Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 16 THE door industry journal spring 2024 Industry News The Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA) plays a key role in creating and maintaining standards through its work with BSI (British Standards Institute), NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland) and CEN (the European Committee for Standardisation). 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,” he says. “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 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 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. An Open and Shut Case: The Importance of Standards for Automatic Doors
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