Abloy UK has released a new RIBA approved Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course, covering all aspects of electric locking for fire and/or escape door applications.

Fire and Escape standards have been developed first and foremost to preserve lives, to allow emergency escape and prevent the spread of fire and smoke in dangerous and potentially life-threatening situations.

These standards mean that managers of buildings are legally obliged to adhere to building regulations when it comes to access control, for example protecting escape routes and allowing for the safe egress of a building’s occupants in the event of an emergency.

Abloy’s CPD covers traditional requirements for escape and panic doors, for example when a door is electronically controlled for access, there must be a mechanical means of escape in the event of an emergency.

The new additions to escape door standards clarify what is and what is not acceptable as an escape door solution. Simply, any door that has a fire exit requirement must be fitted with fire tested products, making sure the route to escape is never compromised.

The course also covers ‘Dynamic Lockdown’ which essentially enables escape for the occupants of a building and prevents unaurthorised access to areas by compartmentalising zones in buildings, potentially saving lives in threatening situations.

The CPD is recommended for anyone directly reponsible for specifying and installing fire and escape doors or related equipment and is available at the Abloy Academy, based at the Abloy UK Head Office. By arrangement, the CPD can also be presented to local groups throughout the UK, with details available on request.