A touchless world?

By RiChaRd BeeBe

As we can all appreciate, there has been an increased focus on limiting the spread of germs and bacteria. Businesses and facilities have been looking for options for a more hands-free approach to their openings in their buildings. Over the past several months we have seen some new innovative touchless solution products; however, we are finding some new items may not meet current building codes so it is important when you are installing new or changing products on openings that they will comply to the codes in your area.

A pull handle that can be opened with a forearm or the crook of your elbow is a product that has recently hit markets in many different sizes and styles. In some cases, these pulls might be installed in addition to the existing door pull or can be a complete replacement. We have also seen devices that attached to existing levers or knobs, allowing an individual to open a door without touching the hardware with their hands. Whenever adding hardware such as these auxiliary pulls, caution must be used to ensure that they do not impede egress. Every door in a barrier-free path of travel must have a clear opening width of 850 millimetres, so it is important that the door hardware does not protrude into this space. Hardware must also be mounted no higher than 1,200 millimetres AFF (above finished floor) to be code-compliant. ABC 3.8.3.6 2) Except as required in Article 3.8.5.2, every doorway that is located in a barrier-free path of travel shall have a clear width not less than 850 millimetres when the door is in the open position. (See A-3.8.3.6.(2) Doorway Width for further clarification).

Foot pulls are another new recent product that have been invented to provide a touch-free option for openings. Foot pulls can be provided to help in opening

doors, again without touching pull handles. When using this product, it is very important to have the door closer adjusted; as you can imagine, it is difficult for someone to pull a door open with their foot if the door closer power is adjusted too high. I’ve had firsthand experience with this recently where I tried to open a door that had a foot pull installed, and I was unable to do this as the door closer was adjusted to high. Foot pulls might also be considered a tripping hazard so it is important to consider where these would be a good touchless solution and where they may cause these challenges.

Some of these new products available on the market have specific purposes. We have recently come across a product designed specifically to allow access and egress into a singleuse washroom. Its purpose is to provide hands-free operation, whether pushing or pulling the door, as well as locking or unlocking. This product would provide barrier-free accessibility (as long as your door closer is adjusted properly), and retrofits on nearly all existing commercial and residential doors. It even provides an indicator status that will show if the washroom is occupied.

Antimicrobial coatings have been available in the marketplace for several years now, but this technology has really taken off this past year. Typical antimicrobial coatings are a silver ion, zinc, and copper; however, most hardware manufacturers use the silver-based procedure for their products. Antimicrobial might be an option where touchless is not practical or too expensive. For most facilities where products that are existing, replacing hardware with new antimicrobial products does not make financial sense. Luckily, there are a few manufacturers that are offering antimicrobial covers, which eliminate the need for full replacement of hardware. These covers are custom made to fit almost any exit device, lever, or pull handle on the market.

Automatic operators have been a touchless system for decades, because individuals insist on kicking the actuator (push button) plates. There are now real touchless options for automatic operators (no kicking required). Touch-free wave motion actuators have been used in care facilities and hospitals for many years now, and have gained popularity and interest over the past several months. This product that will allow one to simply wave their hand in front of the actuator, which will initiate the operation of the door. no touching required.

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While we are on the topic of automatic operators, the newest Alberta Building Code now requires two actuators on each side of the opening. So if you are adding an automatic operator to a building in Alberta, take note of this change so you are compliant with the building codes. ABC 3.8.3.6 6) Power door operators required by Sentences 3.8.2.7.(1) and 3.8.5.2(2) a) shall activate automatically, or through the use of controls that v) are operable from a height between 150 millimetres and 300 millimetres, as well as between 900 millimetres and 1,100 millimetres above the floor, and vi) are operable by touching or approaching and part of their surface with a fist, arm or foot.

Of course we can’t forget access CALL US FIRST, FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS! Doors & Frames, Hardware, Lockers, Washroom Accessories, Toilet Partitions, Security Solutions, Touchless Access Solutions, Automatic Operators and more! control systems. nowadays credentials can be in many forms, including users simply using their own mobile device to gain access an opening. Integration of electrified hardware can allow an individual to present their credential to a reader, which will disable a door contact, retract the latches of an exit device or release and electric strike, initiate an automatic door operator, cycling the door and then securing the door. Heck, it can even turn on the lights to their office and set the room temperature. no touching required. Some of the benefits of an access control system in a facility would include audit trails, reduce or eliminate the use of keys, simplify staff turnover and increase

building security. Like anything

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else, ensure that a professional who understands life safety and fire codes is involved in any upgrades you wish to do to your facility. Adding a magnetic lock to an opening will provide greater security, but you may be breaking important building codes designed to keep people safe.

When considering touchless solutions for a healthy and safe environment, it is important to consider the requirements of the building codes and standards in your local jurisdiction. Fire and egress codes must be followed first and foremost. Barrier-free accessibility codes also need to be followed to ensure that products comply for all users of the facility. Having a discussion with your local AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) or code official may be beneficial to ensure that any changes you wish to make are code-compliant. A certified AHC (architectural hardware consultant) can also provide opening solutions for your facility, whether your concerns are related to safety, security, longevity or product questions. n Richard Beebe AHC FDAI, is branch manager at CP Distributors Edmonton, and is a certified architectural hardware consultant, and certified fire door assembly inspector. Email him at richardb@cpdist.ca if you have any questions.

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