dhf (The Door and Hardware Federation) - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has once again endorsed its commitment to fire safety by supporting Fire Door Safety Week, the national awareness campaign first launched in 2013 in response to widespread neglect of fire doors. The Fire Door Safety Week initiative was created to raise public understanding of the vital role that fire doors play in protecting life and property. Quality standards to proper installation Something as simple as propping a fire door open can prevent it from doing its job in the event of a fire The campaign is owned, managed and run by the British Woodworking Federation and is supported by a number of partners, including the Home Office’s National Fire Safety campaign, the National Fire Chief’s Council and the London Fire Brigade. This year’s campaign will take place from 22 to 26 September 2025. For a fire door to perform effectively, every stage must be right. From correct product manufacture and quality standards to proper installation and ongoing maintenance, the detail matters. How fire doors are specified, managed and used can quite literally mean the difference between life and death for building occupants. Something as simple as propping a fire door open can prevent it from doing its job in the event of a fire. Duty of ensuring fire doors Responsibility does not lie with one group alone, however. Manufacturers, installers, building owners and users all share the duty of ensuring fire doors remain fit for purpose. This principle of shared responsibility is the driving force behind Fire Door Safety Week. As part of its ongoing commitment, DHF has recently launched the Ironmongery Manufacturers’ Guidance Document, developed with the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI). Information for fire door hardware New industry-led best practice guide provides clear, consistent and comprehensive product information This new industry-led best practice guide provides clear, consistent and comprehensive product information for fire door hardware placed on the market in the UK that is not already covered by harmonized or designated standards.  Developed over more than a year in collaboration with the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), the document supports manufacturers, distributors and own branders in meeting their obligations and ensuring safe, effective product selection, installation and maintenance. fire door safety, inspection and ongoing maintenance DHF has also partnered with BRE to deliver a series of one-day training courses on fire door safety, inspection and ongoing maintenance. With some contractors still falling short in their inspections, it is essential facilities and property managers fully understand their responsibilities in relation to fire door maintenance. “We are, once again, very pleased to support Fire Door Safety Week, and continue to back its on-going objectives,” says DHF’s Director of Commercial Operations, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, adding “Through our guidance work, industry partnerships and training initiatives, we will continue to raise awareness of the crucial role that fire doors play in saving lives and protecting property.”

Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has announced that it has created a new Level 3 Award in Compliance & Safety of Fire Resisting Roller Shutter Doors training course. Launched in response to member feedback, the course provides a full day of learning, which is mapped to the National Occupational Standards for the installation, maintenance, and repair of fire-resisting roller shutter doors. It serves as a natural progression from DHF’s Level 2 Award in Industrial & Garage Door Safety, reinforcing safe and compliant practices.  Fire-resisting roller shutter doors The one-day course comprises five units and learners will complete a short exam following each The one-day course comprises five units and learners will complete a short exam following each. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the legislation and standards applicable to fire-resisting roller shutter doors, along with effective mitigation strategies. The course will explore specific design considerations of a fire-resisting shutter upon deployment, and give an insight into the process and requirements of certification, including the relevant evidence for the performance of fire doors.  Extension to the TS 013 series Learners will also acquire knowledge of the installation, maintenance, and repair requirements for fire-resisting roller shutters, as well as the processes for dealing with non-compliance.  To complement the course, DHF has developed a new code of practice, TS 013-4:2025 – Code of Practice for Compliance and Safety of Fire Resisting Roller Shutter Doors. This extension to the TS 013 series, draws on applicable standards to assist all those installing, commissioning, repairing, and maintaining fire resisting roller shutter doors. Importance of fire-resisting shutters Exclusive document is only provided to those who complete the course and cannot be purchased This exclusive document is only provided to those who complete the course and cannot be purchased or downloaded separately.  “Given the importance of fire resisting shutters and the vital role they play in safety, DHF made the decision to put this course through the rigors to be Ofqual regulated at Level 3,” explains DHF’s Commercial Director, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens.  Awarding Body in the Built Environment Sowsbery-Stevens added: “This not only enhances its credibility but also makes it a robust choice for industry professionals. The first course launches on 24th April and we are delighted to be able to offer this.” The price of the course includes registration for accreditation offered by the Awarding Body in the Built Environment (ABBE), ensuring that learners receive a recognized theory qualification.

Tamworth-based trade association, the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), has announced that it will be exhibiting at the Security Event 2024. The organization will be situated on stand 5/L24 and available to discuss membership and provide information on its training, including the program of one-day theory-based awareness training courses offered in collaboration with BRE that cover fire door safety, inspection, installation, and the ongoing maintenance of fire doorsets. The Security Event With more than 350 exhibitors, the Security Event will return to the Birmingham NEC from 30th April to 2nd May, reuniting manufacturers, distributors, installers, integrators, consultants, and end users. The event showcases the world’s pioneering security brands. It is designed ‘by the industry, for the industry’ and delivers an opportunity to attend free workshops, and seminars that are CPD accredited, network, view case studies, and receive in-person product demonstrations from industry experts. Fire Event The Fire Event will also take place at the NEC at the same time, to support industry practitioners The Fire Event will also take place at the NEC at the same time, to support industry practitioners, professionals, and organizations in achieving and maintaining the very highest standards of fire safety management, showcasing the latest products, technology, and solutions in fire safety, and offering practical advice and live demonstrations. “As a supporting partner of the Security Event, DHF is continuing to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to strive for change and awareness industry-wide,” says DHF’s Commercial Director, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens. Achieving compliance Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens adds, "Both the Security Event and the Fire Event are the perfect platforms from which to showcase our enduring support for these sectors." She continues, "We are delighted to be exhibiting at the Security Event once again and we look forward to welcoming visitors to our stand. The DHF team will be on hand to meet with new and existing members to discuss how we can support businesses in achieving compliance.”