The Door Industry Journal: May 2013

Friday, 31 May 2013

CE Marking Seminars and Launch of New Alutech AR/555 Compact Lath

Alutech Group of Companies and JD UK Ltd are holding a seminar on the launch of the new Alutech compact lath AR/555 and the Protocol involved in cascading Alutech certification down to fabricators/manufacturers for the 55mm and 77mm insulated lath to comply with the new legislation.

As most of you are aware from the 1st of July 2013, it is a legal requirement for all fabricators/manufacturers
to comply with BS EN 13241-1:2003 and it will be a criminal offence to place a construction product on the market without a CE mark. You will no longer be able to regard CE marking of your products as voluntary.

For that reason we are inviting you to an open day where we will provide you with information on how we can cascade Alutech certification down to your company to ensure that you comply with the legislation.

Additional Requirements

You need to be aware that as well as the certification of a manufactured product you will have to supply the following.

1) Implement a factory production control system as required by the standard.
2) Issue a Declaration of Performance for each product and CE mark the door.

Free Seminars

We are holding 2 seminars. One in the South of England and one in the North of England. Below are details on the venues along with the dates.

SOUTH…….. 13th of June. Holiday Inn Express Swindon West, M4 –Junction 16, Frankland Road, Swindon, SN5 8UD Tel: 01793 818800

NORTH …… 14th of June. JD UK Ltd, Unit 2, Vulcan Works, Grange Road, Batley, WF17 6LL
Tel: 01924-472924

To book your place on one of the above seminars please contact Kevin Smith or Eric Royds at JD UK Ltd on 01924-472924

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Thursday, 30 May 2013

Garador launches new season of training seminars

Leading garage door manufacturer Garador is announcing the launch of a new season of formal factory training seminars.

After a ground-swell of demand, the company has reinstated the popular training scheme and is inviting new and intermediate merchants to learn more about Garador products and the installation process.

Simon Hipgrave, managing director of Garador comments,

“It is our job to provide merchants and installers with as much information as possible about our products and these seminars are a fantastic way to deliver this invaluable training.

“By providing these complimentary two-day courses at our newly extended factory in Yeovil, we are able to welcome our key brand advocates and equip them with all they need to understand and sell products from our ever-growing range.”

The product training course is designed for sales staff and covers the entire Garador product range. The seminar is ideal for anyone new to the brand or wishing to broaden their knowledge of the Garador range.

The installation course on the other hand, is aimed at both novice and experienced fitters who wish to learn or perfect their skills in fitting the full range of Garador garage doors. On top of this Garador is also running a series of Sales & Product Training courses.

Simon concludes,
“We believe that even customers with a vast knowledge of the garage door industry will walk away with something new and interesting to help and support their business.”

For more information about Garador, visit www.garador.co.uk or call us on 01935 443722.

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Wednesday, 29 May 2013

Organisations Must Look at Whole Life Cost for Sustainable Security Systems

The initial cost of a security system is still the deciding factor for many organisations and businesses. Yet as recent cases have shown, particularly across the healthcare industry, this approach can be extremely costly longer-term and even life threatening. Brian Ferguson, security specialist at Ingersoll Rand explains why businesses must start to think in terms of whole life cost if people and assets are to be fully protected.

The security and protection of people, business assets and premises is one of the most important yet arguably one of the most overlooked issues in modern times. Businesses and organisations across the globe continue to opt for the cheapest option possible, without fully considering the risks and long-term implications for their people or their business assets.

Organisations are faced with a vast array of security options from mechanical lock and key through to highly sophisticated, electronic solutions, operated with specialist software. The lock and key option commands the cheapest up-front cost however this must be measured against the longer-term costs and risks involved. With the protection of people and business assets more important and challenging than ever, electronic access control systems are fast becoming the only viable option.

While there is currently no legislation governing which systems should be used in the UK, it’s clear that the Government is watching, as are organised criminals and lone opportunists. The consequences of not having enough security are only too evident when you look at cases such as the horrific attacks which took place at Stepping Hill hospital in June and July last year.

During the two-month ordeal a lone attacker poisoned 22 patients by contaminating their saline drips with insulin. Unfortunately the security measures in place at the time did not prevent the perpetrator from moving freely throughout the hospital buildings, tampering with medical records and accessing medical supplies to commit the crimes undetected.

