Following a ‘bumper year’ of record applications, the Door Hardware Federation has introduced more robust procedures for companies wishing to join.
The trade association’s new procedures, which started in October following a boost in membership since 2017, will mean that all companies wishing to apply for membership will, initially, be referred to as affiliate members until at least one person who can implement changes in the company has completed the relevant DHF two-day Diploma course(s). Whilst affiliate members, companies will be unable to use the DHF logo or appear on the DHF website.
all companies applying for membership will also undertake a new Company Compliance Assessment, a checklist of legal and compliancy requirements specific to the product, and usually involves a visit to their premises by a member of DHF’s training and compliance team and/or a visit to a recent installation, to ensure the company is supplying and installing safe and legally compliant products.
Once these requirements have been satisfied, the applicant company will become a full member and be able to use the DHF logo, be displayed on the DHF website and utilise the many benefits available to members.
Commercial Manager Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens said: “As an organisation, DHF is renowned for its rigorous processes in allowing new members into the federation, and following a recent surge in membership numbers, we are determined to maintain that positive reputation.
“We are understandably delighted by the swell in membership but determined that ‘quality’ should not be compromised in any way by ‘quantity’. Being a member of DHF means something. Safety, compliance and legal responsibility lie at the very heart of what we do, so it is essential that we continue to retain the very high standards for which we are recognised across the industry.
“It is vital that both new – and existing – members adhere to the principles and values of the association in meeting these requirements.”
