A Consumer Guide for Security Screen Doors

SECURITY AND RELATED ACTIVITIES (CONTROL) ACT 1996

The Western Australia Police Service is the licensing authority for the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1 996.

This legislation affects any person who wishes to engage in Security occupations. These include Security Agent, Security Officer, Security Consultant, Security l installer, inquiry Agent, Investigator, Crowd Control Agent, and Crowd Controller.

Any person for whom the license holder is performing a service under that license must on request produce his/her identity card for inspection – section 61 (2) (b).

An informative brochure regarding Licensing is produced by the Commercial Agents Squad at 297 Hay Street, East Perth – Telephone (08) 9231 71 99, or in Country Areas from your nearest Police Station.

 

INTRODUCTION

Security doors and grilles are often used as the first line of defence against intruders. With home invasions being on the rise, the application of quality made and fitted security doors and grilles can give the homeowner a very effective form of security.

However, some screen door and grilles on the market are little more that insect barriers, and do not provide an acceptable form of security.

Any form of security should be tailored to a consumer’s individual requirements, and installed by a licensed security professional. Security doors and grilles are no exception.

When purchasing security products, price should not be the only consideration. The quality of the product, the service and reputation of the company you intend to buy from combine to give you a basis on which to make a “value for money” decision. In many cases, you will incur extra costs for installation of your security doors, due to the existing frame requiring modification – be clear about exactly what is entailed for your individual situation. It will be necessary for a security consultant to visit the premises personally to make this assessment – it is unlikely that you would get an accurate quote over the telephone.

It is important to remember that the effectiveness of security screens and doors is two fold – dependent on BOTH the strength of the door in its design, and the nature of its installation in the door frame and surrounds. follow the checklist recommended by the SAIWA and this will ensure that your product meets Australian Standards.

 

EVACUATION PLAN

The Security Agents institute, whilst promoting the importance of security. would like to stress that it is Vital that an evacuation plan is in place n the case of fire, so as to help save lives and property. Installing smoke alarms will give an early warning of fire and provide valuable extra time to get out.

ADVERTISING

* Heavy Duty * Safety * Budget * Barrier… * Screen Doors that infer ‘security’

Be cautious of doors advertised as these. They are usually cheaper than security doors, and will not normally meet the standards described in this brochure, which ensure a quality product.

 

STANDARDS

What are Standards?

Regardless of whatever product you are purchasing you should always ascertain as to whether there are Australian Standards for it. This means that the minimum criteria has been documented to ensure that the product is giving maximum effectiveness and safety – it gives the consumer some peace of mind that the product meets a particular ‘standard’.

These standards are formulated by a group of people best qualified on the particular product and installation of it. In this case the Standards Committee is represented by many qualified organisations, and the Security Agents Institute is proud to be one of these. Others include the Western Australia Police Service Architectural Aluminum Fabricators Association Australia, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Curtain University of Technology.

Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand have released a set of standards that examine in detail the design, manufacture and installation of both hinged and sliding security screen doors. These are set out under the individual product headings in this brochure.

The standard for window grilles is expected to be in place by 2000, and although the SAI is working towards standards for window film these are not expected to be completed for a year or two.

The consumer should remember that Standards Australia, in setting performance requirements for security doors, make very clear that such doors are not ‘intruder-proof’. They should not be relied on as the only security measure or as a substitute for a soundly constructed main door fitted with a good quality lock. Furthermore, security doors are intended primarily to provide a degree of security for residents of occupied premises.

For anyone wanting specific detail regarding the standards:

Standards Australia can be contacted in Western Australia at 1 274 Hay Street, West Perth, 6065

Telephone: (08) 9321 8798
Fax: (08) 9321 2929
Website: www.standards.com.au

 

SECURITY HINGED SCREEN DOORS

These are the questions you should ask (in addition to the checklist shown at the front of this brochure)…

  • Does the product itself comply with Australian Standards test 2803.1:1994. This is a requirement by law in Western Australia.
  • Will the installation of the security hinged screen door comply with Australian Standards test 2804.1:1995.
  • It is extremely important that your quotation/order form states the above.

