The Door Industry Journal

Saturday, 21 September 2013

Celebrity motor specialist Edd China chooses Garage Door Systems

Edd China the mechanical genius and star of “Wheeler Dealers”
on the Discovery Channel

When you’re looking for something a bit special...

Look to Garage Door Systems (GDS) for custom solutions. Restoring classic motors to their former glory is difficult at the best of times, but doing it in the freezing cold with a broadcast deadline looming drove Edd China to make a vow: He would not subject his team to another winter behind draughty, non-insulated doors!

Edd, the mechanical genius and star of “Wheeler Dealers” on the Discovery Channel, knew his needs would be hard to meet after contacting a few manufacturers who couldn’t supply the varied requirements for six doors in his studio and workshop.

Edd explains:

“All of our doors are fairly large, but two in particular presented real problems. For example, in my studio the door has to travel up vertically, but then we needed the bottom of the door to rise into a position horizontal to the floor... otherwise, our production team couldn’t fit the large boom cameras and lighting needed to film the show.

“The guys at GDS came up with simple, reliable solutions and they were able to automate all six doors. A unexpected bonus was discovered just as soon as James and Fergal from GDS had installed the doors... the sound insulation. No need to stop filming every time a lorry rolls by outside!”

GDS specialise in unique doors for tricky openings, but even if you don’t require custom sizes, custom colours and custom track options, you can count on their 20 years of experience with all types of sectional and roller doors.

www.gdsdoors.eu

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Friday, 20 September 2013

Garador on the tip of fingerprint technology

BiSecur Fingerprint Scanner

Garador is proud to announce the launch of a new range of BiSecur Accessories, including a state-of-the-art fingerprint scanner for the ultimate in technologically-advanced remote operation.

The BiSecur finger sensor allows operators to open automatic garage doors and entrance gates without the hassle and expense of additional handheld transmitters.

Simon Hipgrave, managing director of Garador comments:

“As with all of our BiSecur products, the fingerprint scanner uses bi-directional radio signals making it more secure as it transmits on an ultra-high frequency band – 868MHz. Using the latest in biometric technology, the fingerprint scanner can learn up to 12 fingerprints to authorise the opening of the garage door.”

The newly developed, BiSecur encryption protocol in the latest range of accessories, produces an ultra-secure radio signal which cannot be tampered with or intercepted.

Simon continues:

“Our fingerprint scanner is one of the most innovative BiSecur accessories and we have also just released two new remote BiSecur handsets. The one-button handset is already proving popular with an elderly audience due to ease-of-use, whilst our four-button handset can be programmed for a variety of extra tasks, making it ideal for those looking for a flexible solution.”

One Button Handset

Both the one and four button handheld transmitters are available in a black lacquer finish and can easily fit in your pocket, making them a stylish and convenient solution for remote garage door operation.

The radio finger-scan FFL12 sends a specific radio code to open and close garage doors or entrance gates. The unit is very easy to fit and requires a 230V AC mains electricity supply and a two core low voltage cable for the impulse connection to the operator.

Four Button Handset

The fingerprint scanner from Garador starts from just £208.

The one button handset retails at £52 and the four button version, for £54.

The BiSecur accessories are sold separately to the operator unit.

For more information, please visit www.garador.co.uk or call 01935 443705.

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Thursday, 19 September 2013

DHF Training scheme leads latest powered gate safety drive

Andy Holz, chairman of the Powered Gate Group of the DHF (left),
pictured with DHF Gate Safety Diploma assessor Steve Allen
and some of the successful candidates.

New chapter in powered gate safety opens as first candidates gain training qualifications

The first candidates have successfully completed the new DHF Powered Gate Safety Diploma training course. This is the latest initiative by the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) in its drive to increase safety levels of powered automatic gates.

Twenty installers were put through their paces during the intensive two-day course held in Manchester at the beginning of September. They completed a number of training modules, covering all aspects of gate safety from initial risk assessment through to force testing, in order to obtain their coveted DHF Gate Safety Diplomas.

The training scheme is compulsory for all DHF members who supply and install powered gates or powered gate equipment. It has been put in place by the Powered Gate Group which was set up by the DHF to educate and promote the safe and responsible design, manufacture and installation of automatic gates.

The DHF Gate Safety Diploma opens a new chapter in powered gate safety in the UK. The training curriculum was developed following consultation with the Health & Safety Executive and is the industry's only scheme to offer this depth of training.

Said Andy Holz, chairman of the Powered Gate Group of the DHF:

“The Gate Safety Diploma course sets a new standard in gate safety. There is no other safety assured training scheme for gate safety like it in the UK and it will quickly become a benchmark.

