End of the Break Glass Unit Maglock? EN179 and EN1125 and single mechanisms

[Victorian House]

Hi all,

I recently came across a youtube video on PSA 67:2021 which seemed to have some far-reaching consequences that I hadn't previously considered. In addition, I can't find much information on the internet so I was curious whether other people are encountering the same topics:

In particular, the video is saying that the use of maglocks and green BGUs typically can't be used as this would put requirements beyond that of 'requiring people to manipulate more than one mechanism'. As in, one mechanism for the green BGU and another mechanism for the door handle. So a secure office door would need to have a solenoid lock similar to a hotel room door rather than a maglock/BGU set-up.

In corridors, we would often put a maglock/BGU combination for access to certain areas/departments. Now, we would need to put panic bars for people to get out and a retractable bolt mechanism on access control for people to get in. As you can imagine, this is difficult for clients to understand as it hasn't been this way previously.

I guess I'm just not seeing this permeate through the product brochures as I would have expected so I don't know if other people are having a similar experience?

 

 

 

[AnthonyB]

Most people don't know about this and even less enforce it. Up and down the country mags are still being installed with no regard to EN 13637 Electronically Controlled Escape Systems (for use on escape routes). Unless official guidance is updated & new standards insisted on by AHJ's it will be  a while before any noticeable change

[Victorian House]

Thanks, Anthony. I know the manufacturers are ramping up their products with regard to EN 13637 - Dorma SafeRoute and Assa Abloy have similar products. These bigger changes can have widescale impacts across sectors where public buildings are in compliance (just not the latest compliance) and there is the tricky process of converting systems from the old systems to a new system. I'll keep track of this myself and hopefully can post an update as I come across it.

[Lyledunn]

My area of work is mostly relating to compliance in the hospitality sector in NI. Many private members clubs here had mag locks fitted during the troubles so NIFRS didn’t raise too many issues during those times. However, now that we are in a more peaceful era, they are adamant that in premises where intoxicating liquor is consumed or where the premises have an entertainment licence, electronic locks on doors used for escape are unacceptable in every circumstance.
This has led to conflict between the clubs, NIFRS, Councils and the FR assessors who seem to be caught in the middle. The general view taken by Councils is that they granted entertainment licences for many years so it would seem unreasonable to pull the plug on venues for continuing to use the electronic locks. The FR assessor tries a compromise by suggesting the lock is as close to a category A system as possible, perhaps along with other mitigations. The Club, does the work, NIFRS inspect the venue with Council officer in attendance and the flag goes up from the uniform to say, sorry can’t do! Council issue the licence anyway and so bad blood prevails between two authorities who should be singing from the same song sheet!

 

[Victorian House]

This is exactly my issue at the moment.

I'm sure most members of this forum see widespread fire safety breaches every day so it's hard to gauge what is the pressing concern for the authorities. The use of mags is an older compliance so probably is on the lesser scale of breaches. I presume there will be some wrap up note issued in the near future that consolidates the whole issue. (Hopefully, before any incident driving the discussion). In ROI, the security installers need to have a PSA licence and, technically, not following their regulations may lead to revoking of their licence. I haven't seen it happen yet but this might be what drives the industry forward.