are recognized as the final point of escape. During term time, when a school is at its busiest, staff, students and visitors must be confident in locating and traversing their nearest emergency exit route at any given time. Regular fire drills Regular fire drills, evacuation plans and staff training can play a critical part in ensuring the effective use of escape routes in schools, though, often overlooked is the important detail of exit hardware. Where neglected routes can turn a manageable emergency into a potentially dangerous situation, duty holders are urged to recognize the importance of functional fire exits and how exit hardware keeps them operational. Unique challenges and solution School buildings are often more complex than they first appear. Between sprawling corridors, high-traffic communal areas and frequent transitions between classrooms, halls and outdoor areas, there are various challenges and vulnerabilities to consider when it comes to fire safety and the accessibility of escape routes. Fire is an unpredictable danger for any facility, made more apparent in school buildings Fire is an unpredictable danger for any facility, made more apparent in school buildings by the presence of flammable materials - such as art supplies, paper and chemical substances in science labs, for example. In some schools, arson also remains a real concern, further elevating the chance of fire and reinforcing the need for effective emergency escape routes and operational fire exit doors. In any case, escape routes must not only be compliant, but robust enough to support an orderly evacuation under duress, and for that, correctly specified, installed and maintained fire exit hardware is key. Ease of use In panic situations, particularly where children are involved, ease of use and reliability are fundamental. For schools, where there are usually more than 60 occupants present, panic exit hardware is a typical installation on fire exit doors, with horizontal push bars and pads used for intuitive egress at the end of escape routes. These panic devices are designed to provide safe and effective escape through doorways with minimum effort and without prior knowledge of operation. Horizontal push bars for example, are often utilized on external outward opening doors, with panic hardware required to cover at least 60% of the door width, ensuring devices are easy to find and operate in an emergency. All panic exit devices must also be fitted to comply with the harmonized version of EN 1125 Panic and EN 179 Emergency standards and ensure UKCA and CE markings are present. Plan to protect Far too often, escape routes are compromized in school buildings as a result of poor planning and a lack of fire exit maintenance. The durability of exit hardware is regularly put to the test in school buildings Where insufficient signage, blocked exit routes and untrained staff are common oversights that can severely impact the effectiveness of emergency exits, poorly maintained exit hardware could be the difference between safe escape and disaster. The durability of exit hardware is regularly put to the test in school buildings, with wear caused by high footfall, heavy usage and vandalism. With this in mind, a duty holder or responsible person (often the headteacher or facility manager) is required to perform regular fire risk assessments to ensure appropriate precautions are in place to safeguard pupils and staff. Satisfactory working condition As part of their duties, it is recommended that maintenance checks are conducted on a regular basis on escape routes and that all fire door hardware is in correct working order, ensuring all components are present, in satisfactory working condition and operate as follows: When the horizontal bar is pushed, it should unlatch the door immediately without requiring a key, knob or other tools. The mechanism should be intuitive and require minimal force to open. Once operated, the door should also return to its original position. Pushing the bar should release the latch and or bolts, allowing the door to swing open freely, facilitating rapid evacuation. The hardware should normally be latched to prevent unauthorized entry from the outside. A door may be locked from the outside with a key or locking device, but from the inside should always be operable without a key. Some panic bar models may include alarms or signals when the door is opened in an emergency or may have an optional dogging feature to keep the door open temporarily. Hardware must meet local building and fire safety codes. Typically, it should be rated for a certain number of cycles and withstand specific forces. When on fire doors, hardware should also hold a fire rating. Faulty panic hardware  Worn or faulty panic hardware can delay an exit door from opening  Worn or faulty panic hardware can delay an exit door from opening or may simply cause the door to fail entirely, rendering a carefully planned and clear escape route useless in the event of a fire.  In any case, should a fire door not be operating as intended, it’s imperative that a school’s responsible person seek out professional advice to ensure maintenance is carried out quickly and professionally, especially when children are present. Risk of fire Schools will always be thought of as places of learning, care and responsibility, and with that there is an ongoing duty to protect the lives of our next generation and those who nurture them. To truly mitigate the risk of fire, responsible parties must work together to guarantee safe egress is possible at all emergency exits by specifying, installing and maintaining appropriate hardware fit to meet the demands of school settings. After all, an escape route is only as reliable as the exit hardware found throughout it.

