Security Tip

Are your Fire Exits and Escape Routes properly protected?

A door may appear to be a good barrier against attack or burglars, but the security integrity of a door is only as good as the locking system employed.

Selecting the correct lock for a door is as important as the door selection, especially if the door forms part of an escape route or is a fire exit. You do not want to compromise your security or health and safety requirements.

Doors used as the final point of exit should ideally be fitted with a lock that conforms to BS 3621 or the new BS EN 12209 security standards.

This new standard has been introduced for situations where there is a requirement for means of escape (from fire) from the inside without the use of a key while maintaining security from the outside.

The category of lock will also be determined upon your security requirement and value of what you are looking to protect. The greater the value, the more protection and higher standard of lock will be required.

If your premises is more prone to break in or you are in a high risk area, a better standard of lock will help increase the level of protection of your door and help to reduce the opportunity of attack or burglary.

As part of the lock selection, a number of classifications should be considered to ensure the right standard of lock is installed for its purpose.

Category of Use – where the door is installed to which the lock will be fitted, how often it will be used and who will be using it.
Durability – the number of operations the lock will be subject to.
Door Mass and Closing Force – the force applied to the lock when a door closes.
Fire Resistance – where the product is intended for use as a fire door.
Security and Drill Resistance – level of security relating to physical attack.
Type of Key Operation – whether cylinder lock, latch or lever lock and either manual or automatic locking.

Types of Locks

Mortice deadlock
Mortice locks fit into a slot cut into the edge of the door and usually can only be opened with a key. These should be upgraded to 5-lever locks tested to BS 3621. The locks are based on a range of standard measurements so, with careful matching, replacement is easy. The deadlock means a thief can’t smash a nearby glass panel to open the door from the inside or, having entered through a window, cannot carry your belongings out through the door.

Rim lock or Night latch
A rim lock is screwed to the face of the door and latches automatically when you close the door unless held open with the snib. Unless it also has the term deadlock attached, it can be opened by turning a knob. Rim locks should be tested to BS 3621.

Automatic deadlocking rim lock
This locks automatically when the door is closed and is more secure than other types of rim latch. It needs a key to open it from both the inside and the outside and should meet BS 3621.

Multi-point Locking

Multi-point locking involves several hooks or bolts holding the door into the frame. The lock cylinders should be tested to BS EN 1303 Grade 3 and can be replaced.
If your door is BS PAS24 and it requires replacement locks ensure they are changed like for like to continue the level of security.

For further information or advice on locks and locksmith services offered by J Durrance & Co, contact the Sales Team on 0800 018 5387 or email sales@jdurrance.co.uk.

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