Visitors to the Door & Hardware Federation's Conference and Expo on Friday, September 28 will be able to attend free workshops covering the hot topics of the industry.

Specialists from within the industry and independent experts such as the HSE and Secured by Design will be presenting a total of nine workshops throughout the day. Certification, the new lock standards, health & safety and employment issues are just some of the subjects which will be explored in detail in the workshop programme.

Being held in Loughborough University's Sir Denis Rooke Building, Holywell Park from 9am to 3pm, the DHF Conference and Expo is designed to showcase the best of the UK's door, shutter and hardware industry. In addition to the workshops there will be a huge variety of exhibitors, ranging from lockmakers to door security producers, who will be manning their stands throughout the day at the popular event which is designed to promote and uphold best practice in the sector.

Entrance to the DHF Conference and Expo is free to all prebooked visitors. A buffet lunch will be available to all prebooked visitors. To book, please contact the DHF on 01827 52337/ info@dhfonline.org.uk .

The importance of the event has been underlined this year by the decision of Bodycote warringtonfire, the leading fire testing and fire safety consultants, to be the main sponsor.

The full workshop programme comprises:
· New DHF repair and service scheme This workshop provides information on the new DHF Quality Mark which is helping to raise repair and service standards significantly across the country.

· Residential Powered Gate Group This new DHF specialist group is attracting members from the residential gate and security sectors.

· Certification This workshop covers the latest legislation concerning certification and is being given by fire testing and fire safety consultants, Bodycote warringtonfire.

· Review of the new lock standards Security is top of the agenda, and new lock standards (3621, 8621, and 10621) will be discussed. The DHF is inviting an expert from Secured by Design, the UK Police flagship initiative, to host this workshop.

· New DHF CE marked hardware products website The DHF central internet database of CE marked hardware products was launched recently. It will allow specifiers to search for products which offer the performance they need for particular applications.

· NVQ electrical module This planned NVQ will allow suitably trained door fitters to carry out certain electrical operations on site.

· Interfacing with metal cladding Part L of the Building Regulations governs insulation values of industrial and commercial buildings. This workshop shows how to avoid insulation being comprised by incorrect interface between hinged doors and metal cladding.

· DHF best practice guide for restraining rolling shutters The new DHF best practice guide for the method of restraining rolling shutter and door barrels has been produced by the DHF at the request of the Health & Safety Executive. A senior HSE expert will lead this workshop.

· Health & safety and employment issues Current issues from ladder safety to ageism will be dealt with at this workshop, to be given by Citation, specialists in employment law and health & safety solutions.

Email: info@dhfonline.org.uk