From the July 2013, it became mandatory to CE Mark all hardware for fire and escape doors – where that hardware falls within the scope of a harmonised standard. And while the CE Marking message seems to be permeating into the marketplace, the role of products which do not fall under a harmonised standard – lever handles for escape doors for instance – seems to be causing confusion. Leading handle and hardware manufacturer HOPPE is urging specifiers to ensure that they do not fall foul of the new Construction Products Regulations when it comes to selecting hardware for emergency exit doors.

In order to comply with the requirements of the CPR, any lever furniture or push pad used on an emergency exit door needs to be tested with the EN 179 lock product supplied as a complete unit. And the CE Mark must be applied to lever locksets offering emergency escape on final exit doors, or normally locked doors on escape routes such as wages office or dispensaries.

The lockset must be manufactured under a Factory Production Control system (FPC) and audit testing is mandatory. The locks and levers (which must be tested and CE marked together) can only be used on exits where less than sixty people are likely to use the exit under the requirements of Approved Document B. These locksets can only be used in buildings where the occupants are trained in its use – an emergency door, not a panic escape door.

“When it comes to compliance for external emergency exit door use, ask for a CE marked lockset to BS EN 179, and a Declaration of Performance (DoP) from your supplier,” says HOPPE’s Andy Matthews. “Even more simply, just select the ARRONE AR915 escape lock with one of our compatible HOPPE or ARRONE lever handles and AR228 spindle supplied as standard for your complete CE Marked Lockset.”

The ARRONE AR915 is an escape mortice sashlock, for emergency exit doors hung on either side requiring key operation externally, and single action escape action internally. Available in a range of finishes, it is suitable for use on 30 minute and one hour timber fire doors and up to four hour steel fire doors. The AR915 has been successfully performance tested, CE marked and CERTIFIRE approved in accordance with emergency exit hardware standards and mechanically operated locks and latches.

Founded in 1988 HOPPE (UK) Ltd is a market leader in the field of door and window hardware. Based in Wolverhampton, where it operates from a purpose built state-of-the-art distribution centre, HOPPE UK is committed to serving customers with pride. HOPPE’s products have been tested to meet the latest European and British standards, offering quality and innovation to all sectors of the market. The company is part of the family-owned HOPPE group with manufacturing plants across Europe and North America and more than 3000 employees.