Home / Information / Understanding BS EN 16005
The UK and European standard for power operated pedestrian door sets defines the requirements and test methods for automatic doors. It supports compliance with UK legal frameworks such as the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
The latest revision from 2023 reflects the latest safety thinking for automatic door design, installation and maintenance.
Incorrect installation or outdated safety measures can cause injury. To ensure doors and sensors operate safely; this regulation provides a practical framework for minimising hazards like drawing in, entrapment, and collisions.
Risk assessments now focus on consequences, considering:
Each door should provide a ‘non-contact preferred route’, allowing people to pass through without coming into contact with any moving parts. These can include:
To help those who are unsteady on their feet; we would advise a physical barrier, as it greatly reduces risks. Where this is not possible, we would install a safety device, such as a sensor.
In incidents involving doors, hinge areas present one of the highest injury risks, particularly to children. For automatic swing doors, protective devices should cover the areas where fingers could be caught to help prevent injuries – typically the bottom half of the door.
Barriers that help direct traffic around doors must now meet specific criteria:
When our technicians install or service your doors, a CB Test Body is used to test:
These tests verify real-world safety performance, with additional electric sensors added wherever required.
The standard adds additional safeguards and testing, recognising their unique risks.
The standard is not retrospective. Doors installed before 1st January 2024 do not need mandatory upgrades unless advised by a qualified technician, though applying new safety measures in line with the automatic door regulations is best practice.
Under Workplace Health and Safety legislation, PUWER and EN 16005, most electrical machinery with moving parts, including automatic or powered doors, requires a service log to demonstrate safety.
Signage should clearly identify the door as automatic. It should be located on both sides of the door and positioned at a minimum height of 1300–1600mm from the floor.
To comply with all applicable legislation and BS EN 16005; regular, documented inspection and maintenance should be performed by a qualified professional.
We recommend weekly checks to ensure there are no obstructions or trip hazards nearby. You should also verify that sensors and door buttons function correctly and that the doors open and close smoothly.
Ensure every powered door has a documented risk assessment conducted by a qualified automatic door technician.
All automatic doors should have appropriate pocket screens or safety barriers that create safe zones for users and prevent any potential contact or entrapment.
Our videos explain how to complete user safety checks for automatic sliding and swing doors.
Founded in 1985, the Automatic Door Suppliers’ Association was established to set quality and safety standards within the powered pedestrian door industry. It created the first code of practice for the safety of doors for pedestrian use, known as BS 7036:1988, which became a benchmark for the provision of automatic doors. Technicians must be accredited to the current regulations for installation and service purposes.
At Automatic Access, we take pride in our work and our ADSA membership. We stay up to date with the latest regulations, and all our technicians are fully trained and qualified to meet current standards and advise on compliance.
If you’d like tailored advice, or you want a safety review of your existing setup, don’t hesitate to contact us.
