ASSA ABLOY timber doorsets doorsets have proven to be robust following installation at Royal Blackburn Hospital in Lancashire in 2006. ASSA ABLOY timber doorsets have been proven to enhance a range of busy commercial and public sector buildings across the country, by reducing maintenance and replacement expenditure.

The hospital was supplied with over 2,200 ASSA ABLOY doorsets when it opened in 2006. Since then the site has been inundated with visitors, including around 70,000 A&E attendances per year. The ASSA ABLOY doorsets were installed as part of the initial CapEx budget, but their ability to withstand the wear and tear of high-density through-traffic and heavy equipment, is providing value over time.

Allan Thomson, Commercial Manager for ASSA ABLOY Security Solutions, said: “Specifiers for projects such as Royal Blackburn Hospital can no longer afford to make large project investments without justifying the long-term cost implications, particularly due to the widespread cuts across the NHS. With the implementation of BIM and Whole Life Cost modelling it has become imperative to understand better that low-value product quality selection ultimately has a negative impact on the building’s running costs.

“It is important not to risk investing in a doorset that offers an attractive initial saving, if the quality of the product isn’t fit for purpose and durable enough for its continual application. We independently test our timber doorsets to ensure they match the industry’s key performance standards, providing specifiers with an indication of the products durability and life cycle, so they can make the best decision with regards to TotEx cost.

ASSA locks were also supplied as part of the integrated doorsets in the hospital, the heavy duty locks have ensured that minimal maintenance will be required over the planned 30-year lifespan of this PFI project.

A complete master key system was installed, covering both internal and external doors and giving access tailored to the individual users, the system allows a flexible response to suit the Trust’s developing requirements. ASSA’s 4800 cylinders, door automation systems, electromechanical floorsprings and door magnets completed the project specification.