Safe access and security as it relates to community care
 Helping people who are seriously ill, frail, elderly or have a disabililty is of course the whole purpose of community care. They may visit day centres, live in a residential setting, or be cared for at home. But their very circumstances makes tasks that are taken for granted by the rest of us, such as opening and closing doors, a challenge that not all can meet. The company I work for , DORMA, is one of the world’s leading suppliers of door technology variants and offers facilities managers, architects and those responsible in local authority management an extremely comprehensive range of solutions for community care situations – and of course help meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), Part III of which comes into force later this year.
No need to feel closed in…
The Rosepark Care Home tragedy near Glasgow earlier this year left the investigators initially astonished that the fire which was brought quickly under control should claim fourteen lives in such a short space of time. Then came the speculation that many of the victims had been sleeping with their bedroom doors partly open and were overcome by the smoke that filled a section of the first floor. Self-closing devices are not always fitted in these situations because of the residents concern about feeling permanently closed in and restricted in exiting their rooms – to use toilet facilities for example. Current fire regulations (Document B) state that “all fire doors should be fitted with an automatic self-closing device except for fire doors to cupboards and to service ducts which are normally kept locked shut” and it is this that has to be reconciled with peace of mind for both residents and management. DORMA has two ‘free-swing’ door closers that meet the criteria perfectly, the TS73 EMF / FL with free swing arm and the TS99 FL. Both products are used in conjunction with a smoke detection system, are easy to fit and have time saving integral electrical connections.
Unlike conventional door closers, or floor springs, ‘free-swing’ means that the door can remain open in any position, just 5-10 degrees for example, so that the occupant can enjoy some privacy, but not feel restricted – and without having to jam the door open. Should a smoke or fire alarm be activated, the door closer mechanism will be activated and close safely, from whatever open angle it was at.
The wrong hardware on low usage fire doors can be lethal…
Historically, low usage doors have often been fitted with ‘crash bars’, hardware specifically designed for seldom used emergency exit doors. Incredibly, these bars are sometimes chained for additional security. In an emergency, ease of operation, particularly for the elderly and people with disabilities is critical, yet this type of equipment can so often becomes difficult to use through lack of maintenance, with external doors warping and bolts corroded in their strikes. The DORMA AD 4000 panic bar, or full width touch bar to give it its correct title, is a tried and tested solution commonly adopted in care homes. It has stainless steel deadlocking Pullman type latches, requiring the minimum of effort to open and is available in a range of architectural metal finishes. There are special options for solenoid operation and monitoring switches and the AD 4000 is suitable for single, double, timber and metal doors. Alternatively DORMA offer the PHB range which is available in powder coated silver or black.
A unique low resistance action…
DORMA TS 92 and TS 93 door closers are unique in their design, featuring a linear drive mechanism and heart-shaped cam. Unlike other conventional rack and pinion closers the resistance encountered when opening the door decreases almost immediately the opening action occurs. In every day use and particularly in an emergency, opening the door presents less problems for the elderly, anyone with a physical disability and for staff who may be carrying something.
Only powered when you need it…
The DORMA ED 800 low-energy swing door operators are designed specifically to provide easier access for people with disabilities and the elderly. A range of operating modes allows the door to be opened under power when required and used manually at other times.
Want to go automatic…
Automatic sliding doors available in single, bi-parting or telescopic configurations, are an excellent access solution and particularly suitable for heavy traffic areas. Door movements are highly adjustable and can be tailored precisely to the specific requirements of any application. Alternatively, automatic swing door systems are ideal for both new build and retro-fitting to existing doors. Powerful closer units provide functional reliability under heavy usage and where aesthetics are important, in-head automatic swing door operators can be used, fitting almost invisibly into the transom above the door.
Too narrow for automatics...
For narrow door openings, passageways and for other locations where space is limited and it would be difficult to fit other types of automatic doors, an automatic folding door is ideal.
Are the toilets really accessible...
There are numerous safety and accessibility issues to be considered when it comes to the design of accessible toilets, but one essential is that toilets really do need to be truly ‘accessible’. Preferably, all doors to WC cubicles and wheelchair-accessible unisex toilets should open outwards and be fitted with either an automatic or low energy door operator with an emergency release mechanism which can be operated externally by care staff. The door is opened by pressing a push button located outside the WC, which releases the lock and activates the door operator.
DORMA has produced a helpful guide to selecting the most suitable door products to help achieve compliance with the DDA.
To receive the guide contact DORMA by emailing dda@dorma-uk.co.uk or call 01462 477600 and ask for a copy of ‘Accessibility – the Specifiers Guide’
For further information contact:
DORMA Marketing Department
Tel: 01462 477600
E-mail: info@dorma-uk.co.uk
The Creative Department
Tel: 07071 226304
E-mail: info@creative-department.com
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‘Free-swing’ door closers or floor springs allow the door to remain open in any position, just 5-10 degrees for example, so that the occupant can enjoy some privacy, but not feel restricted.
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The DORMA ED 800 low-energy swing door operators are designed specifically to provide easier access for people with disabilities and the elderly. A range of operating modes allows the door to be opened under power when required and used manually at other times.
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