CPD 16 2013: Safety rules for automatic doors | Features | Building Design

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/business/cpd/cpd-16-2013-safety-rules-for-automatic-doors/5058304.article?bid=8362983&cid=62567&seg=Cell1&lid=58155[23/09/2013 13:44:03]

Welcome Visitor LOGIN TO YOUR ACCOUNT REGISTER MOBILE SITE TABLET APP BUY BD ADVERTISE STORE

CPD 16 2013: Safety rules for automatic doors25 July 2013

HOME BUSINESS CPD

PRINT EMAIL SHARE COMMENTS (2) SAVE

A new European standard for automatic doors builds on existing guidelines to ensurethat specifiers and installers can minimise any danger to door users. This CPDmodule is sponsored by GEZE UK

How to take this module

To take this module read the technical article belowand click through to a multiple-choice questionnaire,once taken you will receive your results and if yousuccessfully pass you will be issued automatically with a certificate to print for your records.

European standard EN 16005 came into force in April 2013. It isdesigned to safeguard pedestrians from accidents caused by thedesign and installation of automatic doors. In the introduction to thestandard, its scope is described as “[dealing] with all significanthazards, hazardous situations and events relevant to power-operated

FAQS:

What are CPDs?Continuing Professional Development is acommitment by RICS members to continuelearning new skills and updating theirknowledge of the industry. By allocating 30 minutes to 1.5 hours to eachmodule on the programme you can get thosevital points that will help you to fulfil youryearly CPD requirements of over 20 hours.

Home News Buildings Technical Comment Sustainability BIM Competitions EVENTSJOBSBusiness

News Data Career Doctor Advice On the move CPD WA 100 Careers

I AGREE

This site uses cookies

By continuing to browse the site you areagreeing to our use of cookies. Read our CookiePolicy to find out more.

CPD 16 2013: Safety rules for automatic doors | Features | Building Design

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/business/cpd/cpd-16-2013-safety-rules-for-automatic-doors/5058304.article?bid=8362983&cid=62567&seg=Cell1&lid=58155[23/09/2013 13:44:03]

Clear signage on alltypes of doors is a keycomponent of the safetysystem

doorsets when they are used as intended and where conditions ofmisuse are reasonably foreseeable by the manufacturer”.

The standard is intended to facilitate cross-border trading and is thefirst formalised pan-European standard for automatic doors. All EU countries must comply with EN16005, as must any products manufactured outside the EU for use inside it. The standard is alsoused outside the EU, including countries in the Middle East and Asia.

EN 16005 has been formed from various existing standards,including BS 7036 parts 1-5, which has been recognised as acode of practice since 1996, and the German standard DIN18650. It also contains 19 normative references (references topublicly available documents that are indispensable for theapplication of the standard).

Ensuring the safety of door users

Because power-operated doors are essentially machines with moving parts, the safety of users is akey consideration. The obvious hazards are where moving parts move past fixed parts, creating thepossibility of trapping fingers or even crushing bodies.

The danger points vary depending on the type of door:

Automatic sliding doors. The danger points are where the two leaves come together, and at thetwo closing edges. The use of sensors and pocket screens – essentially a pocket into which thedoor slides – can help to reduce hazards. The “slot” at the top of the door where the operator islocated is not deemed a hazard because of its height above floor level – any injury caused fromtouching the door here would be classed as an intentional act.Automatic swing doors. Here the danger points are where the door closes into the frame andthe secondary closing edge where the door pivots. The primary danger points are overcome by acombination of safety sensors and controlling the door opening and closing speeds. Fingerentrapment protection will limit the potential danger at the secondary closing edge.Automatic folding door. The main danger points are where the leaves come together – the mainclosing edge – and where the door folds – the secondary closing edge. Again, the use ofpresence sensors and limiting the opening and closing speeds can reduce the risk of injury. Theprofile design on the secondary closing edge can help to prevent finger entrapment.Revolving doors. A typical revolving door has several potential danger points due to the numberof closing edges. On moving leaves, foot or heel switches are needed so that if the door catchesup with the user it will stop. On the top of the moving leaf there should be a safety sensor. Andon the leading mullion a safety strip is required.

