Resources

Publications & Resources

Explore different publications and resources to help you navigate architectural ironmongery further; from guidance on specification and design considerations, to competence frameworks and insights, as well as useful directories.

Specification

Creating an architectural ironmongery specification requires specific construction product competence, for accurate product selection and to make sure the product is fit for its intended use. This includes being able to evidence product performance where required, compliance with regulations as relevant, and ensuring compatibility when used as part of a system.

There are several free publications available that serve as guidance and for further learning, however always ensure that competence can be demonstrated when producing ironmongery specifications and designs. Unsure about your responsibilities? Check if you are a designer & designer roles and responsibilities with HSE guidance.

Resources produced by the GAI (Guild of Architectural Ironmongers) on specification can be found below;

GAI Architect + Designer’s Guide to Architectural Ironmongery | GAI Specifiers Resource Book

GAI Specifiers Guides:
Ironmongery & Competency | Ironmongery for Fire Doors & Intumescent Protection | Ironmongery & Fire Safety |
Ironmongery on Fire Escape Doors | Ironmongery for Specialist Applications | Ironmongery Security | Access Control
UKCA Marking, CE Marking & the CPR | Ironmongery Accessibility | Ironmongery & the Impact of the environment |
Ironmongery and the Impact of the IOT | Ironmongery in a Post Pandemic World

Product Standards

With over 60 standards relevant to ironmongery, staying up-to-date with industry standards and regulations is essential for working with architectural ironmongery, especially when scheduling. For some of these standards, the GAI provides Guides to Standards for members. Alternatively you can explore resources from BSI (British Standards Institution) and always make sure to undertake due diligence when selecting suppliers, to ensure you have reliable and up to date advice on standards from a competent professional.

Legislation & Regulations

There are several regional regulations, legislation & guidance that have relevance to ironmongery, windows & doors. Some of these can be seen below;

Health & Safety;
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 | Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 | Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 | The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 | The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2016

Guidance for England; Manual to the Building Regulations, a Code of Practice for England | Fire Safety: Approved Document B | Ventilation: Approved Document F | Conservation of Fuel & Power: Approved Document L | Access to and Use of Buildings: Approved Document M | Overheating: Approved Document O | Security in Dwellings: Approved Document Q | Material & Workmanship: Approved Document 7

See equivalent Building Regulations Guidance for Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland | Ireland

See Fire Safety Legislation for England & Wales | Scotland | Northern Ireland | Ireland

See The Construction Products Regulations 2013

Competence

Enhance your understanding of competence in relation to ironmongery and building safety requirements with these informative publications. Read the industry recommendations to ensure a safer built environment below;

GAI Specifiers Guide-Ironmongery & Competency | Passive Fire Protection Forum's Guide to Undertaking Technical Assessment | BSI Flex 8670 Built Environment – Core Criteria for Building Safety in Competence Frameworks | Building a Safer Future: Final Report

Competence Steering Group; Raising the Bar Interim Report | Setting the Bar | A Higher Bar
Competence Steering Group, Working Group 12: Construction Product Competence