Automatic Door Safety Regulations UK 2025: BS 7036 & EN 16005 Compliance Explained

Automatic doors are subject to strict safety regulations in the United Kingdom, and building owners have a legal duty to ensure their powered entrances operate safely. Yet many businesses remain unaware of their compliance obligations until an accident occurs or an inspection reveals deficiencies.

This guide explains the key safety standards that apply to automatic doors in the UK, what they require, and how to ensure your doors remain compliant.

The Legal Framework for Automatic Door Safety

Automatic doors are classified as machinery under UK law, which means they fall within the scope of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008. These regulations require that machinery placed on the market or put into service is safe and does not present unacceptable risks to users.

Beyond the machinery regulations, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a general duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of employees and others who may be affected by their undertaking. For building owners and occupiers, this includes ensuring that automatic doors are safe for use by staff, visitors, and members of the public.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 specifically address doors and gates, requiring that powered doors have suitable and effective features to prevent them causing injury. This includes appropriate safety devices and clear marking to indicate that doors are powered.

Understanding BS 7036: Code of Practice for Safety at Powered Doors

BS 7036 is the British Standard that provides a code of practice for safety at powered doors for pedestrian use. Published in multiple parts, it covers different types of powered doors and provides guidance on selection, installation, and maintenance.

The standard establishes safety requirements based on the principle that automatic doors should not cause injury to users. It addresses hazards such as impact from moving door leaves, finger trapping between door panels or in the closing mechanism, and the risk of people being struck by doors that open outwards.

BS 7036 categorises automatic doors according to their type, such as sliding, swing, or revolving, and specifies appropriate safety measures for each. It also provides guidance on the assessment of risk and the selection of suitable safety devices.

EN 16005: The European Standard for Pedestrian Doorsets

EN 16005 is the European standard for power-operated pedestrian doorsets, and it has been adopted in the UK as BS EN 16005. This standard provides detailed technical requirements for the safety of automatic doors, including specifications for safety devices, force limits, and testing procedures.

The standard specifies maximum permissible forces for different types of impact, ensuring that if a person comes into contact with a moving door leaf, the force is limited to prevent injury. It also requires that automatic doors are equipped with appropriate presence detection systems to prevent the door from closing on someone in the doorway.

EN 16005 is particularly important because it provides a presumption of conformity with the essential health and safety requirements of the Machinery Directive. A door that meets EN 16005 is considered to comply with the relevant legal requirements, providing valuable protection for building owners.

Key Safety Requirements for Automatic Doors

Regardless of which standard applies, certain fundamental safety requirements apply to all automatic doors:

Presence detection: Sensors must detect people approaching or standing in the path of the door to prevent collision or trapping.
Force limitation: The force exerted by a closing door must be limited to prevent injury if someone is caught by the door.
Emergency escape: Doors on escape routes must allow safe egress in an emergency, typically through a breakout function that allows manual opening.
Fail-safe operation: In the event of power failure or system fault, the door must default to a safe condition, usually remaining open or allowing manual operation.
Clear identification: Automatic doors must be clearly marked as powered doors, with appropriate manifestation on glass panels to make the door visible.
Regular maintenance: Safety devices must be tested and maintained regularly to ensure continued effective operation.

Risk Assessment and Safety Audits

Building owners should conduct regular risk assessments of their automatic doors to identify any hazards and ensure appropriate control measures are in place. This assessment should consider the location and use of the door, the types of users likely to pass through, and any specific risks such as heavy traffic or vulnerable users.

A professional safety audit by a qualified automatic door engineer can provide an objective assessment of compliance and identify any areas requiring attention. The audit should review the door’s safety devices, check force settings, test sensor coverage, and verify that the installation meets current standards.
Following any changes to the building or its use, or after any incident involving an automatic door, the risk assessment should be reviewed and updated as necessary.

What Happens If You’re Not Compliant?

Non-compliance with automatic door safety regulations can have serious consequences. In the event of an accident, building owners may face civil claims for compensation from injured parties. More seriously, failure to comply with health and safety legislation can result in criminal prosecution, with potential fines and even imprisonment for individuals found to be personally at fault.

Insurance coverage may also be affected. Many policies require that equipment is maintained in accordance with applicable standards and regulations. A claim arising from a non-compliant automatic door could be rejected, leaving the building owner personally liable for damages.

Ensure Your Doors Are Compliant

DAC Automation can help you understand and meet your compliance obligations. Our engineers are fully trained in BS 7036 and EN 16005 requirements and can conduct comprehensive safety audits of your automatic doors.