Following the attacks there has been a visible shift towards electronic security systems across the health sector. Not least because of a Government instruction that all sensitive areas, information and medical supplies within the health sector must be accompanied by a robust process of auditing. Although there has been no requirement placed on public sector organisations to install electronic access control systems this is not something which organisations can or should rule out.

Indeed, many organisations are already making the move to electronic security independently. A hospital in Aintree recently switched to an electronic access control system to help strengthen their audit trail and protect patients and staff. Keen to install a tailored, scalable platform capable of protecting and monitoring of specific parts of the hospital they selected Ingersoll Rand’s PegaSys system. Its ‘wire free’ design means it is quicker to install than traditional electronic systems and is ideal for retrofitting with minimal disturbance. Comprised of a network of electronic cylinders, validation readers, electronic wall readers and an e-trim or electronic door handle, the system at Aintree currently protects 60 areas across the hospital. These include wards, medical supply stores and areas containing sensitive patient and hospital information. It also allows them to monitor staff movements and if a key-card is lost, it can be disabled immediately.

The investment made absolute sense to the hospital team from a security point of view but also in terms of protecting the hospital financially in the longer-term. Previously, the upkeep of a manual lock and key system alone cost the hospital in the region of £30,000 each year in replacement keys, new cylinders and administration costs. Compare that with the cost of just £1 to £2 per replacement key card combined with the increased, sustained protection of assets, and the decision to move to an electronic access control system was an easy one to make.

There’s no doubt that electronic access control systems provide a much more secure and scalable platform than the mechanical alternative. Easier to install than a key-based system, electronic systems allow managers to preset access levels for individuals and protect designated areas, and when employees leave the business access can be cancelled relatively quickly. Crucially an electronic system provides a fully auditable series of checks and helps prevent the entry of unauthorised persons.

The fact is that sub-standard security systems are as bad as having no security in place. With mechanical lock and key systems keys can be lost, copied without permission, handed to unauthorised third parties, or people may simply fail to hand them in when they leave a place of employment. Keeping a reliable and meaningful manual record of user access patterns is almost an impossible task and unfortunately crucial information often goes unrecorded. In the case of the Stepping Hill hospital incidents, the reality is that the presence of a robust electronic access control system could have enabled much earlier identification of the perpetrator and reduced their ability to cover their tracks.

The Stepping Hill tragedy is a classic example of where basic security measures were simply not enough to fully protect patients, staff and business assets. In today’s world organisations cannot afford to ignore the risks. The only reliable protection comes from a truly integrated electronic access system, one which stops intruders in their tracks. Regardless of the issue of legislation, businesses must look at the whole life cost of their security systems in order to make the right decision. Organisations have a stark choice: to protect their people and businesses, or risk exposing them through inadequate protection.

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Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Grand Designs for Carteck

The Teckentrup Depot’s Carteck sectional garage door was featured on a recent edition of Grand Designs. The show covered the amazing conversion of a water tower in Kennington, London to a domestic home.

The anthracite grey unribbed 42mm sectional door was supplied and fitted by Doormatic Garage Doors of Guildford – www.doormatic.co.uk .

“Marc Sebo at Doormatic is a great customer of ours and to see a Carteck door on such a design conscious project is a real thrill.” Said Jim Rodger, the Teckentrup Depot’s Managing Director.

Read more about the Water Tower project on the Channel 4 website
For details of the Carteck sectional garage door range call on 01925 924050 or email jim@teckentrupdepot.co.uk

Garage Doors or Industry News

Support with Image; Water tower

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Monday, 27 May 2013

ALUTECH Expands its Range of Roller Garage Door Components

ALUTECH has expanded its range of components and is proud to present the new items to the roller garage door industry – components for their «4-in-1» mounting system to fit on the console (end cap).

The «4-in-1» system makes the installation of heavy roller garage doors more fitter friendly and increases the reliability of operation due to parts being made of high-strength steel.

The «4-in-1» system is based on the Alutech CCM console which provides the core part of the roller garage door.

