How To Operate & Maintain Your Steel-tec Steel Security & Fire Exit Doors

Security Fire Exit Doors Annesley Parish Hall

How To Operate & Maintain Your Steel-tec Steel Security & Fire Exit Doors

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:

Single leaf or active leaf of pair of doors fitted with sash lock c/w cylinder and/or thumb turn and lever handles:

The lock is operated by a key inserted into the cylinder, or by rotation of the thumb turn. Neither operation requires the use of any degree of force; as long as the key is carefully inserted it should rotate easily. Should the initial rotation feel a little ‘gritty’, which is perfectly normal, this will disappear with repeat use. The latch is retracted by depressing the lever handles. The latch has a sprung ‘beak’ and will latch without depressing the levers when the door is closed. Locking is achieved by rotation of the key or thumb turn towards the frame leg nearest the lock. Unlocking is achieved by rotation in the opposite direction. If the leaf is fitted with a standard door closer, it will automatically close to the frame rebate when released. If the leaf is fitted with a hold open door closer, the leaf will remain open until manually released.

Single leaf or active leaf of a pair of doors fitted with panic latch by push pad or panic bar:

The internal latch or bolts are released by depressing the push pad or horizontal panic bar. A firm and positive action is required, but no force need be applied. If an external access device is fitted, the door can be unlocked and opened from the outside of the building in the normal manner. The outside access device lock is operated by a key inserted into the cylinder; locking is achieved by rotation of the key towards the frame leg nearest the lock. Unlocking is achieved by rotation in the opposite direction. To release the latch, depress the external lever handle or rotate the knob away from the frame leg nearest the lock. A door fitted panic furniture should not be fitted with a door closer.

The inactive/passive leaf of a pair of doors fitted with a panic bolts and bar:

The bolts are released by depressing the horizontal panic bar. A firm and positive action is required, but no force need be applied.

The inactive/passive leaf of double doors with no surface fitted ironmongery:

Where the door leaf is not part of a fire escape door set it will not normally be fitted with any supplementary ironmongery. However, as a standard feature the leaf will have flush edge mounted shoot bolts, fitted at the top and bottom of the leaf. Manual flush bolts are engaged or disengaged by operation of a catch recessed into the door leaf (accessible only in the leading edge of the leaf when the active door leaf is opened). If the leaf is fitted with a standard door closer, it will automatically close to the frame rebate when released. If the leaf is fitted with a hold open door closer, the leaf will remain open until manually released. A leaf selector is required to ensure that the inactive leaf closes first, followed by the active leaf, to ensure proper latching and locking of the active leaf ironmongery.

MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS:

Steel-tec Steel Doors are engineered to function satisfactorily with the minimum of routine periodic maintenance. However, please implement the following advice periodically to ensure long and efficient operation of your MDM Door:

  • Check leaf and frame for damage.
  • If painted surfaces become chipped or scratched, they should be immediately repaired to prevent the development of rust points.
  • See ‘Maintenance of Finishes’ (below) for additional guidance on protecting paint finishes.
  • Wash down the frame rebates to ensure that there is no build up of grit and dust that might damage the capping and leading edge paint finishes.
  • Check door seals are in place and wipe down with a damp cloth if necessary. Replace damaged seals to prevent light and water ingress.
  • Check all mechanical fixings to ironmongery and hinges are securely fixed and not loose.
  • Inspect that the frame is securely fixed. If not, adjust accordingly and re-inspect for: square, plumb, alignment and twist.
  • Door hinges are rated for 200,000 cycles; however we recommend regular oiling of the hinge joints with a light grade of machine oil, or Swarfega Duck Oil. After application, wipe up any excess oil to prevent staining or slip hazards.
  • Where rust stain from the hinge pins discolours the hinge leaves, wipe down to remove the rust, and instead of oiling, apply a light coating of Petroleum Jelly to seal the joint and hinge plate.
  • Handles might benefit from light oiling at the joint if they appear stiff. Prior visual inspection is recommended to ensure that there is no binding or damage- i.e. simply oiling a faulty or damaged handle will not repair it or cause it to operate smoothly necessarily.
  • Lock cylinders should only be lubricated with Teflon or Graphite based oil.
  • Inspect thresholds for damage and replace if necessary. This is particularly relevant where ironmongery or shoot bolts relay on the threshold for auto bolting re-engagement or for security keeps.
  • Ensure door closers and friction stays are correctly adjusted to manufacturers’ recommendations.
  • Inspect any glazing for breakage and glazing sealants for cracks and shrinkage. Repair or replace as required.

Frequency of use is the major determining factor in making a risk assessment for the frequency of periodic maintenance. For up to 15 cycles a day, conduct maintenance at least every 6 months; for up to 50 cycles a day, conduct maintenance every five weeks (see table below). Re-assess this periodically based on local conditions. Regardless of frequency of maintenance one of the most important routine tasks to ensure efficient operation of the door set is to sweep the floor in front of the door regularly to remove swarf, grit and obstructions that might score or scuff the bottom capping and damage the paint finish and capping metal when the door leaves swing in operation.

