When selecting doors specifiers have a lot to think about – with security being a major consideration.
Secured by Design (SBD) is a police initiative to guide and encourage those engaged within the design, specification and build of new and refurbished homes, commercial premises, schools, hospitals and sheltered accommodation, to adopt crime prevention measures.
The SBD membership and licensing scheme has been created to ‘design out crime’ through physical security in the built environment by adherence to well researched and effective design solutions, innovative and creative product design, coupled with robust manufacturing and performance standards.
To summarise, SBD certification has two main purposes:
● To ensure each product is fit for purpose and meets relevant standards
● To carry out continuous assessment, including regular factory audits to ensure standards are maintained
Although SBD certification is not mandatory, it helps to ensure that windows and doorsets on a new dwelling satisfy the building regulations.
The scheme is well known and respected in the construction industry and it is recognised by homeowners. There is also growing pressure on insurance companies to reflect the use of SBD products in reduced home insurance premiums.
Gaining SBD approval requires a manufacturer to have products successfully tested in accordance with the relevant standards. Testing must be covered by third-party certification from a recognised UKAS body.
Once testing is completed, a manufacturer can approach SBD to obtain a licence. Upon payment of the appropriate fee, the licence is issued. This will state that the licence covers the products and their certificated scope shown under the manufacturer’s schedule on the SBD website.
To find out more about Secured by Design, the certification process and what it means for developers and specifiers, download our eBook: Specifying ‘Secured by Design’ doorsets and windows; what do the regulations really mean?
