Considerations

Means of activation
Ease of operation
Ease of installation
Speed of opening and closure
Adjustability of settings
Accessibility of controls
Visibility of controls

SAFETY
Installing alternative locking systems and automatic doors may impact upon fire egress. Electronically controlled access doors should release in fire situation, initiated by the activation of a smoke detector. Contact your local fire protection company for more advice.

Likewise, contact suppliers for specifications about overcoming power failures on electronically operated doors to make sure there is an emergency breakout or other opening mechanism.

Options

MEANS OF ACTIVATION
Automatic door opening and closing mechanisms can be activated by:
* Pressure mats
* Electronic beam / infra red detector
* Key card
* Remote radio control
* Touch pad or other switch
* Timer
* Locks which require insertion of card key
* Bump and go

OPERATION
The wide range of performance options available include:
* Speed of opening and closure - usually adjustable within a limited range
* Hold open time
* Delayed action closure
* Backcheck to arrest opening speed at end of arc to prevent wall damage
* Manual over ride

AESTHETICS
The range of aesthetic options available is dependent on whether the door operating device is to be fitted to an existing door or installed with a new door.
Surface mounted, semi concealed, flush and concealed mounting of the operator is available.
Exposed models are usually available in a range of metal finishes and colours.

For further information please see Assistive Technology Australia's website www.at-aust.org or phone our Infoline1300 452 679 to talk to a health professional. You can also visit our centre at Blacktown - see Supplier details for address. Please note that Assistive Technology Australia's purpose is to provide impartial information. We do not buy or sell assistive technology but provide supplier details.

Standards

Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For more information about standards also see
http://at-aust.org/home/assistive_technology/standards.html

TGA
Many of the items on the Assistive Technology website (Assistive Technology Australia) are categorised as a Medical Device. Medical devices that are approved for use in Australia have been entered into a national database called the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), which is maintained by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). You can ask the supplier for the ARTG number for the device you wish to purchase and search the ARTG for the entry. To access information on the ARTG visit www.tga.gov.au

When buying a medical device it is advisable to only choose a medical device that is recommended by a healthcare professional and has been included on the ARTG.

For public buildings and any facility which must comply with AS1428.1.

The Australian standard AS1428.1 - "Design for access and mobility, Part 1: General requirements for access - New building work" includes requirements for door closers to ensure that the door is easy to open manually against the force of the door closer.(Clause 11.1.1(c)) In the case of doors which are powered in their closing AND opening these requirements should automatically be fulfilled.

AS1428.1 includes requirements to ensure that the manual controls on automatic doors are accessible: Clause 11.1.2 (e) "Manual controls to power-operated doors shall be positioned above a level surface not closer than 1000mm from the arc of a hinged door or clear of a sliding door in the open position, and the door shall remain open for a sufficient period to enable a person with impaired mobility to pass safely through the doorway."

Other relevant Australian Standards
AS4085 - Automatic Sliding Door Assemblies
AS4178 - Electromagnetic door holders.

BCA
Automated fire exits in public buildings must comply with the Building Code of Australia, Clauses D2.19 & D2.21