ASSA ABLOY offers guidance on updated BS8300

David Hindle, Head of Door Closer Sales at ASSA ABLOY UK, responds to and offers guidance on the recent updates to British Standard 8300 which governs the design and construction of accessible environments and how they affect the facilities management sector.

David Hindle, Head of Door Closer Sales at ASSA ABLOY UK, advises: “Although the overall aim of BS 8300 is to ensure everyone can use built environments equally, regardless of disability, previous versions of the standard have focused on the provision of accessibility solutions specifically for disabled people. In contrast, the latest update focuses on making the whole environment more universally accessible, rather than simply adding on separate facilities for disabled people.

“As such, building professionals in the facilities management sector need to specify universally-applicable door closer solutions that take account of impairments or disabilities, while also providing maximum protection against smoke and fire. Balancing these two objectives is crucial.

“As BS 8300 addresses the requirements for everybody, regardless of disability, to enter, use and exit a building easily and independently, its scope covers all building features. Consequently, professionals responsible for installing door closers in the faciltiies management sector need to be aware of the most relevant parts of the standard, and how the update affects existing guidance surrounding building interiors.

“Furthermore, they must also be aware of other important aspects to the update. These include the increasing use of BS 8300 by inspecting building officers, the importance of selecting high-quality hinges when adhering to the standard. The update advises on the maximum opening force for internal doors too, recommending a maximum opening force of 30N for the first 30 degrees of initial movement, and that this force must not exceed 22.5N from 30 to 60 degrees. Finally, it also covers how to best balance opening and closing force when specifying a BS 3800-compliant door opening solution.”

ASSA ABLOY,
School Street,
Willenhall,
West Midlands,
WV13 3PW
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0)845 071 0882

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