BHMA ISSUES REVISED STANDARDS FOR GASKETING

Builders Hardware Standards Describe Tests and Set Criteria for Product Certification

NEW YORK, NY - The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) announces the publication of ANSI/BHMA A156.22-2005 American National Standard for Gasketing. This publication is an update of an earlier version of the standard.

A156.22 covers requirements for the performance and installation of gasketing systems including intumescents applied to, or mortised to doors, frames or both. Included are performance tests intended to provide installation guidelines, resistance to smoke and air infiltration, and measure the life and durability of gasketing materials.

This standard describes the six-character, industry-standard identifiers for gasketing. This identifier system is useful to architects who would like to specify products generically while ensuring their performance meets the standard. Manufacturers can submit gaskets covered by A156.22 to an independent laboratory to carry out the prescribed tests. Only those products that pass testing by an approved laboratory can claim BHMA certification. Certified products are listed in BHMA's certified product directory, which is regularly updated, published in book form and available online.

"The ongoing process of revising and updating standards is pertinent for the ensured safety and proper function of builders hardware," said Mike Tierney, Standards Coordinator for the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association. "This is especially the case for gasketing, which acts as a deterrent for smoke, water and other harmful substances in emergency situations. It is necessary that buildings are outfitted with certified hardware that satisfies standard requirements for the welfare of the public.”

The new edition of the standard includes numerous editorial and formatting improvements as well as changes in content. Specific content revisions include revising leakage criteria to agree with NFPA 105 and UL 1784, the addition of descriptions and numbers for Product Type 20 rain drip models and the inclusion in Section 5.4 for Air Leakage to address energy related requirements.

For more information, or to purchase copies of the ANSI/BHMA A156.22-2005, please visit BHMA's web site at www.buildershardware.com. Purchased standards are available as printed documents or as electronic files (PDF) for immediate download. You can also order standards by phone by calling 800-699-9277.

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About BHMA

The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) is an industry leader in building safety and security. BHMA is the only organization accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop and maintain performance standards for locks, closers, exit devices and other builders hardware. The widely known ANSI/BHMA A156 series of standards describes and establishes the features and criteria for specific types of hardware products. In addition, BHMA sponsors third-party certification of hardware products, which is a requirement for a product to bear the “BHMA Certified” mark — insuring that the product meets the ANSI/BHMA standard. For more information on BHMA, please write to BHMA, 355 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1700, New York, NY, 10017 or visit the Web site at www.buildershardware.com.