Safety is key with automatic doors

Store Equipment & Design, August, 2000 by Edward M. Stevens

Like anything else, these doors need maintenance and daily checks to keep them problem-free and operating safely.

As owner or caretaker of equipment, you are responsible for the daily inspection of your door system to ensure its safe operation.

With a properly selected and installed automatic door system, such daily safety inspections can identify whether something is out of adjustment so that corrective actions can be taken before a malfunction occurs. Such preventive maintenance can greatly reduce the incidence of injuries.

Remember, if there are problems with your automatic door, you should immediately discontinue door operation and secure it in the open position for easy entry. Then contact an authorized automatic door technician for service.

Your door system was designed to conform to the latest operating and safety standards. To keep it functioning safely, it's important the system be maintained in compliance with industry standards.

Proper decals and labels should be applied and maintained on doors. If decals are removed or cannot be read, they must be replaced. Additionally, an inspector certified by the American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM) should check all door systems at least annually.

The association was established to raise public awareness and to develop and administer a program to certify automatic door inspectors. Through the certification program, inspectors are trained to check door systems for compliance with the appropriate version of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A156.10 standard. An annual inspection by a certified inspector is essential to check that your door meets the most current standards.

WHERE TO START

Door safety starts the minute the automatic doors are installed. Make sure the automatic door supplier has provided all of the following for each door:

* Instructions on how to conduct the daily safety check (with a walk-through demonstration).

* The location of function switches and instruction in their use.

* The circuit breaker or power-disconnect location for each door system.

* The number to call for service or questions about the system.

* AAADM compliance certificate signed by an AAADM-certified automatic door inspector.

* Warranty information for each door.

* Access to AAADM Daily Safety Check videos. You should contact your automatic door supplier or AAADM if you do not have a copy. These videos are excellent training tools.

DAILY CHECK AND WALK-THROUGH

You should perform safety checks daily on each automatic door, preferably while traffic is light. Strive to get in the habit of doing the checks at the same time each day. It is also advisable to check your door each morning when the power is turned on to the door system or after any loss of electrical power.

A guide for swinging, sliding and folding automatic doors appears above. Be sure to check your door manufacturer's guidelines for more specific information about your particular installation.

* In general, start by checking the electronic sensor. To do this, walk toward the door opening at a moderate speed at various angles. The door should start opening as you approach and it should swing or slide open smoothly and should stop without impact. As you move slowly through the door, the door should remain open. For doors that are used for two-way traffic, you should repeat this process from the other side of the opening.

* Now, you should step out of the sensor zone or off the floor mat. After a brief time delay, the door should dose.

* Approach the safety side of the swinging door first, then have someone else approach the activating side of the door. As long as you are in the safety area of the door it should not open. It is recommended that you observe the traffic coming to the door and plan the traffic patterns so persons will approach the doors straight on and not from an angle. Further, if your doors are equipped with electronic holding beams, you should cover each doorway holding beam with your hand and stand motionless for several seconds. The door should remain open. Remove your hand and the door should close after the time delay expires. If other safety devices are being used, crouch motionless in the door opening for 10 seconds. The door should not dose. If the safety sensor is not working, the door may swing toward you without stopping. Exercise caution while conducting your daily checks.

SAFETY TIPS

Over the years, AAADM and the many different places that use automatic doors have developed some other important safety tips to keep in mind.

* The door should have decals properly displayed. There should be decals that include these statements: "AUTOMATIC DOOR" and "IN EMERGENCY - PUSH TO OPEN" (in letters half an inch high, minimum).

* An arrow sign should be visible from the approach side of a swinging door, mounted on the door at a height of 58 inches, plus or minus 5 inches, from the floor to the centerline of the sign. The sign should be a minimum of 6 inches in diameter.

* An international "DO NOT ENTER" sign should be visible from the side that would swing toward pedestrians attempting to travel in the wrong direction. It should be mounted on the door at a height of 58 inches, plus or minus 5 inches, from the floor to the centerline of the sign. The sign should be a minimum of 6 inches in diameter and should have a red circle with "DO NOT ENTER" in white letters in the circle.