Dear Nathan

I feel compelled to reply to a recent comment from ABS Secure stating that lock snapping isn’t covered by BSI standards, which I felt was slightly disingenuous.

In his letter Mr Stewart seems to suggest that nothing is being done about this issue by organisations that set security standards. This is misleading because this emergent criminal technique has been taken account of in the revised PAS24 standard – the enhanced security performance requirements for door assemblies, was up-issued to combat this very problem, and is now PAS24:2011.

In addition to this the industry has been collaborating for some time to come up with a solution for existing doors that can be clearly understood by the general public.

The Glass and Glazing Federation, the Door and Hardware Federation and Secured by Design, in conjunction with other leading industry associations and manufacturers, have been working on a ‘kitemark’ star rating system for the retro fitting of hardware.

We believe TS007, as it is known, will be launched shortly. I would like to remind readers of the press release issued by the GGF and the DHF earlier this year that said: “The new standard will require the use of a Kitemark symbol and star ratings that range from one to three stars. The certification can be achieved by either a ‘super cylinder’ (three stars) that successfully resists snap attack, or a combination of a cylinder (one star) and security door furniture (two stars) that provide the same degree of resistance against attack.”

Unfortunately to change a set of standards takes time, so rather than misleading door manufacturers and the public about the problem, it would be more helpful if suppliers spent their efforts collaborating with the rest of the industry to come up with the right solution.

Securistyle has been a Secured by Design product licence holder for many years now and we already have a range of hardware to enable door manufacturers to meet all the requirements of the new PAS24:2011. We’re also committed to investing the time and money into future product developments that will keep our customers ahead of the industry’s drive for improved performance.

Yours sincerely

Ken Evans
National Specification Manager
Securistyle