How Automatic Doors Support Equality Act Access

Key Takeaways: How Automatic Doors Support Equality Act Access

• The Equality Act 2010 requires service providers to make reasonable adjustments so disabled people can access buildings independently.
• Automatic doors remove physical barriers at entrances, supporting compliance with Section 20 of the Equality Act.
• Touchless automatic door sensors allow hands-free entry for wheelchair users, people with reduced mobility, and those with visual impairments.
• ADC Entrance Solutions Ltd installs and maintains accessible automatic doors that meet BS EN 16005 safety standards across UK commercial buildings.
• Regular planned preventative maintenance keeps accessible entrances operational, safe, and compliant year-round.

What Does the Equality Act 2010 Require for Building Entrances?

Section 20 of the Equality Act 2010 places a duty on service providers, employers, and public bodies to make reasonable adjustments when a physical feature puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage. Building entrances are one of the most common areas where this applies.

A door that requires significant force to open, has a narrow opening width, or lacks visual contrast can create a barrier for wheelchair users, people with reduced grip strength, and those with visual impairments. The Act does not prescribe a single fix. It requires you to assess your specific entrance and take steps that are reasonable for your premises.

For many buildings, installing automatic doors is one of the most effective adjustments you can make. Automatic entrances remove the need for physical effort at the point of entry, giving everyone independent access regardless of mobility level.

How Do Automatic Doors Remove Access Barriers?

Automatic doors open in response to motion or activation, which means no one needs to push, pull, or grip a handle. This single change addresses several access barriers at once.

For wheelchair users, automatic sliding doors deliver a clear opening width of 850mm or more, meeting the requirements of Approved Document M. People with arthritis, limited grip, or upper-body conditions can enter and exit without needing to apply force to a heavy door leaf.

Touchless automatic door sensors also support people who use walking aids, carry equipment, or have temporary injuries. By removing the physical interaction at the entrance, automatic doors create an equitable arrival experience for every building user.

Which Types of Automatic Doors Best Support Accessibility?

Sliding doors are the most common choice for accessibility because they do not swing into the user’s path. They offer wide, unobstructed openings and predictable movement patterns that benefit people with reduced vision.

Swing doors with automatic operators work well where space is limited or where existing door frames make sliding systems impractical. ADC Entrance Solutions Ltd also offers retrofit capability to automate existing doors without full replacement, preserving the building’s aesthetics while improving access.

Folding door systems are another option where entrance widths are restricted. Each type can be paired with access control systems, push pads at accessible heights (900mm to 1200mm), and high-contrast visual markings to meet the needs of different user groups.

What Role Does BS EN 16005 Play in Accessible Door Safety?

BS EN 16005 is the UK-adopted European safety standard for power-operated pedestrian doors. It sets out requirements for sensor placement, force limitation, opening speeds, and clear widths that directly support safe, accessible operation.

Under this standard, automatic doors must limit impact force to 67 Newtons and include detection zones of at least one metre. These technical specifications protect all users, including those who may move more slowly or unpredictably through an entrance. Our engineers are trained to install and maintain entrances in full compliance with BS EN 16005, helping you meet both safety and accessibility obligations in one step.

How Can Facilities Managers Maintain Accessible Entrances?

An automatic door that breaks down or operates unpredictably can quickly become an access barrier. Sensors that fail to detect a wheelchair user, doors that close too quickly, or activation pads that stop responding all undermine the reasonable adjustments you have put in place.

Planned preventative maintenance (PPM) programmes address this by scheduling regular inspections, sensor calibration, and force testing before faults occur. Our tailored maintenance contracts are designed to reduce downtime, extend equipment lifespan, and ensure full compliance with safety regulations.

Keeping a documented log book of all inspections and repairs also demonstrates due diligence if your accessibility arrangements are ever challenged under the Equality Act.

What Happens If Your Entrances Are Not Accessible?

Failing to make reasonable adjustments can lead to enforcement action by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, civil claims from individuals who have been disadvantaged, and reputational damage that affects how your building is perceived by tenants, visitors, and staff.

Beyond legal risk, inaccessible entrances reduce footfall and exclude a significant portion of the population. According to the UK Government’s Approved Document M guidance, building design should anticipate the needs of all users from the outset rather than retrofitting access as an afterthought.

Taking a proactive approach to entrance accessibility protects your organisation, supports your duty of care, and creates a more welcoming environment for everyone who uses your building.

How We Support The Equality Act Compliance

For over 28 years, we have been installing and maintaining accessible automatic doors across healthcare, education, retail, leisure, and commercial buildings throughout the UK. Our engineers assess your entrance requirements, recommend the right system for your building, and handle everything from design through to ongoing maintenance.

We deliver entrance solutions that are safe, compliant, and efficient, with a 95% first-time fix rate and 24/7 emergency repair services when you need them. Our facilities management support gives you one point of contact for all your entrance accessibility needs, reducing the complexity of managing multiple suppliers.

Every installation meets current BS EN 16005 and Approved Document M requirements, and our planned preventative maintenance programmes help your entrances remain compliant and operational long after day one.

In Conclusion: Building Accessible Entrances That Stand the Test of Time

Automatic doors are one of the most practical adjustments you can make to meet Equality Act requirements at your building entrance. They remove physical barriers, support independent access, and contribute to a safer, more inclusive environment for all building users.

Choosing the right system, installing it to current standards, and maintaining it through scheduled servicing ensures your entrances remain safe, compliant, and efficient for the long term. ADC Entrance Solutions Ltd’s end-to-end approach, from design and build through to ongoing PPM contracts, means your accessible entrances will stand the test of time.

FAQs About How Automatic Doors Support Equality Act Access