Von Duprin Commercial Door Hardware

The BHMA’s Role in Ensuring Quality in Exit Devices

Thanks to organizations like the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA), consumers and contractors alike can be assured that commercial hardware products like Von Duprin exit devices are safe.  The BHMA was formed in 1925 to[1] “promote the general development and welfare of the builders hardware industry and its member companies.” 

BHMA membership is comprised of manufacturers of builders hardware.  In fact, according to the organization, eighty percent of US-based builders hardware manufacturers currently hold membership.  It is a testament to the widespread credibility that the BHMA has gained in the commercial hardware and building industry.

The BHMA has a five-point mission statement, indicating an interest in ensuring public welfare and safety when interacting with commercial hardware products.  The BHMA maintains an active role in monitoring governmental actions which have an impact on the building industry and advocating for safe practices and quality standards.

One of the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association’s major responsibilities lies within the testing and certification of commercial hardware products, particularly locks, exit devices(such as Von Duprin), door controls and hinges.  The BHMA, along with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI,) has developed a set of standardized, industry-accepted codes governing the make-up and performance of these types of commercial hardware products.

Manufacturers of these products may voluntarily submit a specific product for testing, which is overseen by the BHMA.  Tests are performed by a third-party independent laboratory facility in accordance with the ANSI/BHMA standards.  Products which meet or exceed these standards receive a BHMA certification.

It is not mandatory for commercial hardware manufacturers to submit its products for testing.  However, BHMA certification carries so much weight in the building industry in the United States that it would be very difficult to market a product without a BHMA endorsement.  Most manufacturers in the US willingly submit their products for testing, and also allow for regular facility inspections which ensure that previously certified products are still being manufactured in accordance to BHMA standards.  Those that aren’t run the risk of being de-certified.

All exit devices, including those manufactured by Von Duprin, are evaluated on five points: inside operational, flush bolt, outside operational, strength and material evaluation.  Individual exit device models are then assigned a grade according to the results of this evaluation.  These tests help to ensure that exit devices are safe, adhere to a uniform standard and will perform as expected under the circumstances which they are intended to be used for.

NEXT WEEK: The Grading System for Exit Devices

[1] Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association.  BMA Home.  http://www.buildershardware.com/index.html