Building safety has always been an ever-evolving landscape of legislation and regulatory frameworks. The industry strives for stronger construction safety practice and in doing so, the need for reliable, transparent and accessible product information is clear - especially when fire door safety compliance is on the line. It was in response to the Grenfell Tower fire and Dame Judith Hackitt’s review that the Building Safety Act 2022 was passed, which has since looked to introduce a number of ground-breaking reforms to improve fire safety standards and facilitate greater accountability across the board. Fire and structural safety information A key component of the regulation has been the need for duty holders to retain fire and structural safety information A key component of the regulation has been the requirement for duty holders to retain fire and structural safety information, making it necessary to manage an accessible digital record of decisions and updates throughout a building’s lifecycle. This "Golden Thread of Information," as it’s known, has placed a renewed focus on the presentation and management of construction product information and ensures the right people have the right information at the right time.  Driving standards and saving lives From a single source, building owners, developers, regulators, and residents are given a greater understanding of the materials and assets used during the construction process, as a way of driving standards and saving lives. With emphasis shifting from product performance claims to verified, traceable assurances, there has never been a better time to assure peace of mind when it comes to fire door safety. Fire door confidence The Building Safety Act recognizes the importance of fire safety systems and mandates that the Golden Thread of Information must include comprehensive data on all fire detection and prevention systems in high-risk buildings, including fire doors. As a vital element of passive fire protection, fire doors and their hardware are often the first line of defense As a vital element of passive fire protection, fire doors and their hardware are often the first line of defence against fire and smoke, and as such are a legal requirement in all non-domestic properties and houses in multiple occupation. To operate as intended, fire doors will call on their various hardware components, including hinges, latches, seals, door closers and opening mechanisms, meaning they are only as effective as the weakest link in their assembly. Maintenance of fire door hardware is key As such, the correct specification, installation, and maintenance of fire door hardware is considered crucial if a building is to meet both its functional and safety standards. With that, decision makers must be confident they can identify the necessary hardware for their building, and in doing so, must also ensure components are fit for purpose and comply with UK Construction Products Regulations. UKCA and CE certifications To assist duty holders in meeting these expectations, conscious manufacturers have stepped up, and as part of the Golden Thread regulatory framework are providing more detailed information in the form of product datasheets, installation guides, and training portals. From a compliance standpoint, decision makers can instantly check a product’s associated Declaration of Performance (DOPs) to show hardware conforms to the correct testing standards and UKCA and CE certifications, as well as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) when looking to conform to the latest environmental benchmarks.  With this information, those involved in product selection can assure their installed fire door hardware will perform when it is called upon. Transparent product information Transparent product information is also useful when it comes to maintenance periods Transparent product information is also useful when it comes to maintenance periods and conforming to Approved Document B, with amendments made as recently as March 2025 focusing on Regulation 38, which states that “the person carrying out the work shall give fire safety information to the responsible person no later than the date of the completion of the work, or the date of occupation”. By providing this material, manufacturers are offering improved traceability on products and their performance, empowering duty holders to comply with legal obligations and keeping occupants safe in the process. Transparency equals opportunity Data is a critical resource in decision making and with several schemes evolving such as the Golden Thread and the Code for Construction Product Information, a real strategy is forming. Where information is accessible and no longer ambiguous, the industry is fostering a proactive culture of collaboration, further transitioning from reactive compliance-driven tasks to a more effective method for tackling fire door safety and building design as a whole. Latest standards and hardware options Outside of duty holders being able to demonstrate compliance by showing how they are managing risks throughout their buildings, there is perhaps a greater opportunity presented with clear communication among stakeholders. Outside of duty holders being able to reveal compliance by showing how they are managing risks Where it’s imperative for industry professionals to remain informed on the latest standards and hardware options, a collaborative approach can lead to better and more informed design choices that continue to deliver post-project delivery and improve fire safety outcomes. Furthermore, with information readily available, there is an opportunity for early identification of potential hazards and vulnerabilities. For existing projects, decision makers can check what hardware product has been used and where, deciding if it has been suitable and further reducing the use of ineffective options and avoiding costly retrofits when the time has come to repair or replace products. Fire door safety products From an operational perspective, when reliable product information can be accessed and assessed instantaneously, duty holders are able to streamline their decisions-assuring any changes or issues with fire door safety products are rectified quickly and actioned efficiently. The Golden Thread is setting the standard and protecting all stakeholders in the process With this holistic approach to information sharing, building and fire safety management becomes a shared duty. The Golden Thread is setting the standard and protecting all stakeholders in the process - helping to build trust in an area it is most needed. The use of traceable and transparent product information means the approach to fire door safety and building management is changing and the industry is urged to continue building upon this culture while navigating the latest standards. Traceability is no longer a burden of best practice-it’s an industry expectation and equally, a golden opportunity that must not be missed. How Allegion UK Can Help Allegion UK is committed to supporting transparency and traceability in construction and has a wealth of product information resources to help professionals undertake product selection, installation, and maintenance checks on fire doors and hardware. For information on product selection and installation, please speak to experts or head to the download center for technical fitting instructions and product certifications.  Allegion UK also proactively participates in the EPD program, with full EPD documentation available for download on Briton products, based on ISO 14025 and EN 15804 environmental declarations, from the Allegion and Briton websites.