Clear signage on all types of doors is a key component of the safety system. It is thecommissioning engineer’s responsibility to attach all relevant signage initially, and then thebuilding owner or occupier is responsible for maintaining it. Signage should be affixed to thepowered door system at a height of between 1,300mm and 1,600mm.

Appropriate signage includes:

No entry signKeep clear signEmergency break-out signAutomatic door signDisabled person signDirection of travel sign

Existing standards

There are already a number of standards and codes of practice to be taken into consideration whendesigning and installing automatic doors. These include:

BS 7036. Although the British standard is being integrated into the EN standard, its signage andmanifestation requirements will remain. This is because it includes UK-specific guidance,whereas the EN standard is more generic.The Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. This outlines the legal requirements and obligations forsafeguarding users of machinery. It defines only the essential health and safety requirements. Asan automatic door is a machine, it comes under the umbrella of the Machinery Directive. EN16005 is derived from this directive.The Health and Safety Executive’s Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Approved Code ofPractice. This is necessary as the HSE investigates all accidents involving power-operated doors.

Where will they feature?Regular modules will feature in print andonline at www.bdonline.co.uk/cpd/ and eachmodule will consist of a feature on a particularrelevant topic to the industry, followed bymultiple choice questions.

How do I take them?The modules can be completed online atwww.bdonline.co.uk/cpd/ and you will receiveyour results and certificate instantly

CPD 16 2013: Safety rules for automatic doors | Features | Building Design

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/business/cpd/cpd-16-2013-safety-rules-for-automatic-doors/5058304.article?bid=8362983&cid=62567&seg=Cell1&lid=58155[23/09/2013 13:44:03]

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. This implemented an EU directiveon minimum health and safety requirements for nearly all workplaces.The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998. These lay down requirements foremployers regarding the safety and use of all work equipment including machinery.

Impact on specifiers

Architects, like developers, manufacturers, installers, service companies and building owners, arepotentially liable if there is an accident involving a power-operated door.

The EN standard is the primary document that is considered to show due diligence in court.Architects should note that all existing work in design must conform to EN 16005.

Source: Paul Rogers, Pellier PhotographySlimdrive SL automatic sliding doors from GEZE at St Pancras International station in London.

The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) has prepared a guidance document for itsmembers outlining the additional information covered in EN 16005. Architects can obtain advicefrom any of the association’s members on the changes. ADSA will also be producing guidance oncompleting the risk assessment requirements of EN 16005.

Specifiers must also be careful to select suppliers who can provide qualified staff, to ensure thatthe installer is aware of its responsibilities and the correct settings. Approved installers will need torequalify to EN 16005. Until the new test has been put together by ADSA — it is due at the end of2013 — the current accreditation for installers is still valid.

What’s different in the new standard

CPD 16 2013: Safety rules for automatic doors | Features | Building Design

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/business/cpd/cpd-16-2013-safety-rules-for-automatic-doors/5058304.article?bid=8362983&cid=62567&seg=Cell1&lid=58155[23/09/2013 13:44:03]

Source: Paul Rogers, Pellier PhotographyGEZE’s Slimdrive SL automatic sliding doors were installed at John Radcliffe Children’s Hospital inOxford.

In general, EN 16005 is deemed to be more onerous than the existing national standards. Keyaspects include:

Logbooks. Each manufacturer has its own logbook, with information such as the uniqueidentification number, the door location reference, contact details of the installer, date ofinstallation and identification of any power-operated drive unit and protective devices. Thenew standard emphasises the importance of logbooks as the primary record of manufactureand installation — similar to a service book for a car. In the event of an accident the logbookwould be called upon in a court of law. It needs to be kept by the building owner or facilitiesmanager and completed by the service technician. It is recommended that it is kept near tothe actual door.Activation distances. The minimum activation distance for automatic swing or sliding doorson escape routes has been increased from 1,400mm to 1,500mm as people move faster inan emergency, so doors must open sooner. In non-escape situations, the activation distancehas been reduced from 1,400mm to 1,000mm to allow for cross-traffic — in other words, toensure doors don’t open every time someone walks past.Protective leaves. This is the term used in the European standard for pocket screens. Thesafety distance between the fixed and moving parts, which is set to help limit the risk offinger entrapment at the secondary closing edge, has increased from ≤6mm in BS 7036 to ≤8mm in EN 16005. Danger points for protective leaves extend to a height of 2.5m. Coversand guards should only be removable with a tool.Safety distances. Head entrapment is a potential danger where automatic sliding doors openup against an adjacent wall or structure. To reduce this risk, the distances between the finalstopping point of the door and a fixed structure should be greater than 200mm. If there is arisk of body entrapment, then the safety distance should be greater than 500mm.Pedestrian barriers. As in the previous standard, these should have a minimum height of900mm and should be designed so that children cannot climb over them or trap fingers orheads.Revolving doors. Revolving doors up to and including 3m in height require additionalsensors on the moving door leaves at both heel level and the leading edge and at least oneemergency stop. Speed and power limitations are set at a more onerous level, which meansthat doors are slower.

