Latest DHF Guide Ensures Sectional Overhead Doors are Fully Compliant

A valuable guide to help specifiers choose sectional overhead doors that are fully compliant with the latest European product standards has been published by the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF).

The guide, downloadable from the DHF website www.dhfonline.org.uk, enables specifiers and users to purchase industrial and garage doors safe in the knowledge that these products will have the correct characteristics for the chosen application.

In the DHF Guide to Specifying Sectional Overhead Doors there is a comprehensive table of product characteristics supported by a description of the related requirement and an outline of methods of satisfying it.

These characteristics include thermal insulation, wind resistance, air and water penetration, protection against falling back, protection against finger trapping and details on the necessary controls and safety devices for powered doors.

Said DHF chief executive officer Ian Wood: 'These characteristics and requirements are all contained in various building regulations approved documents, workplace health and safety regulations and BS EN standards. The purpose of this guide is to bring them all together in an easy to use and understandable format so that specifiers and users will be able more easily to choose a product that is fit for purpose and meets the regulations.'

By supplying industrial and garage doors meeting the characteristics as laid down in the guide, DHF member companies can issue a Declaration of Conformity with the Construction Products Directive and thereby mark their product with the CE mark. This creates the legal presumption of conformity with the health and safety requirements of the Directive.

In addition, powered doors - once they have been installed - are items of machinery according to the Machinery Directive and the installer must issue a Declaration of Conformity and apply the CE mark under that Directive.

The DHF represents the manufacturers and installers of industrial, commercial, pedestrian and garage doors and manufacturers of locks and building hardware. The publication of the Guide is part of the DHF’s continuing campaign to promote best practice in the sector. It has been produced by the Industrial Door Group within the DHF which provides information to specifiers and DHF member companies of current best practice in design, manufacture and installation of all types of industrial doors including rolling shutters, sectional overheads, folding shutters and rapid roll doors.

For more information contact the DHF secretary, 42 Heath Street, Tamworth, Staffs B79 7JH. Phone: 01827 52337. Fax: 01827 310827. Email: michael.skelding@dhfonline.org.uk. Or visit http://www.dhfonline.org.uk.