Occupier Safety Checks for Automatic Doors

Automatic doors offers great convenience to consumers and businesses alike, but it’s essential that they work safely. Automatic doors in good working order reduce the risk of injury to users and ensure there’s no disruption to business flow.

Anyone who has automatic doors on their premises, whether sliding or swing doors, is obliged to make sure they’re safe for use. This is achieved by carrying out regular safety checks.

 

Safety standards

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) promotes quality and safety standards in the automatic door industry. To ensure safety compliance, ADSA recommends occupiers carry out safety checks in accordance with BS EN 16005. This European safety standard relates to best practice for pedestrian-use automatic doors. If they were installed after April 2013, they should comply with this code of practice.

In particular, BS EN 16005 Section 4:2:1 highlights that occupiers of powered pedestrian doors have a responsibility to maintain and inspect them, alongside regular maintenance from accredited industry professionals.

 

Safety in practice

Like ADSA, Automatic Access takes door safety seriously and follows the recommended guidelines. In practice, what does this mean for occupiers?

ADSA has created two useful videos that spell out the necessary safety check procedures – and it advises when to call in professional help.

The videos apply to sliding doors and swing (hinged) doors.

Safety checks include making sure there are no obstructions in the way of the doors, and that there are no trip hazards nearby. Signs on the doors should be at the appropriate height. Occupiers should check that sensors and door buttons work correctly, and that doors open and close smoothly, without any hesitation. Threshold safety should be checked by placing a box the height of a child within the door space. Occupiers should carry out checks weekly and record the results, keeping the data for at least a year.

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