“This is not simply about turning up to get the badge. This is about ensuring safety standards are prioritised and every candidate is being fully assessed before qualification for the diploma is confirmed.”

The course is open to installers and all personnel responsible for assessment and inspection of powered gates. The second diploma course is being held in October and further courses will be held early in 2014.

Chris Threadgold, general manager of Lancashire based Astbury, who successfully completed the course, said:

“Safety is fundamental to the work we do and the diploma is the only way forward for the industry becoming safety assured at all levels.”

For more information on the DHF Gate Safety Diploma scheme visit www.dhfpoweredgategroup.co.uk .

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Wednesday, 18 September 2013

Minister Backs UK’s first Fire Door Safety Week

Fire and Rescue Minister Brandon Lewis MP is the latest in a long list of high profile supporters backing Fire Door Safety Week which started on Monday.

Fire Door Safety Week is all about raising awareness of this critical element of fire safety in every commercial, public and multiple occupancy building.

The brainchild of the BWF-CERTIFIRE Scheme, the initiative aims to raise awareness of the critical role of fire doors, drawing attention to specific issues such as poor installation and maintenance, and encouraging building owners and users to check the operation and condition of their fire doors and to report those that aren’t satisfactory.

In the process, the campaign hopes to engage and educate people, helping the whole building industry and every property owner to understand the correct specification, supply, installation, operation, inspection and maintenance of fire doors.

Fire Door Safety Week supporters include the Government’s Fire Kills campaign, the Association for Specialist Fire Protection, the Passive Fire Protection Association, the Institute of Fire Prevention Officers, and major property and construction groups such as the National Landlords Association, the Federation of Private Residents’ Associations, the Federation of Master Builders, Construction Products Association, Builders Merchants Federation, National Social Housing Fire Strategy Group and UK Contractors Group.

Brandon Lewis MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, says:

“I am pleased that the BWF is proactively working to raise awareness of an important area of fire safety through non-regulatory routes. We welcome all positive interventions that promote particular fire safety messages with relevant audiences to help reduce the devastating impact that fire can cause.”

There are about 3 million new fire doors bought and installed every year in the UK, the vast majority made from timber. However, in a recent review of 100 cases prosecuted under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, fire doors were the second highest reason for prosecutions. In many cases, incorrect doors and components are specified or brought onto site. And even when fire doors are correctly specified and installed, a recent survey among fire risk assessors revealed that 80% of the escape routes they saw were obstructed, 65% of fire doors were wedged open and 85% had door closers disconnected.

For updates on the campaign and the many events scheduled throughout the week, follow Fire Door Safety Week on Twitter @FDSafetyWeek or search for tweets with hashtag #firedoorsafetyweek.

www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk

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Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Made to measure garage doors from your own stock in just one day

Ryterna has made available to professional dealers their R40 garage door model in a ‘cut-down‘ version to drastically reduce lead times on made to measure sectional doors.

The R40-cut-down is a set of pre-assembled tracks, 4 panels, and all other things necessary to make a garage door, including the fixings. Panels are available in the two most popular designs: Midrib and Georgian in white/woodgrain finish. Other designs are available on request.

Time is always critical when an old garage door fails. The R40-cut-down kit makes it possible to offer same day fitting and replacement of an old up and over door with an insulated sectional.

The R40-cut-down kit allows dealers to make garage doors ranging from1925 - 2450mm wide and 1981 - 2155mm high which covers the most popular sizes: 6'6''x6'6'', 7'0''x6'6'', 7'0''x7'0'', 8'0''x6'6'', 8'0''x7'0''.

So, by keeping in stock a ‘unisize‘ door, dealers can offer fast replacement for 5 standard sizes plus numerous bespoke sizes in between.

Compact packing saves on warehouse storage space too - 10 sets of doors will occupy only about 4m2 (43 sq.ft). Stock handling becomes easy – ‘unisize’ doors can replace several single piece doors.

For fitting in between the opening Ryterna offers an aluminium frame in a white smooth finish. These easy to assemble and maintenance free aluminium frames can be used instead of conventional timber and save time and money on decoration works.

A semi finished frame for use with cut-down version doors is available for structural openings up to 2650mm wide and 2275mm high. It is necessary to cut it down to suit the existing opening.

In most cases the R40-cut-down can save on surveying – experienced fitters can make doors on site. Assembling and fitting takes up to 4-5 hours.

The minimum order quantity is 10 sets and technical training and assisted fitting are available.

