GAI & DHF publish new Code of Practice for fire & escape door hardware

A significantly revised Code of Practice for selecting building hardware for fire-resisting and escape door assemblies and doorsets has been published by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) and the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF).

This latest edition, Issue No.5, is the first update in over a decade, consolidating previous guidelines to align with current legislative requirements and industry best practices. It serves as an essential resource for construction professionals, including architects, building control officers, fire officers, responsible persons, duty holders, manufacturers, specifiers, and suppliers of building hardware and fire doors.

Comprehensive & up-to-date guidance

Douglas Masterson, GAI Technical Manager, emphasised the Code’s importance, stating that its primary goal is to ensure stakeholders in the construction industry have access to the most comprehensive and up-to-date guidance for selecting hardware that meets stringent fire safety and escape route requirements. While advisory in nature, the Code provides robust guidance that aligns with the latest legal standards. Though compliance does not confer immunity from legal, local authority, or insurance requirements, adherence enhances the safety and reliability of fire-resisting and escape door assemblies.

The revised Code addresses legislative requirements such as the Construction Products Regulations for both the EU and UK, Building Regulations across the UK and Ireland, the Regulatory Reform – Fire Safety – Order 2005, and relevant equality legislation. It also incorporates third-party certification schemes and declarations of conformity, ensuring its guidance remains current and comprehensive.

The document applies to hardware used on timber fire doors with up to two hours of fire resistance and steel fire doors with up to four hours of fire resistance. Essential hardware categories include pivots and hinges, door closing devices, latch or locks, intumescent and smoke seals, and panic bolts. The Code also identifies optional hardware items that could cause door failure if improperly selected or installed.

An essential reference for professionals

New sections have been introduced to address electric locking and access control systems, reflecting the growing importance of these technologies in building hardware.

This revision, which replaces all previous versions of the Code, is the result of over two years of collaboration between the DHF, GAI, and technical experts from leading companies in the field. According to DHF General Manager Michael Skelding, the document is an essential reference for professionals involved in selecting, installing, and testing building hardware and furniture for fire and escape doors.

Issue 5 of the Code of Practice: Hardware for Fire and Escape Doors can be downloaded for free via www.firecode.org.uk.