Automatic Door Safety Checks: A Simple Guide for Facilities Managers

Automatic door checks are often taken for granted — until they stop working. In many busy facilities, they’re among the most frequently used pieces of equipment, opening and closing hundreds or even thousands of times a day. Yet despite their constant operation, regular safety checks are too often overlooked. For facilities managers, staying on top of those checks isn’t just good practice — it’s a legal and safety requirement.

At Prosale, we’ve seen how a proactive approach to maintenance can make all the difference: preventing accidents, reducing downtime, and extending the lifespan of door systems. This guide covers the essentials every facilities manager should know to keep their automatic doors safe, compliant, and efficient.

Understanding Your Responsibilities

Automatic doors fall under the Machinery Directive and BS EN 16005 safety standards, which require doors to be regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person. That means it’s not enough to assume everything’s fine just because the doors are moving — safety sensors, closing speeds, and emergency features must be tested and recorded.

For a facilities manager, this means ensuring:

• Regular safety checks are carried out.

• Records of maintenance visits are kept.

• Any issues found are promptly addressed.

Not only does this protect the public and staff, but it also helps you demonstrate compliance if there’s ever an audit or incident.

What to Check Between Professional Visits

While professional inspections should always be handled by trained engineers, basic visual checks can help spot early warning signs before they become costly repairs.

Here’s what to look for:

• Smooth Operation: Doors should open and close quietly without jerking or hesitation.

• Sensor Function: Wave your hand near sensors — they should trigger consistently.

• Obstructions: Keep thresholds clear of debris, mats, or uneven flooring.

• Signage: Ensure safety decals and push/pull signs are visible and intact.

• Manual Release: Confirm staff know how to safely operate the doors in an emergency.

Even small irregularities — a door that sticks or a slower opening time — can indicate a developing fault. Reporting these early to your maintenance provider saves time and money in the long run.

Why Professional Safety Inspections Matter

A certified inspection by a specialist like Prosale goes far beyond a visual check. During a safety visit, our engineers test every safety-critical component, including:

• Activation sensors and presence detection zones

• Door leaf speeds and closing forces

• Emergency break-out and manual override systems

Each test is recorded and certified to confirm compliance with current regulations. This not only safeguards users but also gives facilities managers peace of mind that every door in their building is operating safely and efficiently.

The Cost of Neglect

We’re often called to sites where a small issue — like a misaligned sensor — has been left unchecked for months, eventually leading to system failure or an accident. The resulting downtime and repair costs are far higher than a routine service visit would have been.

Regular safety checks reduce risk, protect your investment, and extend the lifespan of your doors — simple steps that ultimately protect your business reputation as well.

How Prosale Can Help

At Prosale, we make compliance easy. Our maintenance plans include scheduled safety checks, certification reports, and proactive servicing to prevent breakdowns before they happen. Whether you manage a retail site, hospital, or corporate building, we’ll tailor a plan to match your usage and compliance needs.

If it’s been more than six months since your last door safety inspection, now’s the time to act.

Ready to make sure your automatic doors are safe, compliant, and running smoothly?
Contact Prosale today to arrange your next safety check or a Preventative Maintenance Agreement — and keep your entrances operating the way they should.