What Is the Purpose of Fitting Automatic Door Protectors?

In today’s fast-paced, safety-conscious environments, automatic doors have become a standard feature in many commercial, healthcare, and public buildings. However, while these doors offer convenience and accessibility, they also present certain safety and operational challenges – especially in high-traffic areas. That’s where automatic door barriers come in.

Whether you’re a facilities manager, architect, or business owner, understanding the purpose and benefits of fitting automatic door barriers – such as protection bars and hoop barriers – can help ensure your entrances remain safe, compliant, and efficient.

1. Safety First: Protecting People

The primary reason for installing automatic door barriers is safety. These barriers act as a physical guide and deterrent to prevent people from walking directly into the door’s path – particularly when the door is opening or closing.

They also help:

• Prevent injuries from sudden door movement.

• Protect vulnerable users, such as children, the elderly, and those with visual impairments.

• Ensure pedestrians approach from a safe angle, reducing the risk of collision or entrapment.

2. Protecting the Door System

Automatic doors are valuable assets. Constant impacts from trolleys, wheelchairs, or heavy footfall can cause long-term damage. Door barriers help absorb and redirect this traffic, preventing:

• Scratches or dents to glass or panels.

• Misalignment of tracks or mechanisms.

• Costly repairs and downtime due to damaged sensors or actuators.

3. Regulatory Compliance

Health and safety regulations such as BS EN 16005 (UK/EU) outline clear requirements for the safe use of automatic doors. These include:

• Hazard zone reduction.
• Preventative measures to avoid unintentional access during door movement.

Automatic door barriers help building owners meet these standards and demonstrate due diligence, especially in public-facing or liability-sensitive settings.

4. Organising Foot Traffic

In busy environments like retail stores, hospitals, or transport hubs, barriers help:

• Direct pedestrian flow, ensuring doors operate efficiently and safely.
• Prevent crowding or standing within the activation zone of the door.
• Create clear entry and exit pathways.

This not only improves safety but also enhances the user experience by keeping doorways organised and intuitive.

5. Long-Term Cost Savings

Investing in door protection may seem like a minor addition, but it contributes to long-term savings by:

• Reducing maintenance costs.
• Minimising wear and tear.
• Avoiding downtime caused by accidental damage.

Conclusion

Automatic protectors may be small in size, but they play a big role in protecting people, preserving equipment, and ensuring compliance. From safety to cost efficiency, their benefits are clear – and in many cases, essential.

If you’re considering installing or upgrading your automatic doors, don’t overlook the importance of quality barriers. They’re a smart addition that pays off in safety, durability, and peace of mind.