Certification, performance, and flexibility to consider

When looking to choose the right door closers for buildings in the healthcare sector, there are a whole host of factors to consider. The decision on which door closer to select does not simply come down to who is using it and the opening force. It is also important to consider whether it is an internal or external door, inward or outward-opening, what the size of the door is, the volume of traffic passing through it, the required closing force, and how the door closer will be mounted. Broadly speaking, however, there are three key areas that should be at the forefront of any decision when selecting new door closers for a building in the healthcare sector: certification, performance, and flexibility.

A certified solution

One of the key standards that decisionmakers must take into account is BS 8300-2:2018. An advisory British Standard setting out how buildings should be designed, constructed, and maintained to create an accessible environment for all, BS 8300 was first introduced in 2009. The standard was updated in 2018 to take account of important legislation, such as the Equality Act 2010 and Approved Document M (of the Building Regulations). While the overall aim of BS 8300 is to ensure that everyone can use an environment, previous versions of the standard have focused more on the provision of accessibility solutions, specifically for people with a disability. In contrast, the latest update focuses on making sure the whole environment is more universally accessible, rather than simply adding on separate facilities for those with a disability. Put simply, a building should be accessible to all, without restriction or the need for assistance.