Safe and Secure Automatic Doors
Safety and Security Mean Choosing the Right Door
In order to find the right door type which is the best possible fit with the requirements of both users and operators, it is advisable not only to consider the aesthetic requirements but also some other important aspects at an early stage. Much attention should be paid to personal safety. Use the following headings as a short check-list at the planning and design stage.
Where will the door be installed?
- building type (station, doctor’s office/surgery)
- door size
- door weight
- available space
- clearance
- exterior or interior rooms
How will the door be used?
- traffic flow
- frequency of use
- rush hours (main traffic times with increased peak usage)
- hold-open and closing times
- items which have to be moved
Who will use the door?
- trained staff
- the general public
- children
- persons with restricted motor functions (old or handicapped people)
Further requirements on the door?
- escape route
- fire protections
- anti-burglar requirements
- water-tight
- hermetically sealed (clean rooms)
- sound-proof
How rapidly should the door move?
- Maximum energy is calculated as follows:
- Sliding doors E=(m*v2) /2
- Swing doors E=(J*ω2) /2
Dynamic forces must be limited such that injury is not possible.
- contactless sensor technology
- reduced speed
- deformable crush points
The EU Machinery Directive demands that risks must be avoided or removed, action taken against possible risk and users informed about residual risks. We recommend that you always undertake a risk assessment before commissioning an automatic door system.
Summary of the most significant danger points and their elimination
Sliding doors
Main closing edge:
danger from crushing or collision
Minimisation of risk from the main closing edge:
crushing zone controlled by monitored presence sensors
Secondary closing edge:
danger from crushing or collision
Minimisation of risk from the secondary closing edge:
compliance with the safety distances
Solution for smooth walls
1) < 8 mm against entrainment of fingers
2) < 100 mm is considered to be sufficiently reliable to prevent collisions (since DIN 18650:2010)
3) > 200 mm against crushing of the head
Swing doors
Main closing edge:
danger from crushing or collision when the door is opening and closing
Minimisation of risk from the main closing edge:
crushing zone controlled by protection sensor mounted on the door (1), safety distances (2/3) and monitored presence sensors (2)
Revolving doors
Danger points on turnstile revolving doors
Minimisation of risk from the main closing edge (A) and the internal wall (B):
safety distance (1) and pre-column safety (2)
Minimisation of risk from the secondary closing edge (C) and collision with the door leaf:
protection sensor mounted on the door (1) and touch sensitive safety strip (2)