Typical Panel Stock

For more information please visit: http://ryternagaragedoors.co.uk/Products/Garage-Doors/R40-cut-down-version/

Typical Hardware Stock

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Monday, 16 September 2013

Theodore Firedoor puts hospital fire doors on the critical list

Shocking video footage by fire door campaigner Theodore Firedoor has been distributed online and via social media, drawing attention to the appalling state of the fire doors in a major city hospital.

The video can be viewed below:

After attempts to encourage essential maintenance by the hospital’s estates management team, Theodore Firedoor went undercover to film very badly damaged fire doors and bodged attempts at repairs which would seriously compromise the fire performance of the doors.

“The first thing we notice is a distinct lack of maintenance. In particular, the meeting edges of the doors have suffered repeated impact damage. They have clearly been in need of urgent repair for some time,” says Theodore Firedoor.

He points out that the stakes would be especially high in the event of a fire in a major hospital, so the state of the fire doors is absolutely critical:

“Many hospitals have a ‘stay put’ policy as part of their fire strategy, because obviously it’s not practical to evacuate very ill patients or somebody during surgery. That’s why hospitals rely especially on fire doors providing the intended fire separation.

“So here, of all places, these fire doors pose extremely serious safety implications for the people using the building. There are no excuses, this is addressed in the Fire Safety Order and there’s clear guidance for building managers in BS 9999.”

In a recent example of how serious such risks can be, a fire at Stoke Mandeville Hospital at the end of May caused 53 patients to flee for safety, involved 40 firefighters and resulted in several people being treated for smoke inhalation. Large parts of the building were affected by smoke and water damage.

Theodore Firedoor is a campaign promoted by the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) which runs Europe’s only scheme to train, qualify and provide independent certification for fire door professionals and others with responsibility for fire safety in buildings.

There are currently about 300 candidates working through the FDIS Diploma in fire doors, using the online learning system to gain expertise in fire doors and a qualification to prove it. Once qualified, Diploma holders can also go on to apply to become certificated inspectors.

The first fully qualified and certificated fire door inspectors have now started work around the country, and this month FDIS is launching its ‘Find An Inspector’ service for hospital estate managers: http://fdis.co.uk/inspector

FDIS inspectors will help those with legal responsibilities for fire safety to ensure the safe functioning of all their fire doors, including providing a professional service for hospitals and NHS Trusts which require a competent and detailed survey and report on the condition and function of the fire doors on their premises.

Karen Byard, fire officer at Bradford District Care Trust, has completed the FDIS Diploma.

She is responsible for more than 130 buildings which have in the region of 10,000 fire doors. Her role covers a range of responsibilities including fire risk assessments, liaising with the fire service, determining whether fire doors should be repaired or replaced in order to maintain their effectiveness and training staff to ensure that people across the Trust have a basic understanding of fire risks and how they can be minimised. All of this requires not only up-to-date knowledge of legislation, best practice and industry guidance but also a recognised qualification that proves to the contractors, manufacturers, architects and clinical staff she deals with that her knowledge is beyond doubt.

Karen says:

“Most of the buildings in my area have lots of people using them on a daily basis. Many of the users are vulnerable in various ways and then there’s the issue of damage caused by trolleys and empty wheelchairs being used to open fire doors. Added to that there is a lack of awareness amongst some of the people involved in maintenance and repairs about how making changes to fire doors can seriously impact on their ability to compartmentalise fire.”

In common with many trusts, BDCT offers its services to other trusts. Having a fire officer with a recognised qualification demonstrating her competence and knowledge of fire doors gives it added credibility.

Karen continued:

“While I have worked in fire protection in the health sector for several years, achieving the FDIS Diploma has given me additional authority that helps me across all areas of my work and I plan in the future to be assessed to become a Certificated Fire Door Inspector.”

The focus on fire door safety in hospitals and other public buildings is likely to remain top of the public interest agenda over the next few weeks, including the screening of the BBC Inside Out programme last week with its secret filming of hotel fire safety measures, and also the launch this week of the inaugural Fire Door Safety Week (www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk).

Episode one in the same seies of videos can be seen on YouTube at this link http://youtu.be/N96dQtaKtOk

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Sunday, 15 September 2013

Rolls-Royce Celebrates The 2013 Goodwood Revival

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars will celebrate a record Goodwood Revival this weekend, with all three days of the popular event selling out a month ahead of the event for the first time. The local manufacturer of super-luxury motor cars will host customers, prospects, VIPs and also entertain the thousands of visitors to the world’s most popular historic motor race meeting in true Rolls-Royce style.

