Welcome Guest! The IOSH forums are a free resource to both members and non-members. Login or register to use them

Postings made by forum users are personal opinions. IOSH is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any of the information contained in forum postings. Please carefully consider any advice you receive.

Notification

Icon
Error

Options
Go to last post Go to first unread
Clairel  
#1 Posted : 20 September 2010 13:42:44(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Clairel

I've seen these referred to different things (Radlam Bolts, ceramic bolts) but basically should they be being phased out on older doors or are they still acceptable?
MaxPayne  
#2 Posted : 20 September 2010 14:00:33(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
MaxPayne

Still acceptable (I think), as the bolt springs back as a result of the tube (glass) being broken and hence the door opens immediately. I'd suggest though that there are better alternatives but it depends on what and where you're thinking of installing them, i.e. they enable a door to be kept closed unless the tube is broken as opposed to the usual push bar type which enable users to exit (unless alarmed) with the possibility that the door may be left open. Sorry if that's a little bit rambling.
PhilBeale  
#3 Posted : 20 September 2010 14:06:39(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
PhilBeale

i would still accept them in use so long as the occupants of the premises are familiar with the premises/ layout and how to operate the glass bolts 9possible signage may be required) The disadvantages with them are that people are less likely to check the door for correct operation as you normally need a key to safely release the tube to check the lock and door for correct operation. also people are willing to break the tube as the hammer normally goes missing. So in public places i would not be keen on the use but if you have them installed and happy they will be operated correctly when needed then that's OK in my books but i wouldn't be keen to see them on any new installations. Phil
Clairel  
#4 Posted : 20 September 2010 14:11:23(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Clairel

On no, I wasn't thinking of installing them as new. They are in existence in a couple of places and I wasn't sure if best practice was to be phasing them out. They are in non-public areas. Thanks for the info.
alan w houghton  
#5 Posted : 20 September 2010 14:14:16(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
alan w houghton

Clairel There is nothing wrong with the glass tube Most factories I have dealt with do not use them because when they were broke could never replace them. Also need to check fire doors regularly and the push bar system is always the easiest. Which ever you adot do not mix half and half as in a real emergency people will be confused if you have both types Alan
PhilBeale  
#6 Posted : 20 September 2010 15:48:16(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
PhilBeale

Clairel wrote:
On no, I wasn't thinking of installing them as new. They are in existence in a couple of places and I wasn't sure if best practice was to be phasing them out. They are in non-public areas. Thanks for the info.
i understand you're not thinking of installing. If you can get rid of them then do but there is nothing specific to say you can't use them just opinion on what would or wouldn't be acceptable situations.
johnld  
#7 Posted : 20 September 2010 19:37:06(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
johnld

Going slightly off track. We used to have a substantial number of these and they were always checked by removing the glass tube every month. The reason for this was that they can be prone to jamming. On one occasion the person checking them broke a tube while replacing it and suffered lacerations to the hand which required stitches To reduce the risk of this occurring again the glass tubes were replaced with ceramic ones. These were quite easily broken in am emergency but did facture without the shards produced by the glass ones In the longer term they were in turn replaced by Cooper Bolts which incorporate a battery powered alarm http://www.safelincs.co....c-Bolts-Outward-Opening/
Fletcher  
#8 Posted : 20 September 2010 21:10:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Fletcher

Clairel, We had them on emergency exits out of our restricted area and had no problems to date. Were installed many years ago. Take Care
Clairel  
#9 Posted : 21 September 2010 09:13:27(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Clairel

Thanks for the all the info, I shall take it on board.
Users browsing this topic
Guest
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.