Darren Hyde of the Automatic Door Suppliers Association discusses how powered pedestrian doors can integrate with modern security systems while ensuring accessibility and regulatory compliance.
Devising access control requirements for commercial buildings can be a difficult task. A client may desire a grand edifice with an impressive facade, their estates team may want smart building integration and improved security, while users will demand safety and accessibility.
In reality, any proposed development or major retrofit must encompass all these elements. This may involve installing physical installations and software to verify identity, authorise access and restrict entry, while maintaining security, safety, and compliance with organisational or regulatory requirements.
It is a multi-layered necessity that doesn’t start and end at the front door but incorporates perimeter and foyer or atrium requirements to better manage planned use.
Powered pedestrian doors (PPD) are a key component. Combining doors with integrated access control technologies, such as card readers, biometric scanners, or QR code systems, ensure smooth and efficient traffic flow. Designers must consider how these technologies interface with other security measures, such as CCTV, alarm systems and physical barriers, to create a cohesive and robust defence against potential threats.
Safety standards such as EN 16005, BS 7036-0 and EN 17352 provide essential guidelines for the safe design, installation, and maintenance of automated pedestrian doors. Furthermore, integrating fire safety standards such as BS 9999 and BS 9991 with security standards like PAS 24 or LPS 1175 ensures that entrance systems meet the highest levels of performance under various conditions.
Legislation legacy
Martyn’s Law, proposed legislation in the wake of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, underscores the need for enhanced security measures in public venues. It mandates operators of publicly accessible spaces must assess risks, develop counter-terrorism plans, and implement measures to protect occupants and visitors. Entrances, as critical points of vulnerability, will require particular attention.
Architects and designers must account for the practical implications; for example, PPD can be designed to include anti-tailgating measures, emergency lockdown capabilities and blast-resistant materials where necessary. Additionally, integrating PPD with wider building management allows for real-time monitoring and rapid response in the event of a security incident.
It is equally important to ensure that entrances remain accessible and inclusive for all users. Powered entrance systems play a crucial role, offering smooth and automated entry for people with mobility issues, parents with pushchairs and those carrying heavy loads.
Balancing security with accessibility requires careful planning and design. For instance, revolving doors or security turnstiles can pose challenges for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. To address this, designers might pair such systems with adjacent ‘pass’ sliding or swing doors.
Modern entrance systems can do more than regulate access; they can also serve as part of a building’s wider management and security strategy. Powered pedestrian doors can be integrated with occupancy tracking systems to monitor footfall, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations and aiding crowd management. These systems can also support energy efficiency by reducing heat loss and maintaining internal climate control.
When paired with other smart building technologies, such as lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and security systems, PPD can optimise building performance. For example, doors equipped with sensors can detect unauthorised entry attempts and trigger alerts to a security team. Similarly, integrating door systems with emergency response protocols can streamline evacuation processes.
Entrance systems must be tailored to the specific requirements of each site and its users. High-traffic retail environments may prioritise ease of access and traffic flow, whereas a secure research facility may require stringent access controls and compartmentalisation of internal spaces.
Early collaboration between architects, security consultants and automatic door suppliers is essential to achieve the right balance of functionality, security, and aesthetics. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are beginning to play a role in access control, enabling predictive analytics and automated responses to potential security threats. Biometrics, such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanners, are becoming more sophisticated and can provide a higher level of security without impeding user convenience.
To future-proof entrances, architects and designers should consider systems that are modular and adaptable. This allows for easy upgrades as new technologies emerge, ensuring that the building remains compliant with changing regulations and continues to meet the needs of its users.
Darren Hyde is technical training manager, Automatic Door Suppliers Association (ADSA)