This year the Rolls-Royce showroom at the March Motor Works – an authentic recreation of a 1960s dealership – is the set for filming of ‘The Yellow Rolls-Royce’.

The MGM movie was released in 1964 and featured an all-star cast including Ingrid Bergman, Rex Harrison, Shirley MacLaine, Alain Delon, Jeanne Moreau, George C. Scott and Omar Sharif. The scene is based on the opening sequence of the film, set in 1931, where the character Lord Frinton (Rex Harrison) is buying a Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sedanca De Ville from a London Showroom.

The treatment of the film set décor closely follows that of the film and the theatre, only possible at the Goodwood Revival, will consist of the cast filming on set and in preparation for filming. The ‘Yellow Rolls-Royce’ will, of course, take the lead role. Expect the ever-present paparazzi and a cordon of the Goodwood Runners (period police force) to be on hand to hold back adoring fans.

Rolls-Royce will be represented on the Motor Circuit throughout the event, with a beautiful 1965 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III Continental in Velvet Green, with bodywork by James Young, forming part of the Course Director’s entourage.

Very special guests of the Company will be conveyed in period luxury, with the silence of the ‘magic carpet ride’ only marginally disturbed by the ticking of the clock.

Departing the Revival, invited guests will return to the current day in contemporary luxury, as they are conveyed in exquisite Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost cars hand-built at the Home of Rolls-Royce, located within the Goodwood Estate, a short distance from the Motor Circuit.

Background information on ‘The Yellow Rolls-Royce’:

Released 31st December 1964
Won a golden globe
Three nominations including one for a BAFTA
Filmed in Austria, England and Italy
Took $5.4m at the box office

According to The Sunday Telegraph, "anyone willing to be taken for a smooth ride could hardly find a more sumptuous vehicle, star-studded, gold-plated, shock-proof and probably critic-proof, too."

For more information and live coverage of the Goodwood Revival event visit http://www.goodwood.co.uk/revival/revival-live/revival-live.aspx

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Saturday, 14 September 2013

AlluGuard - The Garage Door Manufacturer for the Garage Door Specialist

AlluGuard prides itself on developing a leadership role within the garage door industry. We constantly challenge ourselves to offer an unrivalled range and diversification of products. To complement this abundance of products we constructed a 10,000 square foot facility, engineered specifically for our manufacturing and distribution process.

Each detail was meticulously planned with an eye toward maximum operational efficiency. We undertook this process because we know our customers have come to expect the latest from AlluGuard in innovative designs and technology advances while relying on our judgement to guide them forward.

Delivering quality customer service continues to be the cornerstone of our business. Our professionally trained staff of experienced men and women welcome with open arms the everyday challenges which exist in our industry. This loyalty and dedication shared by our staff is matched by the same sentiment as expressed by our long list of customers over these many years. At AlluGuard, our team recognises we will be judged by the most recent experience each customer has with us. As such, we work diligently to make each transaction as efficient, productive, and as pleasant as possible.

Long ago we realised we are only as strong as the relationship we continue to build upon between our suppliers and customers. For this reason we strive to bridge this gap and offer innovative solutions, whatever the specific industry needs require.

All of us at AlluGuard never tire of saying thank you to our customers for allowing us to serve them. Each day we pledge to continue to do all we can to earn your business. To those potential customers viewing us for the first time, I invite you to try us and see for yourself why so many other companies benefit from their relationship with AlluGuard.

AlluGuard - The Garage Door Manufacturer for the Garage Door Specialist offer as standard:

‘Secured by Design’ The initiative from the Association of Chief Police Officers

All Alluguard 77 Doors Secured By Design specification as standard at no extra cost

All standard colours are 1 price – including Golden Oak & Rosewood. (Matching Guides, Half or Full Box Available including Woodgrain)

Order by 5pm Tuesday for guaranteed delivery following week

Weather resistant shrink wrap packaging

NOT sold via Internet Sales Companies

Somfy Control System – as standard

Delivered on our own fleet of transport

Unique 89mm Tube & Locking Ring attachment

For more information visit www.alluguard.co.uk or call 0845 366 5831

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Friday, 13 September 2013

Assa Abloy Security Solutions Announce Further CPD Availability

ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions has launched a new RIBA-approved CPD course focusing on Door Closers, demonstrating its continued investment in support of its architect customers.

The CPD seminar, entitled ‘Opening Your Eyes to Door Closers: A Guide for Architects’, will cover the function of a door closer, the different types of door closer available, specification considerations, and the relevant standards, regulations and tests. The seminar also draws upon a real-life application, looking at a project recently undertaken by ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions at Heriot-Watt University, where door closers were successfully specified and installed across a large-scale new student residences complex.