Additionally, you can specify the following parts to upgrade the installation:

movable carriage 360/C to decrease the bending load on the suspension system;

guide rollers RG/C, RGH/C guarantee noiseless operation of the door and even entry of the curtain into the shutter box;

end caps SF360/C, SF405/C provide a neater presentation of the roller garage door without gaps between the guide rail and the wall due to the position of the end cap and guide rail being on the same level;

bracket GF/C positions the end cap SF360/C in the guide rail and secures the operator’s cable while directing it through the bracket’s leg;

shutter boxes SB45/360, SB45/405 case-in the roll improving the presentation of the finished product when necessary on doors fitted behind the opening or lintel.

Depending on the requirements and budget, a client can choose the most suitable fitting kit option:

the cost-saving option to be fitted on the console leaving the roll exposed;

on the console to use the end caps and shutter box – to improve the image of the roller garage door;

on the console with the movable carriage – to prolong the life operation of the suspension system;

the full kit: with the consoles, movable carriages, guide rollers, end caps and shutter box.

These new Alutech products increase reliability and the operational life of the roller garage door and improve the image of the whole door. Alutech guarantees quality and safety.

For more information on the «4-in-1» system visit this short link http://goo.gl/CA8DG

Or if you prefer use the original link http://www.alutech-group.com/en/news/roller-shutter-systems/2012/12/11/4-1-mounting-system-console/

And for the latest news from Alutech visit http://www.alutech-group.com/en/news/

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Sunday, 26 May 2013

New Event in the Motoring Calendar. ‘Boom Banger Rally’ takes off

The Boom Banger Rally

On 28 June 2013 a 3-day, 1000 mile ‘Boom Banger Rally’ sets off across France. Organised by Army Cadet Force Officer and Businessman Jamie Storey, it is billed as ‘the challenge of taking a car which has seen better days on a journey across Europe to fulfill its destiny’. The event begins in Rouen and follows a route that takes in France, Switzerland, Italy and Monaco, finishing in Nice.

“After successfully completing two banger rallies in the past I wanted to have a go at organising my own” said Jamie. “In 2008 it was the Mongol Rally which involved taking a car under 1000cc more than 8000 miles to Ulaan Baatar the Capital of Mongolia. Now it’s the time of taking a car on its last legs on one last great adventure on the roads of Europe”.

For a limited time only, registration is just £150 per team who need a car worth less than £250 to take to the start-line. There will be some fun and interesting challenges to complete along the way too!

Teams must embrace the request for ‘pimped’ cars and fancy dress and will be competing fiercely for the first prize of £1000, plus the all important trophy and medals.

For further information about the Boom Banger Rally go to www.boombangerrally.co.uk

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Saturday, 25 May 2013

MLA develops a Modular Coaching/BLI Exam which proves to be a great success

The Training committee and the MLA Board members have been concerned for some time that there are a lot of very accomplished trading locksmiths who attend regional meetings, Expo, Wholesalers open days etc. yet are not Members of the MLA or BLI. Research has taught us that although many of them would like to join, that there seems to be a fear of the unknown and perhaps a little trepidation in the lack of confidence that they might fail the exam.

Beside these, there are many company employees and existing BLI student/advanced student members who for similar unfounded reasons are also frightened of taking the exam.

Also, there has been a concern that some of those who have taken the BLI exam in the past and failed parts of it were more than capable of success, but were overcome on the day by nerves. Perhaps not surprising considering that for many of them this may have been their first visit to the MLA’s HQ.

With all this in mind it was decided that in line with other institutions, we would not only allow the exam to be taken in a modular fashion, thereby allowing people to take the elements they wanted, in the order they wanted and at the speed they felt comfortable with, but also introduced an alternative to the standard BLI exam, which over 2 days included refresher coaching prior to each module, in order to help settle the candidates down and to point out exactly what the invigilator was looking for in a successful pass.

The first of these modular coaching/BLI exams took place in December 2012 over two days with a total of seven candidates in attendance. They were a mixed bunch consisting of existing students, company employees and long trading self-employed locksmiths who wish to become Approved company members.

Prior to each module the candidates are settled down with a cup of tea for an informal chat and refresher instructions/demonstrations and a lecture appertaining to the module in question with some hands on practice if applicable. A full demonstration of the key making is given and good and bad examples of the lock opening and lock fitting are shown.

After which each individual module is carried out under strict exam conditions. Two modules are completed each day, and lunch is provided. Candidates can (and indeed in this instance did) choose to only take certain elements rather than all 4 if they so wish.

