BS EN 16005 automatic door legislation and what it means for your business

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04.04.2023

Business owners and managers top priority is ensuring the safety and accessibility of your premises, particularly within industries where footfall is high. 

A key aspect to consider to ensure easy access to these buildings is the installation and maintenance of automatic doors.

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Why install automatic doors at your business premises?

Automatic doors are a common entrance solution within many business premises, and there are several reasons for this, many of which go far beyond the convenience and easy access that automatic doors provide.

Whether you’re looking to improve health and safety within your organisation, reduce energy costs, or heighten your security measures, the installation of automatic doors can help.

The benefits of automatic door installation are vast, however, some guidelines must be followed to ensure these doors comply with legislation.

In the UK standards for automatic doors are set out in the BS EN 16005 legislation, which provides guidelines for the safe operation and maintenance of automatic doors.

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What is BS EN 16005?

BS EN 16005 is a European standard that outlines the legal safety requirements for installing automatic pedestrian doors. It covers the design, installation, and maintenance of these doors, as well as the safety features and sensors that they should be equipped with. The standard applies to all automatic doors, including automatic sliding doors, automatic swing doors, and automatic folding doors. If you’re unclear whether your current setup meets these standards, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses figure that out. 

The standard aims to ensure that automatic door systems are safe and easy to use for everyone, including people with disabilities or mobility issues. It also aims to prevent accidents and injuries caused by the misuse or malfunctioning of automatic doors.

What are the key requirements of BS EN 16005?

BS EN 16005 outlines a range of requirements for automatic doors, including:

1. Safety sensors: Automatic doors must be equipped with safety sensors that detect obstructions and prevent the doors from closing on people or objects.
2. Safety zones: The area around automatic doors must be clear of obstructions to prevent accidents or injuries from occurring.
3. Emergency escape: In the event of a power failure or other emergency, automatic doors must be designed to allow for emergency egress.
4. Signage: Automatic doors must be clearly marked with signage indicating their presence and the direction of opening.
5. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is required to ensure the safe and efficient operation of automatic doors.

What does BS EN 16005 mean for your business?

If your business has automatic doors, or you’re thinking about installing an automatic door system, it’s important to ensure they’re compliant with BS EN 16005.

Failure to comply with the standard could result in accidents, injuries, or legal action. Compliance with the standard also demonstrates your commitment to safety and accessibility, which can improve your reputation and attract more customers.

To ensure compliance, it is important to work with a reputable installer and maintenance provider who understands the requirements of the standard. Regular maintenance and inspections are also essential to ensure that your automatic doors are operating safely and efficiently.

Why choose GDUK Door Solutions for automatic door installation?

As a leading manufacturer of automatic door systems, here at GDUK Door Solutions, we know all there is to know about the BS EN 16005 regulation. We know how automatic doors operate, their risks, their components, and how to maintain them.

We’ll work with you to design a suitable and attractive door system that compliments your business premises and is designed to meet the highest respective standards and performance criteria. We currently offer:

• Automatic sliding doors
• Automatic folding doors
• Automatic curved sliding doors
• Automatic swing doors

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Let’s make sure you’re covered 

Navigating BS EN 16005 can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to. We’ve been doing this for over 50 years. If you want to discuss whether your doors are compliant, or explore options if they aren’t, give us a call or drop us a line.