Suitable for architects working across a variety of sectors – from healthcare and education, to financial and commercial applications – the seminar will inform participants of everything they need to correctly specify door closers, in line with the legislative demands of their building environment.

Upon completing the CPD seminar, participants will gain training points towards their yearly requirement, having worked across inclusive design, health & safety and compliance competencies under the RIBA CPD core curriculum.

Claire Jones, CPD Co-ordinator for ASSA ABLOY UK, said:

“Having an established and successful range of RIBA accredited CPD courses, we are pleased to bring this new addition to our seminar offering.

“Whether they’re aiding acoustics, security, fire safety or accessibility, a door closer is a critical part of an overall access system. I hope this opportunity to understand a door closer’s functionality will help our architect customers to stay at the very forefront of doorset specification.

“The courses are available at our ASSA ABLOY Training Academy, based in the Midlands, offering easy access and good transport links. For additional flexibility we are able to conduct the seminars on site, or at an Architects’ practice.”

For further information or to book a CPD seminar, please contact Claire Jones 01902 364 587 or visit www.assaabloy.co.uk

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Thursday, 12 September 2013

The Metflam Phoenix with 60/60 Fire Resistance

MetFlam, a company known for some very clever high performance fire resistant glass doors, has been acquired by DR Services, resulting in a much missed product line being restored to the market.

“It's a totally logical extension,” said DR Services Director Julie Jarvis. “We currently create frameless glass offices, partitions and shop fronts. Now we will be able to continue that theme in fire glass.”

MetFlam ceased production in 2011 as a result of key personnel leaving the company, but negotiations in recent months resulted in an amicable solution that has enabled DR Services, an innovative glazing design company based in Harlow, to re-float the company as an independent business.

MetFlam is known for creating what is thought to be the world's only 60/60 fire rated door with a 20mm jamb at anything up to 2.5 metres in height. In this context 60/60 means 60 minutes of insulation from a fire as well as 60 minutes integrity (during which time the door will stay in place).

MetFlam was a company well known to the directors of DR Services, as the two companies used to be based in the same building. But the connections went deeper than that. Julie and David's son William Jarvis was the Technical Director whose name was on MetFlam's patent. William is now employed by DR Services.

The main assets of the 60/60 fire rated door company, apart from the patent, were the BS476: Part 22 or BS EN 1634-1 test results achieved at the Warrington and Cambridge laboratories.

The technical difference between the first and second 60s (integrity and insulation) is easy to explain but quite difficult to achieve. Integrity refers to a screen that will stand there and stop any fire going across, but it doesn't necessarily hold back high temperatures.

So the surface of the side where there is no fire may be almost as hot as the side facing the blaze.

Insulation, according to current regulations, means doors have a temperature of no more than 130°C above ambient during the rated fire proof time.

As a result people can get very close but feel only a minimal effect from the fire. The system could be used in areas where there are escape routes because it holds back the temperature sufficiently to enable people to egress safely.

“Our research indicates that there are very few high quality glass fire doors out there,” said Julie Jarvis. “Yet this is a massive market.

“What we are talking about is an absolutely minimally framed glass fire door that provides 60 minutes integrity and 60 minute insulation. Yet the mullion, the vertical edge, of these glass doors is 20mm and we believe that the closest competitor is 50mm.

“As a result ours are exceedingly elegant and blend in beautifully with frameless glass buildings, making them ideal for hotels, high rise office buildings and all the communal spaces that require fire performance but also need light.”

The 60/60 fire door was never manufactured on a production line.

“They are made to a recipe,” Julie Jarvis explained. “They all have the same elements in them, but the length and width of the elements are variable so they can be made to fit the opening.”

All specifications are individual and the time frames on projects of this kind tend to be fairly lengthy. So for all practical purposes the 60/60 door is now up and running as a going concern, despite the 12 months absence from the marketplace.

“For instance, if somebody needs two fire doors we could create them to the certificate level now,” said Julie Jarvis. “They could place the order tomorrow and have them in about three weeks.

“If there was a high rise office building that required 300 doors that would take a lot longer just to get the special fire glass manufactured.

“So that would require more time but even if we were to get an order for that now it's unlikely it would need to be installed very quickly, so we could probably even manage that.”

Does it represent a change of direction for DR Services?

“Absolutely not,” Julie Jarvis replied. “It's totally complementary to the DR Services range, currently including frameless glass.”

For further information visit www.metflam.co.uk or www.drservices.co.uk or e-mail info@drservices.co.uk .

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