by Michael Skelding, general manager and secretary of the Door and Hardware Federation.
The DHF represents the UK’s leading manufacturers of locks and door hardware. This is the latest in a series of articles in The Locksmith informing locksmiths and security professionals about the latest developments within the industry
Locksmiths are increasingly recognising that a BSI Kitemarked TS 007 three star solution is a supremely effective defence against cylinder snapping. As awareness of this type of lock attack grows amongst their customers, locksmiths have the assurance that they can provide an answer based around the Kitemark.
The benefit of supplying products sporting the BSI Kitemark logo to customers wanting enhanced door security is its universal acceptance and recognition in the market place. It has gained a high degree of trust in the public perception. To householders and premises managers alike, the Kitemark has been the accepted security mark for locks for decades.
A survey demonstrated that the Kitemark is recognised by 82 per cent of the UK population … 91 per cent of whom believe the Kitemarked product is of a better quality than similar products without the Kitemark. And so there will always be strong demand from the end user/customer to see the familiar Kitemark symbol on the products supplied by the locksmith.
TS 007 was developed by the DHF and the Glass & Glazing Federation. It has the support of BSI and Secured by Design. It is a 3 star security solution. Security to the Kitemarked TS 007 standard can be achieved by either a combination of a TS 007 cylinder (marked with one star and the Kitemark) and TS 007 security door furniture such as a strengthened door handle (marked with two stars and the Kitemark); or a “super cylinder” (marked with three stars and the Kitemark) that successfully resists snap attack without the need to fit additional door hardware. In both cases, the same degree of resistance against cylinder snapping is achieved.
There are many benefits to the locksmith in supplying Kitemarked TS 007 solutions. The locksmith can demonstrate that the products have been independently certified by a third party. Third party certification is a guarantee to the end user/customer that a product has been independently tested by an approved authority other than the manufacturer and installer and then certified. BSI awards the Kitemark to certify that it has seen test reports and has satisfied themselves that the product has been independently and rigorously tested. In addition, BSI audits the lock makers’ manufacturing facilities and their quality management systems. BSI also insists on regular re-testing of the product.
Because the TS 007 three star security rating can be achieved by a combination of cylinder and door handle, as an alternative to cylinder replacement alone, the locksmith has greater flexibility in meeting the needs of his customer.
There is another factor that motivates the householder or premises manager when it comes to entrance door security – insurance company requirements. There is growing evidence that insurance companies are expecting to see the Kitemark on TS 007 cylinders and door handles for PVC-u and composite entrance doors. An influential insurance organisation has recently published a guidance document for householders on security. The guide states: “The easiest way to identify TS 007 rated cylinders/door furniture is to look for the BSI Kitemark plus star rating on products/packaging.” The insurance organisation concerned, RISCAuthority, is supported by a significant group of UK insurers and carries out research in support of the development and dissemination of best practice on the protection of property and business.
With such a wide range of BSI certified TS 007 lock cylinders and door handles now available the locksmith has more opportunity than ever to meet – and exceed – the door security needs of his customers.