We were delighted to note that all the December attendees passed with very high marks. All 7 passed the written paper with high marks, the lowest being 74% and one achieved 97 %. Of those doing the opening (6) all completed the task in under 25 minutes with one of them picking open a Chubb 3G 114 in less than 14 minutes.

Of the 3 fitting a Euro Mortice dead lock, all made a very neat professional job with only one of them loosing points for a slightly oversized cut out for the Euro cylinder but a good shape none the less.

The 4 making keys to a Chubb 110 lock by hand were good with very acceptable pass marks, even though not quite perfect, except for one who’s finished key was an excellent piece of engineering IMHO, for which he achieved a 100% pass mark

To sum up, all the students felt that settling them down at the start and alleviating their nerves and knowing what we were looking for as a finished result were major factors in their success.

Below is a quote received from one of the candidates in an email after the event.

“Just wanted to say thanks again for all you did to make the two days such a success. I'm delighted to have 'made the grade' and feel the time and money I've invested over the year with the MLA has been really worthwhile; the training and support has been fantastic. I'll start working towards getting approved company status as soon as possible.
My only regret is that nerves got the better of me and I had to resort to the drill for the opening!”

So there you have it in a nut shell. If you have any doubts as to your ability to pass the exam, or concerns over what exactly is involved, then this might be the way forward for you. You can of course still sit the exam the old way if you wish but for just a few extra pounds this might be the way for you to go.

For details on how to take the exam in this fashion simply contact the MLA’s head office on 01327 262255 or e-mail training@locksmiths.co.uk

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Friday, 24 May 2013

DHF helps building professionals be aware of the imminent CE marking challenge

With compulsory CE marking of external doorsets, including emergency escape doorsets, just weeks away, the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) is ensuring specifiers and contractors understand the legal requirements manufacturers and suppliers will have to meet from July 1st this year.

To help specifiers and end users understand the obligations of manufacturers, the DHF is developing a suite of online technical guides advising on the advantages that CE marked doorsets will bring to the market.

Specifiers, architects, contractors, clients and other professionals can download the first two guides from the DHF website: www.dhfonline.org.uk

DHF Guide to specifying CE marked doorsets

The DHF Guide to specifying CE marked doorsets helps all building professionals in the construction sector to prepare for the new CE mark legislation coming into effect. Under the new Construction Product Regulation, from that date it will be illegal to supply doorsets covered by a harmonised European standard without a CE mark.

It also makes building professionals aware of the benefits of specifying CE marked doorsets rather than traditional multi-supplier sourced door assemblies. CE marked doorsets are subjected to a series of mandatory performance tests set down in the product standards.

DHF Guide to specifying CE marked external metal doorsets (non-fire)

The second guide in the suite of publications is the DHF Guide to specifying CE marked external metal doorsets (non-fire). This spells out the benefits offered by metal doorsets which include CE mark compliance, durability, extended service life, low maintenance and versatile designs.

DHF CE marking guide for construction site management

Recognising that specifying decisions are increasingly being made on-site rather than at the planning stage, a further guide will be available for download shortly: the DHF CE marking guide for construction site management. This will enable specifiers and contractors to quickly and easily choose the right doorsets that are both compliant and fit for purpose.

The DHF is working closely with a number of influential groups to promote a wider understanding of the benefits of CE marking of doors, doorsets and components. These include architects, contractors, housebuilders, enforcement authorities including Trading Standards and Building Control, and other construction trade associations.

Underpinning this DHF campaign to encourage correct CE marking of doorsets is a continuing programme of advice and help for its own members. Every DHF member supplying doorsets is advised to work within the guidelines set down in the DHF Guide to manufacturers and suppliers of CE marked doorsets. This guide is only available to DHF members.

Said Michael Skelding, DHF general manager and secretary:

“CE marking of non-fire doorsets is imminent and it’s vital that building professionals understand the legal responsibilities surrounding CE marking. Specifiers can take comfort from the fact that all DHF member companies operate within the guidelines set out in the DHF guide to the manufacture and supply of CE marked doorsets.”

The compulsory CE marking of internal doorsets and fire resisting doorsets will follow later and the DHF will produce further guides when the standards are published.

For more information, visit www.dhfonline.org.uk .

