Specifying hospital door hardware is very different from working in commercial or residential environments. Clinical buildings run 24/7, hygiene standards are uncompromising, patient needs vary widely, and hardware becomes part of the broader safety strategy as much as the architectural design.
This FAQ brings together the most common questions architects, contractors and estates teams ask when planning hospital doors.
Hygiene and Infection Control
Does the hospital door hardware material support easy, regular deep cleaning?
Yes. Materials such as stainless steel, high-grade aluminium and durable powder-coated finishes are widely used because they tolerate aggressive hospital cleaning regimes. They resist corrosion, scratching and staining, making them suitable for areas where frequent disinfection is essential.
Can hardware be made with anti-bacterial or anti-microbial treatments or materials?
Hardware is available with antimicrobial coatings which can support infection-control policies. But they should always complement, not replace, standard cleaning protocols. They are most useful in high-touch circulation routes and clinical support rooms.
Would hands-free options help reduce touch points on hospital doors?
Yes. Automatic operators, wave-to-open sensors and foot-operated hardware reduce manual contact and support infection-control strategies. These solutions are common in theatres, isolation rooms, prep areas and high-movement corridors.
Safety and Compliance
Does the hardware meet relevant fire safety standards?
It must. Hardware for hospital fire doors must be appropriately CE-marked and tested as part of a complete doorset under BS EN 1634-1. Substituting components should only be done with items that have been tested and certified with the specific leaf and frame.
Can hospital door hardware provide the correct escape function in an emergency?
Yes, depending on the door type:
- Panic bars (EN 1125) for public escape routes
- Push pads (EN 179) for staff-only areas
- Hardware must always allow safe, immediate egress, even where access control is present.
Is reduced-ligature hardware required in mental health or secure environments?
Yes. Reduced ligature solutions are essential in mental health settings to minimise self-harm risk. This may include shaped levers, tapered plates, anti-barricade hinges and specialist locksets designed for occupant safety.
Does hospital door hardware need to comply with accessibility standards such as BS 8300?
It must. Hospital hardware must support low operating forces, ergonomic grip, clear sightlines and smooth operation. Accessibility is central to patient dignity and independent movement throughout a clinical building.
Durability and Maintenance
Is the hospital door hardware robust enough for heavy clinical use?
Hospital doors encounter continuous impact from beds, trollies, wheelchairs and equipment. Hardware must therefore be heavy-duty, high-cycle and resistant to accidental damage. Products tested to enhanced performance classifications are essential for longevity.
How easy is the hospital door hardware to maintain?
Ease of maintenance is a significant consideration. Estates teams favour hardware that is simple to clean, tamper-resistant and stable over time. Concealed fixings and robust components reduce day-to-day interventions and minimise downtime.
What is the expected lifespan of hospital-grade hardware?
High-quality clinical hardware can achieve a long service life even under continuous use. Hinges, closers and lock cases designed for hospitals typically offer substantial whole-life value due to reduced repairs and fewer premature replacements.
Functionality and Security
Does the hospital door hardware allow for appropriate security levels?
Yes. Hospitals often need complex, layered security in different parts of the building that can include – but is not limited to – master key systems, staff-only access, electronic credentials and controlled areas like pharmacies and labs. Hardware must allow secure zoning across the whole estate without restricting clinical workflow or emergency access.
Will the hardware integrate with systems such as fire alarms?
It should. Access-controlled doors in hospitals must integrate with wider building systems. Hardware may need to interface with fire alarm release, pressure-controlled environments (eg theatres, isolation rooms), nurse call systems and other digital platforms. Early coordination is essential.
How does hospital door hardware support a calming, non-institutional environment?
Hardware choice influences visual tone. Clean lines, warm finishes and design-led components help avoid an institutional look. As seen at the Rob Burrow Centre for Motor Neurone Disease, the right hardware supports both performance and a dignified, patient-centred aesthetic.
Need Support with a Healthcare Project?
Em-B Solutions works with architects, contractors and NHS estates teams to develop hardware schedules that combine compliance, durability and design integrity.
If you need technical guidance or support on a live hospital door project, we can help.