Fire doors are designed to save lives. When closed, they form a crucial barrier against smoke and fire and provide vital time for occupants to escape in an emergency situation. An open fire door on the other hand is rendered useless in the event of a fire, and for this reason, fire door closers are equally recognized for their life-saving capabilities. The relationship between fire doors and fire door closers is synergetic in fact, with both considered key elements of a building’s passive fire protection system. When a fire door must close to completion during a fire incident, it will always rely on its mechanical closing device to do so effectively. Door closers - essential operational component Door closers are an essential operational component and must be capable of closing the door leaf from any angle of opening and strong enough to overcome the resistance of any latch seal, ensuring the door is held firmly in place by its frame. Specifiers and decision makers alike must be confident in their door closer selection While all fire door closers serve this same function, decision makers are reminded that an incorrectly specified door closer can compromise the integrity of an entire fire door assembly. With different project requirements and hardware options available, specifiers and decision makers alike must be confident in their door closer selection. Where occupant safety is on the line, what should specification teams look out for? Fire door closers are key to fire door safety Kirk Smith of Allegion UK, explains: “Fire door closers are paramount to the success of fire door safety and specification should be a structured process to ensure appropriate closers are chosen at each touchpoint.” He adds, “There are various types of door closers available on the market, but whether concealed or surface-mounted, all controlled door closer models use spring hydraulics to close and engage fire doors onto their latch, allowing buildings to compartmentalize areas and provide occupants with vital escape routes. To perform this task, fire door closers call upon a number of elements including: the door closer mechanism, mounting hardware, arms and links.” Door closers tested to EN 1634, UKCA, CE standards Kirk Smith continues, “There are often a number of considerations to make when choosing between door closer products. In any instance, specifiers must first establish whether their door is a fire door or a non-fire door, for example. To ensure a closer is fit for purpose and meets fire safety compliance, all door closers installed on fire-rated doors must be tested to EN 1634 and UKCA and CE marked.” He further states, “Mechanical variants must also conform to EN 1154 and electromagnetic hold-open devices to EN 1155, which test and classify hardware over its category of use, number of test cycles, power size, fire behavior, safety and corrosion resistance. A Declaration of Performance (DoP) must also be reviewed to ensure a door closer is certified when fitted with backcheck or delayed action.” Kirk Smith adds, “From an operational viewpoint, it’s important that a chosen door closer meets the needs of a building and its users too. Buildings with high footfall will often benefit from an electromagnetic hold-open device, which keep certain fire doors open until a fire alarm is activated, in which the system will automatically release and close doors to completion.” Surface mounted closers are the most durable and common type of door closer Selecting the most appropriate door closer Kirk Smith continues, “The size of a door can sometimes be a key factor when selecting a door closer too. Unusually tall or heavy doors may often require a door closer with a higher power size, in accordance with EN 1154 - it’s key to remember that fire doors require a minimum Power Size EN 3 to conform to this standard.” He adds, “Should a specification team be unsure about the size of the door, it is often best practice to choose a door closer unit that can be adjusted during the installation stage.” Durable in application Regardless of where a fire door may be positioned, operation must always be controlled Regardless of where a fire door may be positioned, its size or how it may be used, operation must always be controlled, as this will prevent future damage to the door and its frame - which can be a crucial step towards retaining fire safety performance. Kirk Smith continues: “Surface mounted closers are the most durable and common type of door closer, with units mounted to the surface of the door or frame with a quick and simple installation process. Comparably, concealed door closers are fitted within the door leaf and frame and while providing the functionality of a surface mounted closer is hidden from view as a way of enhancing aesthetics.” Most common ways to fit a door closer Kirk Smith adds, “When reviewing the mounting requirements, it’s important to consider door closers can be installed in different ways, often depending on the application.” The four most common ways to fit a door closer are: Figure 1 door mount fixing: where the closer body is mounted on the pull face of the door Figure 61 transom mount push side: where the closer body is mounted on the transom, on the push side of the door Figure 66 parallel mount push side: where the closer body is mounted on the push side of the door Slide track fixing: where the closer with slide arm and track is door or transom mounted, on either the pull or push side of the door Door closers with adjustable backcheck Kirk Smith states, “Specifiers must also evaluate whether backcheck control is necessary. Door closers with adjustable backcheck can better control the speed of the door, slowing it down prior to making contact with a door stop or before reaching the fully open position. This function prevents or minimizes damage to the door, hardware and adjacent walls, which would otherwise be caused by the door being forcefully open or caught by a gust of wind.” He adds, “Equally, specifiers must consider whether a door closer requires delayed action. A delayed action closer offers a period of delay from when the door is opened to closed, which is usually set to be a maximum of 25 seconds (recommended for fire doors). This functionality makes delayed action closers ideal for environments that require easy passage, such as doors used by children, the elderly or wheelchair users, for example.”