CONSULTANCY: Automated door - a modern solution for improved accessibility

Automation is generally reserved for two purposes: accommodating high flows of pedestrian traffic and providing accessibility for people with disabilities. There is another important argument for giving more attention to automated doors. The concept of "universal design" has become the focus of accessibility matter. Universal design means design that accommodates all people, not only people with disabilities. It includes design that will assist the elderly, children, pregnant women, people carrying packages, etc. The abilities of the person, the ambient environment and the social context play a major role and can affect the perception and understanding of door use as well as the level of stress involved in the task. Stress may be related to limitations in ability, difficult environmental conditions such as low levels of illumination or social pressures such as a crowd of hurrying people. Automating doors is a means to reduce the stress of door use. Although these products can reduce accidents, their mechanical operation being outside the control of the individual user, but also can create potential safety problems. Door use is a critical aspect of safe egress from buildings in emergency situations. However, during power failures the automatic features may be disabled. Thus, automated doors must be designed to address these emergency concerns if they are part of designated exits. From the perspective of accessibility, the specification of automated doors is tied to the force required to open doors. If a door handle, lock or door presents too great a resistive force for people with disabilities to overcome, then an automated system can be specified to substitute. Nowadays, the market is becoming more defined. The type of product most appropriate for a particular application is determined by frequency of operation, speed of operation required, new versus existing construction, traffic flow and cost. Products are available to address the full range of applications based on these factors.