This article published in DHI May 2021 issue 

PASSIONATE FOR ANSI 

Khozema Kazi, AHC, FDAI, started in the door and hardware industry in May 1993, and has spent his career working in, and around, the Middle East.

His first industry job was with Contract Hardware & Door Distribution where his responsibilities ran the gamut from specifying to scheduling, estimation, ordering and installation. He moved on to join manufacturers Stanley Black & Decker and ZERO International as Business Development Manager to establish and support Contract Hardware Distributors (CHD) and service projects. Now he is with Häfele GCC, managing the company’s ANSI Hardware Division.

Navigating codes in the region is no small feat, as North American, European and British building codes are all adopted in the region.

As an example, Kazi points out that ANSI and EN/BS codes are at odds with each other when it comes to fire and free egress issues. EN/BS will fire rate doors with either positive latch or self-closing, and does not make it a mandatory requirement that the inside lever always free to egress. 

For access control, EN/BS code relies on an electric strike or mag lock, not the variety of electrified door hardware ANSI has. “In addition, the EN/BS code-compliant package is priced much lower than ANSI-compliant door hardware,” Kazi adds. “The products are modular, easy to schedule, a bit more aesthetic and have shorter lead times. Therefore, contractors prefer EN/BS code-compliant hardware as they can order without providing door and other details and at the tail end of project completion.” 

Kazi points out that at times, ANSI-specified projects end up using EN/BS compliant-hardware for the reasons previously cited. “When this happens, navigating between ANSI and EN/BS codes is a no brainer – you can’t. As a result, we can supply ANSI door hardware only on projects if they are ANSI specified, the project manager/consultant will not accept value engineered EN/BS compliant hardware and the owner has the budget for it.”

Another issue to deal with in the region is unqualified installers, according to Kazi. “Door manufacturers have difficulty reading paper templates and most of the time they insist on physical product to prepare the door and frame,” Kazi asserts. “The AHJ can be easily convinced to accept the EN/BS alternative because they too find ANSI hardware quite complicated. We have to really educate each of these entities at every level of the project bid and supply –  it is an uphill task.” 

Kazi believes DHI has an opportunity to educate end users and other stakeholders on the role the industry play in saving lives by representation in local forums, exhibitions, on social media and in advertising. He also thinks it would be helpful to offer workshops conducted by AHJs on the North American Building Codes, its inclusion in local codes and the use of language that leaves little room for alternative interpretation.

In spite of the prominence of EN/BS standards in the region, Kazi notes that AHC certification is very highly valued because Section 08 71 00 of Finish Hardware Specifications mandate the requirement of an AHC in sub-section Quality Assurance and Supplier Qualification. 

“People are surprised when we speak passionately about ANSI door hardware and its role in life safety,” Kazi acknowledges. “It is the best feeling to come out of a meeting having spread our contagious love for door hardware.” 

KHOZEMA KAZI, AHC, FDAI, is Manager, ANSI Hardware Division, Häfele. He has worked in the door and hardware industry for 27 years and resides in Dubai, UAE. Email: khozemakazi.ahc@gmail.com.