Hardware

INCLUSIVE DOOR DESIGNS OPEN UP NEW SALES OPPORTUNITIES FOR FABRICATORS

Eryl Jones, Managing Director of the ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware Group, outlines why it’s critical that door closers adhere to the policies governing inclusive design, while making clear how this can lead to greater sales opportunities for door fabricators.

Evidence across the building industry suggests there is still a great deal of confusion and non-compliance surrounding the guidance governing inclusive design. This includes Approved Document M, the Equality Act 2010 and – crucially – BS 8300-1 and BS 8300-2: 2018, which sets out how buildings should be designed, constructed and maintained to create an accessible and inclusive environment for all. BS 8300 was most recently updated in 2018, with the emphasis for the standard shifting from offering an ‘accessible’ environment to one that is ‘inclusive’. Those with specific needs should have these accommodated within a general space, rather than set apart in a separate area. Essentially, all people should be able to access and use a building and its facilities easily, comfortably and independently, including being able to escape in the event of a fire or other emergency. Inclusive design aims to remove any barriers that might prevent an individual from using an environment freely. A range of market drivers are ensuring inclusive design is an approach that can no longer be ignored. Those over 65 account for a quarter of the population, and with one in seven projected to be aged over 75 by 2040, buildings need to be designed for an increasingly ageing population. Disabiltiy is another key market driver influencing the need for inclusive building designs; over 11 million people working in the UK have a limiting long-term illness, impairment or disability. Finally, inclusive designs can have a direct impact on the bottom line for businesses, with Disability Rights UK finding inaccessible premises are the key reason for those with a disability deciding against a purchase. The benefits of inclusive design for brands are numerous, too: improved customer loyalty, greater differentiation, enhanced credibility, stronger brand awareness and increased spending opportunities. There are many considerations that a door opening solution needs to take into account to be compliant with BS 8300-2:2018, for example, such as opening and closing forces. The standard states: ‘If the force required for opening doors is greater than wheelchair users and people with limited strength can manage, they will be unable to continue their journeys independently. If the force of closing device is too great or its speed too fast, there is a risk that people could be pushed off balance.’ Consequently, to enable independent access through a door, the opening force – when measured at the leading edge of the door – should be no greater than 30 N, when moving from the closed position to 30° open. Then, the

opening force required from 30° to 60° should be no more than 22.5 N. In terms of the maximum closing force exerted by a controlled door closing device, this should be within 0° and 15° of final closure. Fabricators should avoid products that do not offer this capability. Other factors to take into account include accessibility for wheelchair users, effective clear widths, door fittings and visual considerations. Solutions that are compliant with BS 8300- 2:2018 will satisfy all these needs. In summary, inclusive design is a key objective for most modern building environments today. Yet organisations from across the supply chain are still failing to fully understand the benefits to be gained from meeting these requirements. But with inclusive design now a top priority for many, the fabricator market is in a unique position to generate new sales opportunities with door and hardware solutions that can meet these demands, as well as educating their customers on why it is so important that door hardware meets these needs. To demystify what the guidelines governing inclusive design state, ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland has published a new white paper that goes into this topic in-depth. This can be downloaded at www.assaabloyopeningsolutions.co.uk/inclusivedesign. Bob Perry, CEO of the Door Hardware Federation (DHF), adds: “It’s really good to see such an important message being highlighted in this white paper. Our society is changing – both in its demographics and its attitudes – and it is clear that any company that fails on inclusivity will be left behind. At the same time, however, the requirements around inclusive design are somewhat opaque and there is still much confusion in the industry. “What this white paper from ASSA ABLOY does is present everything the industry needs to know about the issue. It outlines the relevant standards, explains what they really mean, and tells them exactly what they need to do to make sure their door hardware is compliant. On behalf of the DHF, I recommend that it is essential reading.” The latest door closers that are compliant with the policies governing inclusive design balance safety, security and accessibility for all users, and are available in slim profiles that are ideally suited for fabricators manufacturing slim aluminium profile sections. Ultimately, fabricators can help play an important role in delivering inclusive environments, while realising new sales opportunities in the process too.

For more information on how ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland can help, please email AASS-Forum@assaabloy.com or call 0845 223 2124.