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Sound insulation
HTM 58 simply points out that sound transmission through a
doorset is likely to be greater than through the partition,
referring to HTM 56 for guidance on sound insulation of
partitions.HTM 56 itself refers to HTM 2045 - Audiology. This
gives recommended acoustic performance levels for particular
specialised rooms in Audiology departments where, of course,
sound insulation is the primary concern. Doorsets are available
to meet these requirements but they are heavy, difficult to seal
(while complying with level threshold requirements) and
cumbersome to operate, and therefore not appropriate in the vast
majority of other situations. HTM 2045 also includes performance
criteria for sound reduction in various other areas of
healthcare buildings unassociated with Audiology together with a
design procedure. However, the procedure is particularly complex
and generally regarded as of little practical value. Leaderflush
Shapland can advise on appropriate sound reduction levels and
offer acoustic doorsets achieving up to 49 RwdB, including the
lighter weight Audiodor 40 offering 40 RwdB.
Hygrothermal
HTM 58 states that doorsets must withstand areas of normal and
high humidity without loss of performance or appearance. The
Plasform WR range is particularly suited to environments where
water resistance and protection against high humidity is
important.
Security
HTM 58 mentions 'High Security' duty grades of doorset but
does not define performance, recommending instead consultation
with manufacturers on ranges available. Leaderflush Shapland can
advise on this and also a wide range of other situations where
physical security is required and offers a wide range of
security doorsets and screens.
Accessibility
Issues of accessibility are covered by HFN 14 - Disability
Access but this has effectively been superseded by BS 8300 and
Part M. Some issues particularly relevant to healthcare are
covered below. Operating forces of door closers is a major issue
where interpretation of the Regulations is currently being
revised and
hold-open devices or automatic door operation
are becoming common in healthcare buildings. Leaderflush
Shapland can advise on these latest changes. Leaderflush
Shapland offers a range of accessible doorset solutions, fully
complying with all the recommendations as currently interpreted.
In particular the Pivette reduced swing doorset system maximises
opening area and saves space - particularly in sanitary
accommodation where patient assistance is required.
Emergency access
Access to WCs and other sanitary accommodation may be needed
to rescue collapsed patients.This can be achieved with a number
of techniques depending on whether the door is outward or inward
opening. Leaderflush Shapland doorsets can incorporate removable
stops on outward opening doors. The Pivette system (see below)
can incorporate an easy-to-use emergency release which allows
both door leaves to move freely for rescue.
Visibility
HTM 58 offers four formats of door glazing without dimensions
but refers to Approved Document Part M (which does stipulate
minimum glazing sizes in certain situations). These are
illustrated with Leaderflush Shapland references and those
meeting Part M/BS 8300 shown. Use of the lower panel of glazing
is encouraged, as are panels in fire doors for early warning and
assessment of any fire. HTM 58 points out the conflict between
nursing staff's need to supervise and the patient's expectation
of privacy. The Plasform Range can incorporate Careview blinds
within sealed glazing, adjusted with a removable control, while
the Designer range can include controllable obscurity glazing
within vision panels. Both these systems provide solutions to
patient privacy.
Colour and contrast
Part M and BS 8300 include requirements for a visual contrast
- i.e. a light reflectance value (LRV) difference of 30 points
or more - between door face and furniture, frame and wall, and
door edge with surroundings (where held-open). Clearly, colour
schemes need to be established at an early stage to demonstrate
compliance. HTM 58 states that doorsets and screens should form
part of coordinated interior design. Recent clarification on how
these requirements can be met is now available and Leaderflush
Shapland can offer guidance to designers. Leaderflush Shapland
products are available in an extensive choice of colours and
products are available in the Plasform range with back-printed
graphics and colours.
Wayfinding and signage
Use of colour coding (including doorsets) to different areas
or floors is a useful technique to help visitors or patients and
give identity. The withdrawn document HTM 65 offered useful
advice (not available in current HTMs) on the size, design and
positioning of signage on doors. Various other documents
identify specific areas where conspicuous warning signs are
required including X-ray film stores, bio-hazard laboratories
and stores containing flammable material or particular
equipment. The Plasform Cleanglaze range offers the opportunity
to incorporate signs and other graphic devices directly on to
the door face.
X-ray
HTM 58 describes lead-lined doorsets with shielding continuous
across the leaf and frame, with any gaps masked. Any vision
panels to be as small as possible with X-ray resistant glass. In
addition, HBN 06 (discussed further on page 21) stresses the
importance of adjacent construction continuity and lead-lined
architraves. Certification of performance is required and
identification discs incorporated giving lead equivalence
ratings. X-ray protection doorsets, combining other requirements
such as fire or hygiene, are available in both the Extended
Performance and Plasform ranges. Here, the lead sheet is placed
closer to one leaf, so masking locks and other cut-outs.
Laser
Although not specifically covered in NHS guidance, containment
of lasers within operational areas is a growing concern,
principally through glazing. Leaderflush Shapland can supply
doorsets from both the Designer and Plasform Ranges with vision
panels containing glass to absorb lasers of specified
frequencies.
MRI and electrical interference
MRI is covered in detail by HBN 06. The procedure works by
exposing the patient's body to a magnetic field while
radio-waves excite atoms in the body.The radio waves and
external interference are contained by an RF cage around the
room - including copper foil within the door leaf and frame,
providing electrical continuity across door/frame/wall
junctions.The magnetic field raises complex issues of patient
safety (heart pacemakers are effected, for example) requiring
controlled access with remote-release door locks and other
controls. HTM 2014 covers protection from electrical
interference with a similar arrangement of copper-lined doorsets
including conductivity between door and frame, and conductive
glass in any vision panels. Special copper-lined doorsets are
available as part of the Extended Performance Range. |
