FMs: Be aware of new European standards on automatic doors

21 May 2013

Glass maintenance company, Glass Aftercare, has advised FMs that a new European Standard was introduced on 10 April 2013 that has significant implications for the supply and installation of automatic doors

BS EN16005 applies to all CEN countries, including the UK, and specifically covers the safety in use of power operated pedestrian door sets used for normal access, in escape routes and as fire resistance or smoke control. This includes sliding, swinging and revolving door sets, balanced and folding door sets with horizontal moving leaves.

With effect from 10 April, all new installations must conform to the BS EN16005 specification but this does not apply retrospectively to door sets installed before the 10 October 2012, when the official CEN document was published.

The standard requires conformity in all new installations and demands that a comprehensive risk analysis is undertaken at the sales stage. There are a series of specific requirements outlined in the standard. This includes a requirement that the installer and the user have to commission the door set together and the user has to approve all the functions of the door.

Detailed manuals with approved content have to be supplied with the door sets and the units themselves have to be clearly marked with a brand name and type number to make them fully traceable. Other stipulations relate to safety features, maintenance and operating advice.

''We advise all Facilities Managers to check that installers and maintainers of powered door sets are aware of the new standard and are able to certify that their work is carried out in accordance with it, in order not to potentially expose them to risk in the event of an accident.''