 

AUSTRALIAN STANDARD – 2803.1

The set of tests designed by Australian Standards for security screen doors – hinged is formulated to simulate somebody trying to break in through a locked security door.

They include… Jemmy tests to hinges and locks, ‘pull tests’ at susceptible attack points eg. top and bottom, opening side of a hinged door, and also a center grille pull test. The weights used in these pull tests range from 150 up to 200 kgs.

 

INSTALLATION STANDARD – 2804.1

Your Security consultant will have to make an assessment as to the suitability of the existing door frame.

A security door should not be fitted to a wind-mould or architrave. These timbers are nailed to the main frame to cover the gap between the main timber and wall material. If your existing frame is not suitable, then a build-out frame will be required to provide suitable fitting points for the security door.

LOCKING

Use the key at all times, which will provide a more effective locking system than the ‘snib’ facility on the lock – DO NOT leave the key in the lock, however the key should be left nearby for easy exit.

There are three types of locking systems available. Triple Socking is a locking system that simultaneously locks the top, middle and bottom of the door jamb. Double locks the middle and bottom simultaneously, and single only Socks at one central point.

 

SECURITY SLIDING SCREEN DOORS

These are the questions you should ask (in addition to the checklist shown at the front of this brochure)…

  • Does the product itself comply with Australian Standards test 2803.2:1995. This is a requirement by law in Western Australia.
  • Will the installation of the security sliding door comply with Australian Standards test 2804.2:1996.
  • It is extremely important that your quotation/order form states the above.

 

AUSTRALIAN STANDARD – 2803.2

The set of tests designed by Australian Standards for security screen doors – siding is formulated to simulate somebody trying to break in through a locked security door.

They include… Jemmy tests to the locks and ‘pull tests’ at susceptible attack points eg. the back style, top and bottom rails, the locking style and center of grille.

 

INSTALLDATION STANDARD – 2804.2

Your Security Consultant will have to make an assessment as to the suitability of the existing sliding door frame.

In many cases, additional ancillary meta work is required. Ask your Security Consultant to explain the reason for this, so you can understand what will be taking place in installation.

 

LOCKING

Use the key at all times, which will provide a more effective locking system than the ‘snib’ facility on the lock – DO NOT leave the key in the lock, however the key should be left nearby for easy exit.

There are three types of locking systems available. Triple Socking is a locking system that simultaneously locks the top, middle and bottom of the door jamb. Double locks the middle and bottom simultaneously, and single only Socks at one central point.

 

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING SECURITY SCREEN DOORS

The following general checklist will provide consumers with a guide to obtaining professional qualified security products and services:

Note: Refer to specific product items in this brochure for questions you should ask

  • Is the Company represented by a member of the Security Agents Institute of W.A?
  • Check that the Security Provider is Police Licensed in accordance with the Security and Related Activities (Control) Act 1 996 to conduct the services requested.
  • Request to sight the license of the consultant, installer or other service provider.
  • Obtain at least three (3) quotations for the products or services to be provided including:
    • A clear description of the products and/or services being provided (including brochures).
    • A statement verifying which standards the products have been tested and passed to (sk to sight a copy of their test certificate).
    • Product and Labour Warranty Terms.
    • Payment Terms and Conditions.
  • Be sure to read and understand the quotation / contract clearly before agreeing to proceed.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

The Recommendations contained in this brochure have been prepared by the Security Agents Institute of W.A. (Inc.) Doors Grilles & Locks Committee to assist the general public.

The Security Agents Institute of W.A. (Inc.) strives to encourage professional industry standards of quality products and services in the interest of the consumer.

Members of the Institute are required to adhere to a Code of Ethics and at ale times conduct their businesses in a professional manner.

 

CONSUMER COMPLAINTS

Any person wishing to lodge a complaint against a security provider should do so to the Commercial Agents Squad. The SAIWA has a complaints procedure in place for Institute Members and such complaints should be directed to the SAIWA Secretariat.