DDA Automatic Swing Door Installations With Integrated Safeguarding – St Anne’s College, Oxford
Following a DDA accessible and safeguarding audit and by St Annes College in Oxford, we automated 15 existing timber doors.
The purpose of these adaptions and installations was to allow users to gain access to the facilities, conference room and accessible toilets throughout the buildings.
The other specification was to include electric locking with an access control system to increase security around the college.
Following our survey to understand the requirements we then provided a quotation which comprised of Record DFA127 swing operators as they will allow the installation of wireless radio push pads.
Also, we integrated with the access control system so that either when you presented your card, the door would unlock and open for you, close and relock automatically.
There is also a remote facility to Lock Down the entire college to stop anyone entering the buildings to protect the occupants.
It is important that all installations of automatic doors have any risks designed out or any residual risks reduced to a safe level.
So, we installed a fingerguards at the hinge point of the door to eliminate the risk of trapping fingers.
Also, there are BEA Flatscan on door safety sensors installed to both sides of the door to reduce the risk of the door opening or closing onto a person within the sweep area of the door.
On completion, the installation is subject to a risk Assessment Checklist as part of compliance to EN16005 and BS7036.
The complete systems were tested with the relevant interfaces, then demonstrated with the O&M Manuals handed to the Estates Manager.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a lockdown facility?
If a college is to isolate and contain immediate threats to protect the campus community from active harm.
While the term can sometimes refer to high-security research laboratories (like Biosafety Level labs designed to contain dangerous pathogens), in a general campus safety context, it refers to specialized rooms, buildings, or automated systems engineered to secure occupants during an active emergency.
What are the key functions of a lockdown facility?
- Rapid Perimeter Control: These facilities feature centralized, electronic access control systems. Security personnel can remotely lock all external and internal doors instantly, preventing a threat from moving through the building.
- Hazardous Material Containment: In colleges with advanced scientific research programs, lockdown facilities isolate chemical spills, radiological accidents, or biological contamination to prevent dangerous agents from escaping into the public campus air or water supply.
- Safe Haven Zones: They serve as hardened shelter areas equipped with independent communication lines, emergency medical supplies, and reinforced ballistics-resistant materials where occupants can safely wait for law enforcement to neutralize a threat.
Why would you adapt a door for DDA Access?
You adapt a door for DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) access to ensure legal compliance, improve safety, and provide equal independence. Key reasons include meeting legal standards, accommodating mobility aids, and easing operation.