Further reading

Further reading for manufacturers, specifiers, architects, contractors, clients and other professionals involved with Industrial Doors and Shutters - read "Choosing CE Marked Industrial Doors" on page 6 of our last issue which is available online at www.dijonline.co.uk/winter2012/#/6/

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Thursday, 23 May 2013

Hormann Think Green

A new brochure from Hörmann, highlights how the company is constantly evaluating performance, from the initial stages of procuring raw materials through to production and logistics to minimise its own environmental impact.

With sustainability high on the agenda for many developers, Hörmann is also leading the way by producing independently verified, Environmental Product Declarations, that provide the raw data for both the planning and certification phase of developments.

As well as providing the documentary evidence to help developers meet their own environmental targets, Hörmann is also taking steps to reduce CO2 emissions from its manufacturing plants. These include switching from oil to natural gas heating, the choice of “green energy” suppliers and the installation of combined heat and power plants. Other initiatives include the choice of carbon neutral printing, on recycled paper, and the use of Deutsche Post's Go Green postal service.

Whether it applies to quality, energy efficiency, environmental impact or occupational safety, the aim is to set the highest possible standards for both products and production processes.

For copies of the brochure contact your Hörmann representative, call Hörmann direct on 01530 516888 or e-mail info@hormann.co.uk.

www.hormann.co.uk

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Wednesday, 22 May 2013

Garage Door Systems Invest in their Team to Maintain High Standards

Here we grow again.

At GDS we have continued to develop and invest in our team to ensure we continue to deliver the same high levels of service and standards our specialists have come to expect.

As we go from strength to strength we want to ensure our specialists receive even better care, better attention and better service to a world class standard.

Gerard McKeown ACA – Financial Controller

GDS are pleased to welcome Gerard McKeown, a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants to the Company. Gerard joins GDS with 12 years professional experience bringing with him additional knowledge and insight to the business.

Gerard will be tasked with ensuring GDS continues to remain on a secure financial footing whilst supporting the business in planning and innovating for the future.

Connor McCloy – Marketing Executive

Connor McCloy

GDS are also pleased to welcome Connor McCloy to the team. Connor recently graduated from University of Ulster, Jordanstown with a 1st Class Honours Degree BSc Marketing.

Connor will be tasked with assisting the overall marketing function within GDS and brings a much welcomed & current insight into the world of digital marketing.

Connor will also help assist our specialists where required in terms of their communication channels and mediums with a focus on e-marketing.

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Tuesday, 21 May 2013

INDEPENDENT AND INNOVATIVE ASSA ABLOY TEST LAB

ASSA ABLOY’s UKAS accredited performance testing laboratory offers independent and unbiased testing to the industry’s key performance standards.

With over 30years experience, the test lab employs a wide range of bespoke and exclusively developed testing methods to assess the performance and integrity of security and hardware products.

The impressive midlands-based facility can provide designers and manufacturers with, amongst others, BSEN, BS and PAS accredited testing for door sets, locks, door furniture and hardware to be applied in a variety of market sectors, including residential and commercial facilities. In addition, detention locking can be tested to ASTM, NIJ and other industry recognised standards methods.

Validating both security and durability, tests at the site include temperature extremes, weather tests such as wind loads, resistance to salt spray and humidity, as well as operating forces and saw, drill and chisel attack.

Commenting on the large resource and ethos behind the ASSA ABLOY testing lab, Chief Test Engineer and Test Lab Manager, Ian Bridge, said:

“In addition to the excellent and extensive range of facilities the lab has to offer, we also focus on developing innovative testing solutions for specific requirements; customising, designing and manufacturing modules for a client’s bespoke product or need. As well as being highly beneficial for new and emerging markets, it also strengthens the relationship with our customers and helps to ensure that we are all contributing toward creating safer environments.

“At the lab we are not driven by pass or fail results, but instead report definitively on the performance of the product, helping at the design and manufacturing stage of product development. Our testing emulates the extremes in relationships between products and people, and products and the environment, providing peace of mind for manufacturers and end users.”

ASSA ABLOY currently report to UKAS accredited standards and a notified body under the construction products directive, the performance testing laboratory offers over 160 individual testing criteria across 13 product categories. Comprehensive reports and sample photography are supplied to all clients.

For further information, please visit www.assaabloy.co.uk/en/local/uk/Products/Testlaboratory/

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