Here, we look at why these are important and why they are reviewed against a landscape of fast-changing technologies, new products and client requirements.
Standards – 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 ‘unsung heroes’ providing a framework of safety, functionality and innovation to support project delivery and a commitment to excellence.
Automatic doors are not merely functional but integral components of modern architectural design, according to ADSA’s Technical and Training Manager, Darren Hyde:
“The adoption of British and European standards in the automatic door industry ensures that installations meet rigorous safety and performance benchmarks,”
“The safety and well-being of their eventual occupants must be of paramount importance.”
Standards such as BS EN 16005 provides comprehensive guidelines for the installation, use and maintenance of automatic doors, guaranteeing a level of safety that can be confidently incorporated into designs.
It is also the standard that spearheads accessibility. British and European standards are designed to strike a delicate balance between aesthetics and accessibility.
The vast range of automatic doors on the market can actively contribute to making the design visually appealing while enabling access for everyone, including people with disabilities.
This commitment to inclusivity creates spaces that are welcome to everyone without compromising design integrity.
Says Darren:
“Standards are created, reviewed and amended by a variety of organisations responsible for quality and safety in their own countries and harmonisation across 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 an essential framework to achieve:
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, that they are properly installed and maintained to operate safely and prevent accidents and injuries to users.
Consistency and Interoperability
Standards establish a common language and set of criteria for the design, installation and maintenance of automatic doors.
This censures that products from different manufacturers can work together seamlessly, promoting interoperability and ease of integration into various architectural designs and wider building management.
Accessibility and Inclusivity
Standards contribute to the development of access solutions for people with diverse needs, including those with disabilities.
Adhering to standards ensures that doors are designed to be user-friendly, promoting inclusivity and accommodating a broad spectrum of users.
Standards define performance requirements for automatic doors, ensuring that they meet quality benchmarks.
This helps architects, specifiers, builders, and facility managers to select reliable products that will perform well over time.
Compliance with Regulations
Compliance with specific standards may also be a legal requirement.
Following standards ensures that entrance solutions meet regulatory obligations, helping building owners and operators avoid legal issues and liabilities.
This also helps mitigate risks associated with the use of automatic doors and the potential for accidents, injuries and property damage.
Global Recognition
Standards are often developed with international input and collaboration.
Adhering to recognised standards provides consistency and recognition on a global scale, making it easier for contractors to work on international projects.
Technological Advancements
Standards evolve to incorporate technological advancements.
This allows integration with the latest technologies, such as sensor systems, energy-efficient features and smart building capabilities, while ensuring compatibility and safety.
ADSA is committed to remain a critical player in helping achieve a harmonious blend of form and function.
By embracing and championing British and European standards, industry professionals, it will not only ensure safety, accessibility and performance but also contribute to a global standard of excellence - paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative built environments.
New for 2024
EN 16005: 2012 has been under review since 2018. All EN standards are reviewed every five years.
During this process, many of CEN member countries asked for clarifications on the detail of the current standard.
The standard setting body continued to work on revising the European wide standard and CEN has now published a new version EN 16005: 2023.
This means that new BS/IS versions of the standard will soon be published.
The EN: 2023 version of the standard has not currently been harmonised or cited in the Official Journal of the European Union and the BS EN version will need to be added to the Designated Standards list in the UK.
The standard is not retrospective, so all doors fitted before the UK publication date, need not comply.
Each national setting body (BSI/NSAI) must withdraw the previous standard EN 16005: 2012 and replace it with the new one.
This process must be completed by 30 June 2024.
The main changes include:
- Amendments to the risk assessment for vulnerable traffic
- Additional safety dimension drawings to highlight typical hazard prevention measures.
- Revision of finger protection minimum height (1.9m)
- Detailed construction requirements for barriers (for both barriers at 90 degrees and in the same plane).
- Additional safeguarding and test for revolving doors
All companies specifying, supplying, installing or servicing Powered Pedestrian Door Systems should work to the new standard once it has been published and released.
For further information, call 01827 216136 or email: technical@adsa.org.uk
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