As winter weather tests the resilience of buildings and their systems, the Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) is urging occupiers and technicians to prioritise safety. With new safety check videos and updated guidance, ADSA is helping the industry stay compliant, confident and prepared – whatever the conditions outside. When temperatures drop, wind forces increase and cold weather becomes a daily challenge, even the most robust powered pedestrian doors can come under strain. Sensors can misfire, thresholds freeze and wet floors increase the risk of slips and falls.
For building managers, occupiers and facilities professionals, winter brings an added layer of responsibility to ensure powered pedestrian doors remain safe, functional and compliant.
That’s why ADSA is using the season as a timely reminder to review maintenance procedures and reinforce safety awareness. Backed by a new series of updated safety check videos, the association is setting out clear guidance to help occupiers and technicians uphold standards and prevent avoidable incidents.
“Winter conditions add pressure to building systems that are already working hard,” explains Ken Price, Managing Director of ADSA. “From treacherous conditions underfoot to high winds, even small issues can have major safety implications.”
Ken says that while seasonal challenges are nothing new, the frequency of extreme weather events makes a proactive approach to door safety more vital than ever.
“It’s about prevention, protection, and professionalism,” he adds. “Door systems are there to serve and protect building users. But they can only do so effectively when maintained in line with current standards and checked regularly.”
Refreshed Videos, Reinforced Standards ADSA’s new safety check videos are part of its ongoing commitment to promoting compliance and best practice across the industry.
Originally produced in 2018, the videos have been fully updated to reflect revised standards introduced at the end of 2023 and improvements in technology and maintenance practice.
Four videos make up the refreshed series – two aimed at building occupiers and two at technicians – each offering clear, step-by-step guidance.
“The new versions not only look more professional,” says Ken, “but they reinforce the critical role regular checks play in ensuring safe and compliant door systems.”
For occupiers, the videos explain how to carry out basic weekly checks and recognise early warning signs of malfunction. For technicians, they demonstrate key safety measurements, their significance, and how to apply them consistently.
The occupier videos can be viewed on YouTube:
Swing Doors –
https://youtu.be/eu0hugnioc0 Sliding Doors –
https://youtu.be/S7EAhpAuqz0 Technician videos can be accessed via the ADSA Academy.
Occupier Duties: Checking, Recording, Complying Building occupiers and managers have a legal and moral duty of care to ensure powered pedestrian doors are safe to use.
ADSA’s guidance recommends weekly safety checks as a practical, preventative step. To help, the association has introduced free downloadable check logs for swing and sliding doors - simple templates for recording inspections and demonstrating compliance.
These are available at:
https://adsa.org.uk/education/occupier-safety-check-videos/ “Documentation should be retained for at least 12 months. It not only proves compliance but helps identify patterns before they become costly repairs," Ken adds.
As winter approaches, this kind of record-keeping becomes particularly important. Snow or ice around thresholds, obstructed sensors or meltwater ingress can all disrupt safe operation. Regular checks and clear documentation protect both users and building operators.
Wind, Weather and Working Doors Powered pedestrian doors are designed to cope with a range of environmental conditions but winter can challenge even the best-engineered systems.
Wind loading can affect the closing force or alignment of swing doors.
Puddles or glare may confuse sensors.
Ice or grit in sliding tracks can restrict movement.
Sometimes, safety systems compensate by slowing or halting operation – an indication that intervention is needed.
“Powered pedestrian doors are intelligent systems, but they’re not infallible,” notes Ken.
“The right maintenance and regular checks keep those systems operating as intended.”
Technicians are encouraged to use the new ADSA videos as a reference to stay aligned with the latest standards and inspection techniques.
Safety Beyond the Threshold Safety doesn’t stop once people are inside. Moisture and temperature differences at entrances can create slip hazards on smooth floors, particularly in high-traffic buildings such as hospitals, retail centres or airports.
Simple mitigations - absorbent matting, adequate drainage, temperature control – all help reduce risk. But safe door performance is equally crucial.
“When a door opens too slowly or doesn’t close properly, it can cause bottlenecks or confusion. That’s when people are more likely to slip or collide – winter amplifies those risks,” says Ken.
By combining regular door checks with wider building safety measures, occupiers can protect both public users and staff.
Learning with the ADSA Academy ADSA’s Academy platform continues to expand its library of professional training resources.
A new playlist and bookmarking function allows technicians to revisit key materials and embed learning at their own pace – supporting both individual development and company-wide compliance.
“Our focus is on raising the bar for the entire industry. By providing free and accessible resources, we help both technicians and occupiers understand what good looks like,” says Ken.
The Academy complements ADSA’s long-term role in standards development, ensuring UK practice remains consistent with international expectations.
Year-Round Safety, Seasonal Focus While winter highlights particular risks, ADSA stresses that safety is a year-round commitment.
“Safety isn’t something you do once a year; it’s an ongoing habit,” says Ken. “Winter just makes the need more visible.”
The association’s message is clear: checks, maintenance and professional guidance should be part of every building’s operational rhythm, regardless of the season.
Safer Doors, Safer People ADSA urges all those responsible for powered pedestrian doors to review their procedures, retrain where needed and ensure maintenance regimes are both robust and recorded.
Following the guidance in the new videos helps occupiers protect users, reduce downtime and maintain compliance. For technicians, it’s an opportunity to refresh skills and reaffirm professional standards.
“Our message is simple – safe doors save lives,” concludes Ken. “These systems are gateways to accessibility and protection. Regular checks, informed practice and ongoing learning ensure they perform safely all year round.”
Find Out More
Access the ADSA Safety Check Videos and free downloadable check logs at:
https://adsa.org.uk/education/occupier-safety-check-videos/ Technician videos are available via the ADSA Academy.
For details of ADSA’s standards work, membership and training programmes, visit:
www.adsa.org.uk
ADSA’s Safety Essentials: Practical Tips for Every Building Regular weekly safety checks help prevent accidents and ensure continued safe operation of powered pedestrian doors. ADSA’s latest safety videos highlight simple, practical steps that building occupiers can take - no specialist training required.
Before You Start - Carry out checks when the building is quiet or unoccupied to avoid risk.
- Make sure no obstacles - such as notice boards or merchandise displays - obstruct the door area.
- Keep your logbook updated after every inspection and retain records for at least 12 months.
General Checks - Look for trip or slip hazards near the doorway, especially during wet or icy conditions.
- Inspect all door panels for cracked or broken glass.
- Confirm that powered pedestrian door signs are correctly displayed at recommended heights (BS 7036).
- Check that screens and barriers are secure and correctly positioned to prevent side entry.
Operational Tests - For sensor activation, walk naturally toward the door - it should open smoothly without hesitation, and close after a short delay (1–5 seconds).
- Test manual or remote activation devices, including green emergency break-glass units if fitted.
- Use an approved test box (700 × 300 × 200 mm) to verify safety sensors prevent contact during opening or closing.
- Examine hinge areas on swing doors and threshold zones on sliding doors for adequate finger and body protection.
Remember: occupier checks don’t replace professional maintenance - both are essential for year-round safety and compliance.
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