Automatic doors enhance accessibility for all users of a building. To ensure automatic doors operate safely, automatic doors are subject to regulation under the EN 16005 European Standard. Meanwhile, the Equality Act 2010 specifies how accessibility should be improved for those with disabilities, including through the use of automatic doors.
Why Are There Regulations For Automatic Doors?
The moving components of automatic doors mean that users could potentially be at risk of injury if struck or trapped by the door. Regulations ensure that automatic doors can be used safely by all visitors to a building, including those with disabilities.
Automatic Doors and EN 16005
European Standard EN 16005 has been in force since 2013 and is designed to protect pedestrians from accidents relating to automatic doors.
Injuries can occur at the point where the two leaves of automatic sliding doors join and at the two closing edges. Sensors which detect an obstruction can help prevent accidents, while pocket screens – a pocket into which the door slides when it is open – can also minimise the risk to users.
A combination of safety sensors and controlling the speed of opening and closing will ensure that automatic swing doors are safe to use. Danger points include where the door fits to the frame and the closing edge when the door pivots open.
Clear signage should also be displayed so that users understand how the door operates and can safely enter and exit the building.
EN 16005 also dictates that automatic doors should be serviced at least once a year by a qualified company, in line with the manufacturer’s guidance, and this service should be detailed in a logbook. However, servicing automatic doors twice a year will ensure that any faults are found and fixed quickly, maintaining safety and accessibility.
Automatic Doors and The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 requires public buildings to provide easy access for those with disabilities. Building owners must ensure it is safe for all users to access and move around a building, and automatic doors have a key role to play in this.
Heavy doors that need to be manually operated can present a physical barrier to people with disabilities who need to access your building. Under the Equality Act 2010, you should make reasonable adjustments to your building to remove this physical barrier and enable all users to easily access your premises.
This can include painting the door or door frame to contrast with the surrounding wall, making it easier for those with visual impairments to identify the doorway. Push buttons used to operate an automatic door should also be placed at a comfortable height that can be reached by wheelchair users.
Speak To the Experts
For expert advice on the regulations for automatic doors, speak to Access Control Solutions on 0116 236 6044 or by completing our contact form. Our team install automatic doors in a wide variety of settings, so we have the experience and expertise required to answer any questions you have about the safe use of automatic doors.
Posted in Automatic Doors