 

Door cycles per day   Maintenance periods
Up to 15   Every Six Months
Up to 30   Every Four Months
Up to 40   Every Two Months
Up to 50   Every Five Weeks
Over 50   Every Two Weeks

Maintenance of Finishes:

Where doors are supplied in a primed finish, they must be final site painted within 48 hours to prevent degradation of the protective value of the primer coat.

 

Additional rules for Polyester Powder Coated doors and frames:

Cleaning:

A cleaning routine must be established based on risk assessment. Doors in low risk environments (for example, low traffic, secure internal areas) may require less frequent cleaning- perhaps every 6 months. In higher risk areas (for example, high traffic, and external public areas) a weekly or even daily cleaning routine might be necessary. The purpose of cleaning is to remove grit and abrasive substances that might score the door or ironmongery, and liquids or chemicals that might stain or erode the paint finishes. A soft brush, sponge or chamois leather should be used in conjunction with a mild cleaning solution.

As with car cleaning, regularly refresh with clean water to prevent re-applying grit and dirt to the door being washed. Be sure never to use abrasive cleaners; nor solvents, acids, alkalis or bleach or chlorine based chemicals.

Repairs to Scratches or Chips:

Always entrust the following repair advice to a competent person, and use automotive quality products. Any painting should be done in a well ventilated area. Mask off the door and frame surrounding the repair area, taking particular care to protect hardware and ironmongery. Rub down the damaged area using 150 grade dry production sandpaper. Make sure to sand slightly beyond the extremities of the area to be repaired, and so as to leave a ridge free prepared area. Use a grey coloured spray cellulose primer to prepare the area to be repaired. Leave the primer to dry before progressing any further. Use a light grade dry production sand paper to key the surface of the primed area, prior to using a lint cloth to remove all local surface dust from the area to be repaired. Apply a single spray cellulose top coat in a light and free flowing motion. Leave the new paint to dry as required, applying further coats to achieve the desired finish. After application of the final top coat, leave the paint to harden overnight before allowing free access to the repaired area.

Repairs to Indentations:

Always entrust the following repair advice to a competent person, and use automotive quality products. Any painting should be done in a well ventilated area. Rub down the damaged area using 80 grade dry production sandpaper. Make sure to sand slightly beyond the extremities of the area to be repaired, and so as to leave a ridge free prepared area. Apply a filler compound to the indentation, smoothing off so as to be reasonably flush to the required surface level surrounding the indentation. Leave the filler to dry to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Then rub down and repeat this process until a smooth, level repair is completed. Mask off the door and frame surrounding the repair area, taking particular care to protect hardware and ironmongery. Rub down the repaired area using 150 grade dry production sandpaper. Make sure to sand slightly beyond the extremities of the area to be re-painted, and so as to leave a ridge free prepared area. Use a grey coloured spray cellulose primer to prepare the area to be re-painted. Leave the primer to dry before progressing any further. Use a light grade dry production sand paper to key the surface of the primed area, prior to using a lint cloth to remove all local surface dust from the area to be re-painted. Apply a single spray cellulose top coat in a light and free flowing motion. Leave the new paint to dry as required, applying further coats to achieve the desired finish. After application of the final top coat, leave the paint to harden overnight before allowing free access to the repaired area.

Warranty:

All Steel-tec Steel Doors are offered with a full 24 month manufacturers warranty for faulty parts and manufacturing defects but excluding damage, misuse or third party installation. For Full Terms and Conditions are available on request, however a summary as follows:

Conditions of Warranty:

  • The Warranty Period is 24 months from the date of purchase or delivery, whichever is the later date.
  • Warranty is only valid on the UK Mainland.
  • Operation of this warranty does not affect the Purchaser’s Statutory Rights.
  • Prior to using any Steel-tec Door, please read the instructions under ‘Operating Instructions’.
  • Prior to using any Steel -tec Door, please read the instructions under ‘Maintenance Instructions’.
  • Prior to using any Quality Steel Door, please read the instructions under ‘Maintenance of Finishes’.
  • Warranty will be voided if there is evidence of a failure to follow the Operating or Maintenance Instructions.
  • Warranty will only apply to the purchaser of the doors, no transfer or assignment would be accepted.
  • Warranty will be voided if there is evidence of unauthorised repair during the Warranty Period.
  • Warranty does not cover accidental damage, misuse, damage caused by improper installation, or alterations after installation.
  • Any liability under the Warranty is limited to the supply of replacement parts or doors. Only when MDM Security has installed a door on behalf of a customer will replacement parts or doors be installed otherwise this remains the responsibility of the purchaser.
Posted by Paul Marshall

Comments are closed.