Powermatic controlled, concealed door closers tick all the right boxes when it comes to fire safety and are particularly well-suited for installation in all types of healthcare facilities.
Available in standard and Free Swing models, Powermatics meet the requirements of BS EN 1154 and BS EN 1155 as appropriate to their function. As such, both models carry the CE mark.
The door closers have also been tested by an independent laboratory and proved to meet the requirements for one-hour and half-hour fire doors under BS EN 1634-1, boast Certifire accreditation and are approved for use by the British Woodworking Federation under its fire door and doorsets scheme.
Health estates specifiers and managers will also be reassured to know that Powermatic door closers can also be specified for use in complete fire doorsets meeting BS EN 16034. They also enable doors to meet accessibility requirements stipulated by Approved Document M and BS 8300.
Beyond performance, the British designed and manufactured door closers deliver a number of additional benefits which are particularly apposite to the health and care sectors.
With cleanliness and hygiene paramount considerations, Powermatic’s concealed fixing means that it offers minimal surfaces on which dust and other potentially harmful detritus can accumulate. It also reduces the burden on cleaning staff.
Where safety is concerned, Powermatic is being used more and more in areas where anti-ligature or anti-barricade measures need to be taken, such as in post-natal depression accommodation, psychiatric facilities and secure units. Total concealment of the door closer obviously means that, when the door is closed, the closer poses no risk to patients and clients, but the door closers are also recommended for use with a number of anti-ligature and anti-barricade door systems.
Professionals responsible for the management and development of healthcare estates are also recognising that such benefits are equally applicable to areas that are not of such high risk.
One further benefit of Powermatics that is particularly relevant to psychiatric care facilities is the fact that their total concealment helps to enhance the aesthetics of the interior. Where surface-mounted door closers have obvious control boxes and mechanical arms on show, Powermatics show nothing and are even unobtrusive when the door is opened. This helps to create a less institutionalised, more therapeutic environment within the facility.
The risk of door controls being vandalised can also pose a very real risk to the safety of a building’s occupants, particularly where fire doors are concerned. Powermatic’s concealed nature presents very little opportunity for the would-be vandal to damage its mechanisms and, potentially, render the door useless in case of fire.
Powermatic is being adopted for an increasing number of more general situations where its fire performance, durability and accessibility characteristics make it an ideal choice for many types of door throughout healthcare establishments.