BD’s free continuing professional developmentdistance learning programme is open toeveryone who wants to develop and improvetheir professional knowledge.

These modules can contribute to your annual CPD activity and help you maintain membership ofprofessional institutions and bodies.

This module will contribute 1 hour towards your CPD obligations. If successfully completed,certificates will be distributed two weeks after the module closes.

Duration: 1 hour

CPD 16 2013: Safety rules for automatic doors | Features | Building Design

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/business/cpd/cpd-16-2013-safety-rules-for-automatic-doors/5058304.article?bid=8362983&cid=62567&seg=Cell1&lid=58155[23/09/2013 13:44:03]

Unsuitable or offensive? REPORT THIS COMMENT

Unsuitable or offensive? REPORT THIS COMMENT

0 Follow @bdonline 25.8K followers

Module 16 Deadline: September 6 2013

Postscript:Privacy policy Information you supply to UBM Information Ltd may be used forpublication and also to provide you with information about ourproducts or services in the form of direct marketing by email,telephone, fax or post. Information may also be made available tothird parties. “UBM Information Ltd” may send updates about BD CPDand other relevant UBM products and services. By providing your emailaddress you consent to being contacted by email by “UBM InformationLtd” or other third parties. If at any time you no longer wish to receive anything from UBMInformation Ltd or to have your data made available to third parties, please write to the DataProtection Coordinator, UBM Information Ltd, FREEPOST LON 15637, Tonbridge, TN9 1BR,Freephone 0800 279 0357 or email ubmidpa@ubm.com.

BD RECOMMENDED READING

What next for architects and bim?

Building Studies: Insight with pictures and project plans

Career questions answered by the BD Career Doctor

Related Company Resources

CRL 60" 180 Degree Hydroslide Standard KitsCRL Hydroslide Sliding Shower Door Kit – perfect for frameless glass showers.

Kalzip acoustic roof system sounds perfectKalzip’s standing seam system specified for the roofs of Glasgow City Council’sEmirates Arena

Related Company ResourcesThe single resource for all your building design industry needs

Related Company ResourcesThe latest building design trends from companies within the industry

Robert Hudson | 14 August 2013 6:33 pm

It is a great pity that you did not consult the Automatic Door Suppliers Association before youwent to print on this article

Robert Hudson | 21 August 2013 12:55 pm

For the sake of clarity please let me make it quite clear that the Automatic Door SuppliersAssociation (ADSA) are very proud of their relationship with GEZE UK and to have them inmembership of the only Federation to solely represent the Automatic Door sector. My initialcomment was entirely directed towards Building Magazine only to raise the profile of ADSA

READERS' COMMENTS (2)

HAVE YOUR SAY

LikeLike

CPD 16 2013: Safety rules for automatic doors | Features | Building Design

http://www.bdonline.co.uk/business/cpd/cpd-16-2013-safety-rules-for-automatic-doors/5058304.article?bid=8362983&cid=62567&seg=Cell1&lid=58155[23/09/2013 13:44:03]

PRINT EMAIL SHARE COMMENTS (2) SAVE

You must sign in to make a comment

© Building Design 2011 Terms and Conditions Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Feedback About BD Contact BDSitemap

Previous Issues A-Z Subjects A-Z Contributors Related Company Resources Company Showcases RSS Feeds Mobile site

Site powered by Webvision