As automatic doors increase in popularity, both in business and residential properties, prospective customers are faced with a large number of installation firms in the UK – so, how do you know which company to choose?
It’s worth noting that there are two organisations that assess and monitor automatic door installation companies – and any installer who’s a member of both bodies will have passed stringent quality and safety procedures to qualify. The Automatic Door Suppliers’ Association (ADSA) and the Automatic Door Installation Association (ADIA) both serve a valuable purpose; maintaining standards and reassuring customers that their door installer is a trustworthy and reliable professional.
ADSA
ADSA establishes and promotes standards of quality, reliability, safety and after-sales service to benefit both suppliers and customers. The organisation administers the BS EN 16005 examination to make sure that members’ employees comply with the requirements.
BS EN 16005 was put together in 2012 by members of UK and European countries’ automatic door companies, who formed a committee. It leads to an Authorised Technician qualification – the only standard that is recognised throughout the construction industry and by local authorities and customers. Members do not necessarily have to take the test for the EN16005, although they are encouraged to do so.
All automatic doors – whether they’re bi-fold, swing, sliding, revolving or folding – in all types of building, whether large or small, must conform to the relevant safety standards. The Automatic Door Suppliers’ Association monitors installers to make sure that this is the case.
Their NVQ scheme covers the installation and servicing of automatic doors. It is administered by ADSA using their in-house assessment procedure. As part of the procedure towards obtaining a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card, many contractors will require it before employees can start work on any of their sites.
ADIA
The Automatic Door Installation Association requires its entire membership to attain the standards that customers expect. The organisation helps members to reach the required standard by making sure they are trained, qualified and represented by a body that assists them in their field of employment.
ADIA aims to assist its members in continually conforming to the highest safety and quality standards. Promoting the highest levels of professionalism and quality in the automatic door industry at all times, it is the representative umbrella body for installers of door products, technology and systems. The body also lobbies for a working environment in which ADIA members can succeed by maintaining fair trade and competition in the automatic door industry.
Companies or individuals who fit, maintain or service automatic doors or those who build and sell components for automatic doors may apply to join ADIA. Applications are also welcome from facilities management companies who need to study BS EN16005 to deal with automatic door issues. Equally, security or access control firms who work with automatic doors may register.
Affiliation to both organisations will reassure customers that the automatic door installer meets professional safety and quality industry standards.
