During a service at Meadowbrook College in Oxford, we highlighted that there were risks with the automatic swing doors on the main entrance. We carried out a risk assessment checklist for compliance with BS / EN16005 and BS7036 – 0 which are the regulations and recommendations for risk elimination or risk reduction for all types of automatic doors within the UK. Following on from this the customer was sent a quotation to reduce the risks by the installation of on door safety sensors.

The safety sensors are installed to eliminate the risks of impact and crushing a person when they are within the sweep area of the doors. If you are stood on the closing side, the sensor will detect and reopen the door. But if you are on the opening side with the door opening towards you, the door will stop at a safe distance from you. As the sensors are mounted on the door faces on both sides and in this installation open outwards, the doors are exposed to the elements, such as rain. These sensors are not waterproof so this is why the manufacturers have covers which need to be installed in such an environment.

If the sensor lens has water upon them, then it will give a false detection when nobody is present thus causing the door to either –

• Open and close continuously
• Stop in a partial open position
• Stay closed
• Stay open

This will cause a major frustration to the customer and the users of the door so it is imperative that these covers are fitted. On completion the installation was tested with the Test box to ensure they were set up correctly.

If you are experiencing these problems with your automatic doors, BH Doors can help.