Legislation Affecting Automatic Door Specification: Ensuring Safety and Minimising Risk

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Key Learning outcomes

Familiarise specifiers with appropriate legislation and standards impacting on product specification
Understand the key elements that need to be addressed in order to minimise risk
Develop knowledge to enable more informed choices to be made
An understanding of how to address the key issues of safety and accessibility when specifying automatic sliding and folding doors
Appropriate product selection and suitability for purpose can only be achieved with due regard to relevant legislation and standards

Introduction

This article specifically addresses sliding and folding doors issues.

Automatic sliding and folding doors are an ideal solution for both commercial and public sector buildings and installations that are likely to involve either a large number or variety of users (able bodied, disabled young and old). An overwhelming need exists to ensure safe and easy access for all, however, particular care and consideration must be given to the application of these very beneficial pieces of electrical machinery. This requirement impacts upon architects/specifiers who as well as satisfying the contending needs of a variety of stake holders must also ensure statutory legal duties are addressed to minimise risk. It will also help avoid costly and unnecessary errors or omissions and result in the right product type for each particular installation.

Relevant legal standards and Building Regulations referred to are as follows:

Building Regulations

Part B
Part L2A and L2B
Part M

British Standards

BSEN 16005:2012
BS8300:2009
BS7273-4:2007
BS9999:2008

Legislation

The Equality Act 2010

1.0 Standards outlining Safety and accessibility issues to help minimise risk

Part M; access and use of buildings
Identifies broad parameters concerning the safe application of automatic doors (as well as other aspects of the building envelope) to ensure safe access for all users.

Section 2, clause 2:21 states, Powered doors can be either manually controlled or automatically operated by motion sensors. Manual controls should be clearly distinguishable and located between 750 and 1000mm above floor level and operable with a closed fist. If automatic motion sensors are used as a means of activation they must enable doors to open early enough and stay open long enough to permit safe entry and exit.

Automatic sliding doors are considered to be advantageous as they avoid the risks associated with automatic swing doors and can also make it possible to reduce the size of an entrance lobby.

In the event of a power failure automatic sliding doors must revert to manual control (break out) or fail safe to open. Furthermore sliding doors must incorporate a safety stop that is activated if the doors should begin to close when a person is passing across the threshold.

Part M also outlines the all important permitted sizes of structural openings to ensure safe and easy access for all users (Clause 2.13).

BSEN 16005:2012 Power operated pedestrian door sets – safety in use
Effective April 2013 (replaces BS7036) a new EN risk assessment based standard stating allowances must be made for all foreseeable misuse. If a large proportion of users are elderly, infirm, disabled or young, safeguards against door contact must be provided.

Addresses opening and closing safety issues as previous standard (BS7036), except monitored safety sensors are now required to ensure doors default to safe status in the event of a fault being detected.

Door visibility for all users is important. If transparent door leaves used, they must be clearly recognisable e.g. by permanent marking, suitable labels or using coloured materials.

Manuals and log books must be provided to help ensure door safety is maintained; responsibilities of end users and competent professionals outlined. Service frequency at least once a year- subject to frequency of door usage.

Modern infra-red door sensors help minimise risk and prevent contact with sliding door leaves

Provider company overview

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About

Gilgen Door Systems UK Ltd

Securiparc House
Wimsey Way
Alfreton
DE55 4LS

James Handley
Tel + (0) 800 316 6994
james.handley@gdukds.com

The information contained in the CPD article web pages is not intended and accordingly shall not be relied upon either as a substitute for professional advice or judgement or to provide legal or other advice with respect to any particular circumstance. RIBA Enterprises accepts no responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of the information contained.

Legislation Affecting Automatic Door Specification: Ensuring Safety and Minimising Risk

1.0 Standards outlining Safety and accessibility issues to help minimise risk

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