subject: Benefits of Automatic Doors [print this page] Nowadays, Automatic doors are a normal feature of many building types, from supermarkets to airports, from hotels to hospitals. They come in a variety of types, including sliding, swing, folding and revolving.
Automatic doors are a step in the right direction to make premises wheelchair-friendly and compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act. For the 6.4 million disabled people in the UK, more automatic doors can only be a good thing.
Automatic doors, which close after they have opened, are good for keeping heating costs down as they ensure that heat and energy is not wasted.
They are also child friendly and good for elderly people to use. They prevent young children or the infirm from having to handle large, heavy doors.
In an emergency, fire doors and exit doors must continue to open for people to exit, but close firmly to prevent the fire or smoke spreading.
Hospital bugs have been making headlines for the past few years and hospital bosses have been scratching their heads to halt the spreading of germs. Automatic doors are one way of ensuring people do not pass on germs by touching door handles.
Automatic doors also make life easier for parents with buggies or prams. They are also useful for people who are laden down with bags full of shopping, and help travellers with suitcases at airports.
Key points
Automatic doors make access to a building easier for disabled people
They can also lower heating bills
They can bring benefits to hospitals, airports, shopping centres and other public buildings
