Barrier-free automatic doors

In busy buildings, many doors are automated these days. However, especially on automatic swing doors, there is a risk of jamming or even shearing off limbs.

Power-operated doors are machines

The Machinery Directive (MD) 2006/42/EC defines the required level of protection for machinery and is enshrined in law in Germany in the 9th Product Safety Ordinance (ProdSV). Within the scope of this directive, the installation and operation of power-operated doors must also fulfil the specified requirements. The specific safety requirements for automatic doors in accordance with the Machinery Directive are defined in standard EN 16005. Among other things, this standard describes the necessary protective measures, which are particularly important when used by vulnerable persons. In such cases, particularly high safety measures are required in order to guarantee the highest possible level of safety and ensure the protection of the persons concerned.

Barrier-free automatic doors

Every day, unnecessary accidents happen at doors that are not or insufficiently secured. In the context of inclusion and increasing convenience, more and more doors are being retrofitted with barrier-free automatic drives. The protection of secondary closing edges is often neglected or simply forgotten. This is too short-sighted, because in barrier-free environments, doors must be safe to pass through in accordance with DIN 18040-1. This is why the European standard for the safety in use of power-operated doors EN 16005 also requires the secondary closing edge to be protected with additional safety devices. Athmer offers the right solutions here.

Requirements to barrier-free automatic doors

In accordance with DIN EN 16005 on the safety of use of power-operated doors, the safe opening and closing of the door is essential. A risk assessment by the manufacturer is essential. Particularly important is protection against crushing and shearing points on the secondary closing edge, which must be recognised and excluded in all cases

Power-operated doors in accordance with DIN EN 16005 - Safety in use

Power-operated doors must open and close safely in order to ensure safety in use. For this purpose, a risk assessment must be carried out by the manufacturer of the door system during planning. Power-operated door systems operating in the low energy range can be used for certain applications without safety sensors. However, the danger of crushing and shearing at the secondary closing edge still exists and must be detected and excluded in all cases.

DIN EN 16005 - 4.6.1 b)

Therefore, according to DIN EN 16005 - 4.6.1 b), "Danger points between the leaf and frame, which pose a hazard due to entrapment of fingers, are protected up to a height of 2 m.” and in accordance with EN 16005 - 4.6.3.4 "Danger points at secondary closing edges between sash and frame must be covered with finger protection roller blinds, for example".

Protection in accordance with DIN EN 16005 - 4.6.3.4:

rubber cover
rubber cover
profile construction

Examples of safety measures on hinged doors.

Risk assessment of barrier-free automatic doors

In cases of doubt, the building operator should have a risk assessment carried out by service professionals on his power-operated doors in order to ensure that his door is safe and complies with the current state of the art in terms of traffic safety requirements (personal safety).

Documents and further information

Automatic doors offer convenience and accessibility, but also harbour potential risks, especially when used by vulnerable people. Despite modern sensor technology, residual risks cannot be completely ruled out. To ensure maximum safety, it is essential that automatic doors are not only protected by sensors but also mechanically. In heavily frequented areas, such as hospitals or care facilities, the operator is responsible for the safety of use. Additional measures, such as the use of Athmer Finger Guards®, are therefore crucial to effectively prevent crushing and shearing points and create a safe environment.

The safe automatic door - information on residual risks

Residual risks may remain when using sensors or mechanical protection systems alone. Automatic doors with a combination of sensor and mechanical protection offer the best possible safety, especially when vulnerable persons use doors.

Athmer Fingerschutz® is the ideal addition to standard door sensors on the market to prevent residual risks. This means that everyone involved is on the safe side – the installer or service company for the drive, the building operator and, last but not least, the user.

Secure doors in the hospital and care sector

Sicherheit liegt in der Verantwortung des Betreibers – Bestandsschutz besteht nicht!

In heavily frequented areas of hospitals and care facilities, such as corridors, toilets and entrance areas, many doors are now automated. There is a particular risk of limbs getting stuck or even shearing off at automatic swing doors. For this reason, power-operated doors should be protected against crushing and shearing points in accordance with EN 16005 and DGUV Information 207-016 ‘New construction and conversion planning in hospitals from an occupational safety perspective’.

Finger protection in accordance with the DGUV should be used particularly in paediatric wards or especially in paediatric clinics. In addition, athmer recommends securing doors with overhead door closers in entrance areas, corridors and passageways with Athmer Finger Protection®. Such doors are subject to particularly high forces at the secondary closing edge and represent danger points for people in need of protection.

Hospital and care home operators are responsible for ensuring that their buildings are safe to use. They should therefore pay particular attention to creating a safe environment in areas where vulnerable people have access.

Athmer finger protection® on fire and smoke protection doors

Athmer Fingerschutz® is suitable for use on fire and smoke protection doors. A large number of fire tests have been successfully carried out with door manufacturers and system providers. As a result, athmer finger protection systems have been installed on fire doors for more than 10 years and have proven themselves in practice.

more information about fingerschutz for fire and smoke protection doors

Standards

DIN EN 16005: Power-operated doors - Safety in use - 2013
DIN 18040-1: Barrier-free building - Planning principles - Part 1: Publicly accessible buildings, 2010
DGUV Information 208-022 Doors and gates, 2015