DORMA Automatic doors help UK’s newest University meet the requirements of the DDA

Doors that self-open and close, without the need for physical contact, are the ideal solution to providing safe and easy access, particularly for people with physical disabilities.

In April 2004, the former Bolton Institute was granted University Title to become the UK’s newest university. At the end of January this year the Privy Council approved the title University of Bolton, a title chosen following an extensive consultation process with partners and stakeholders around the world. Its history is rooted in the creation of the Mechanics Institutes, many of which became the first civic universities and its lineage began with the formation of the Bolton Mechanics Institute in 1824. Today, over 8,000 students study at the new university, there are more than 700 staff and high volumes of visitors every day – so safe access and egress for everyone are a high priority along with meeting the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), Part III of which came into force last October.

The university is located on two main town-centre sites, Deane Campus and Chadwick Campus. In recent years there has been a considerable amount of construction work on the two sites, involving a combination of refurbishment and new build. The first completed zone to be opened was the Centre for Materials Research and Innovation, part of a £2 million Eagle site redevelopment. Beside it is the i-zone, an incubator unit for advanced materials business start-ups, six laboratories, a large machine area, teaching facilities and researcher accommodation. In winter 2004 the Design Studio opened, a £6 million, four-storey, open-plan building which brings together teaching, knowledge transfer and research. The students, research staff, technicians and equipment that form the ‘Studio’ are a resource for business and other organisations seeking development and increased productivity through practical research, innovation and design.


Automatics make life easier

Throughout the two campuses, twenty three DORMA ED 800’s, three pairs of DORMA ED 200’s and two pairs of DORMA ES90 Bi-Parting Screens have been installed to ensure easy and safe access for everyone, but particularly for those with disabilities. The ED 800 is a low-energy swing door operator ideal offering increased access and independence to people who would otherwise be restricted by conventional manual swing doors. It offers a wide range of activation options that enable the door to be opened under power when assistance is required – most commonly by means of a wall mounted push pad. Effectively it is a ‘part-time’ automatic in that the door will continue to function as a normal manual door, until overridden by the activation of the low energy door operator. The unit is suitable for both new build and retro-fitting.

The DORMA ED 200 is a powerful, fully automatic, electro-hydraulic swing door operator suitable for standard, large and heavy doors. It can be adapted to suit a wide range of different applications and installation conditions and offers numerous adjustable features. With the integrated permanent-open mode activated, the door is held open by a solenoid valve in a manner which ensures absolute stability and operating silence. The ED 200 – available up to size EN 7 – is also suitable for fire and smoke rated doors, even with its permanent open function. It can also be installed in emergency exits and escape routes provided that it is controlled by an appropriate emergency exit security control system.

Accessible toilets really do need to be accsssible

Four accessible toilets have been installed in the new Deane and Chadwick campuses. One of them is in the main library facility on the Chadwick site and slightly unconventionally features a sliding, rather than swing door. There are numerous safety and accessibility issues to be considered when it comes to the design of sanitary accommodation, but one essential is that ‘accessible’ toilets really do need to be truly accessible. Preferably, all doors to WC cubicles and wheelchair-accessible toilets should open outwards and be fitted with an emergency release mechanism which can be operated externally by staff. The clear door opening width must exceed 900mm and ideally be fitted with an automatic door operator.

The door is opened by the user pressing a push button located outside the WC, which releases the lock and activates the door operator. An internal switch then locks the door and de-activates the external push button. Illuminated ‘occupied’ signs can be fitted as an option both internally and externally. When the inside lock/unlock switch is pressed for a second time the door is unlocked, the internal push pad is reactivated, and opens the door when pressed. The sequence starts again when the outside push button is pressed. In an emergency situation the under glass push button, located externally, can be activated and the door lock will release, allowing the door to be opened manually.


DORMA UK Limited have recently published a helpful guide to selecting the most suitable door products to improve access into and around the building.
T: 01462 477600
Email: dda@dorma-uk.co.uk

ENDS

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