SAFETY & SECURITY 71 Security plus accessibility
Darren Hyde of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association discusses how powered pedestrian doors can integrate with modern security systems while ensuring accessibility and regulatory compliance.
D
evising access control requirements for commercial buildings can be a diffi cult task. A client may desire
a grand edifi ce with an impressive facade, their estates team may want smart building integration and improved security, while users will demand safety and accessibility. In reality, any proposed development or major retrofi t must encompass all these elements. This may involve installing physical installations and software to verify identity, authorise access and restrict entry, while maintaining security, safety, and compliance with organisational or regulatory requirements.
It is a multi-layered necessity that
doesn’t start and end at the front door but incorporates perimeter and foyer or atrium requirements to better manage planned use. Powered pedestrian doors (PPD) are a key component. Combining doors with integrated access control technologies, such as card readers, biometric scanners, or QR code systems, ensure smooth and effi cient traffi c fl ow. Designers must consider how these technologies interface with other security measures, such as CCTV, alarm systems and physical barriers, to create a cohesive and robust defence against potential threats.
Safety standards such as EN 16005, BS
7036-0 and EN 17352 provide essential guidelines for the safe design, installation, and maintenance of automated pedestrian doors. Furthermore, integrating fi re safety standards such as BS 9999 and BS 9991 with security standards like PAS 24 or LPS 1175 ensures that entrance systems meet the highest levels of performance under various conditions.
Legislation legacy Martyn’s Law, proposed legislation in the wake of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, underscores the need for enhanced security measures in public venues. It mandates operators of publicly
ADF FEBRUARY 2025
Welsh Government Building (GEZE UK)
accessible spaces must assess risks, develop counter-terrorism plans, and implement measures to protect occupants and visitors. Entrances, as critical points of vulnerability, will require particular attention. Architects and designers must account for the practical implications; for example, PPD can be designed to include anti-tailgating measures, emergency lockdown capabilities and blast-resistant materials where necessary. Additionally, integrating PPD with wider building management allows for real-time monitoring and rapid response in the event of a security incident. It is equally important to ensure that entrances remain accessible and inclusive for all users. Powered entrance systems play a crucial role, offering smooth and automated entry for people with mobility issues, parents with pushchairs and those carrying heavy loads.
Balancing security with accessibility requires careful planning and design. For instance, revolving doors or security
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Modern entrance systems can do more than regulate access; they can also serve as part of a building’s wider management and security strategy
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