SAFETY & SECURITY 79 An open & shut case
Darren Hyde of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association, discusses why there is a clear cut case for creating and maintaining standards for automatic doors, and why they need to be reviewed against a landscape of fast-changing technologies, new products and client requirements
S
tandards – they’re just another hurdle to get over, right? Wrong! Standards provide a framework for safety,
functionality, and interoperability which ensure that powered pedestrian door systems operate safely, preventing accidents and injuries to users. They are the ‘unsung heroes’ in the ever- evolving realms of architecture, providing a framework of safety, functionality, and innovation to support architectural delivery, thereby underpinning architects’ commitment to excellence. Automatic doors are not merely functional elements but integral components of modern architectural design. The adoption of British and European standards in the automatic door industry ensures that these installations meet rigorous safety and performance benchmarks. As the visionaries behind every structure, architects must also consider the safety and wellbeing of their eventual occupants. Standards such as BS EN 16005 provide comprehensive guidelines for the installation, use, and maintenance of automatic doors, guaranteeing a level of safety that architects can confidently incorporate into their designs. It is also the standard that spearheads accessibility. British and European standards are designed to strike a delicate balance between aesthetics and accessibility so that architectural beauty need not be compromised. The range of automatic doors can actively contribute to making the overarching design visually appealing while making access easy for everyone, including people with disabilities. This commitment to inclusivity aligns with the principles of universal design, allowing architects to create spaces that welcome everyone without sacrificing design integrity. Standards are created, reviewed and amended by a variety of organisations responsible for quality and safety in their own countries and harmonisation across
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Europe. Each standard is given a number, preceded by the initials of the issuing body and followed by any revision date. The myriad of numbers and letters may be confusing, but understanding key standards provides essential framework to achieve the goals described below.
Safety assurance
Automatic doors are a part of everyday life, found in public buildings, commercial spaces, and residential complexes. Standards help in identifying the right doors for their intended environment, use and users, and that they are properly installed and maintained to operate safely and prevent accidents and injuries to users.
Consistency & interoperability Standards establish a common language and set of criteria for the design, installation, and maintenance of automatic doors. This ensures that products from different manufacturers can work together
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Automatic doors are not merely functional elements, but integral components of modern architectural design
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