In its continuing drive to raise industry standards, the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has appointed a training officer to further develop training schemes in the door and powered gate sectors.
Nick Perkins is a respected advisor and trainer in access control and automation. He has also held senior training, audit and inspection roles in the telecoms and electrical sectors.
He joins the DHF from BFT Automation (UK) Ltd where he trained installers both on the fitting and servicing of products, and on the legal obligations involved in powered gate installation.
Said Michael Skelding, general manager and secretary of the DHF: "This is a key appointment for us. Raising standards of competence in the industry continues to be the driving force of the federation. Comprehensive training will underpin the established DHF Quality Assured Standards of manufacture, installation and service.
"Nick will spearhead our expanding training programme which will embrace not only DHF members but also potential members, architects, specifiers and other building professionals."
Nick was instrumental in the setting up of successful DHF Powered Gate Safety Diploma which has seen more than 100 candidates successfully gain their qualifications. By the end of 2014, more than 200 gate installers and assessors will have taken the intensive two-day course which covers all aspects of gate safety from initial risk assessment through to force testing. In conjunction with this, Nick is working with the National Security Inspectorate to develop a voluntary certification scheme for gate installers.
Nick will also take responsibility for the expansion of the DHF's long-standing door systems National Vocational Qualification which takes delegates up to a level 2 NVQ. This is designed for engineers who install, service and repair a range of door types, including domestic garage doors, rolling shutters and pedestrian doors.
In addition, Nick will direct the Fire Door Education Programme for professionals involved in the inspection, installation and repair of fire doors which the DHF runs jointly with BRE. This course is designed for building control officers, facilities managers, safety inspectors, insurers, fire risk assessors and other fire professionals. The programme of one-day courses covers fire door inspection, the installation and maintenance of timber fire doors, steel hinged fire doors and fire shutters.
Added Michael Skelding: "We are keen to provide high quality training in all the industry sectors in which we are involved. To that end we have plans to migrate elements of our existing training courses to the industrial door and shutter sector over the next few months. In addition, a DHF installer training scheme encompassing garage doors and garage door fittings will be developed in due course.
"With the advent of compulsory CE marking and other legislation, and our commitment to product safety, it's vital we ensure high standards for training are delivered and maintained in all our industry sectors."
