Purpose-built blocks of flats & door security

[Tadees]

Many purpose-built blocks of flats housing council tenants are provided with door security in the form of an electromagnetic locking device (i.e. push button to exit)  It's not practical considering the type of tenants present to have a green BGU.  In the event of power failure, the doors will always failsafe open. 

1. Is this all you can ask for in such a situation?
2. If not, what other solutions are there apart from a green BGU?

[Mike Buckley]

Why is it not practical to have a GBU?

[Tadees]

Anti-social behaviour by tenants who keep smashing it.

[kurnal]

Put a thumb turn on the inside and use an electronic keep rather than a mag lock?.

[Tadees]

Thanks Kurnal. Is the issue with the push button to release the magnetic locking device the fact that a short circuit or earth fault can occur within the push button, which can only be mitigated against by providing a Green BGU. If that is the case, how likely that these faults will occur?

[kurnal]

Presumably the maglock  is connected to an access control system rather than a fire alarm system. The green break glass fail safe should break both poles to the magnet, close to the magnet itself. This will eliminate the potential for earth faults causing the lock to fail to release. However whilst you can get double pole  green release buttons for use inside often these are connected to the access control system panel rather than directly breaking both poles of the magnet itself.  There are many considerations, its up to your risk assessment......Mag locks are generally more durable than electromechanical locks provided they are properly secured to the frame, the usual problem is self tappers being pulled out as opposed to moving parts problems and wear associated with electronic keeps, some of which fail unlocked others fail locked..... if theres a stay put policy are persons awaiting at the door at risk from fire assuming only the occupants of the flat involved will evacuate and the staircase will be a relatively safe area....

 

[Mike Buckley]

I would hazard a guess that if it is a purpose built block of flats then there may not be a communal fire alarm, particularly if there has been a problem with vandalism.

[William 29]

Even though the installation does not meet BS7273-4, can it not be risk assessed along the following lines?:

a) The common areas are maintained free from all combustibles and ignition sources are tolerable;

b) In the event of an electrical supply failure to any one of the devices occurring the magnetic locks will release (fail safe to open).

c) It is theoretically possible for an electrical or mechanical defect to occur on the switch or switch circuit to prevent the door releasing. However this is extremely unlikely and the chance of a fire occurring at the same time as a defect mentioned above, is in itself extremely unlikely.
 
d) There was no evidence of vandalism to the operating buttons or suggestion that these release buttons has failed.

e) The premises are suited to a stay put fire procedure.

f) Residents and or employees use these doors daily and would report any defects quickly; any such defects should be rectified as a matter of priority.