The Quick Answer: Equality Act Now, DDA Is Legacy
The Equality Act 2010 is the law in force in 2026. It replaced the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). You will still see “DDA compliant” in specs and quotes: it is industry shorthand for inclusive access features, not a current legal test. What matters is meeting the Equality Act duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled users.
For service providers and most commercial premises, the duty is anticipatory: design for all users, not just known individuals. Employers have duties towards employees and job applicants. Homeowners do not have the same duties, but many adjustments are still sensible. Always record what you considered and why. This article is practical guidance, not legal advice. For legacy terminology, see what is dda.
The Legal Framework For Automatic Doors In 2026
The Equality Act sets the duty to provide accessible, safe entrances. Design and safety are then guided by:
- Approved Document M and BS 8300 for inclusive layouts, approach routes and clear openings.
- BS EN 16005 for the safe use of automatic pedestrian doors.
- BS EN 16361 for powered doorsets (product standard).
New or modified equipment must carry UKCA/CE marking and comply with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations, supported by a Declaration of Conformity. In workplaces, PUWER also applies. Keep a current risk assessment, user instructions and service records. For practical checks, see our BS EN 16005 automatic door safety audit checklist. For external layouts, see doors used for exterior commercial entrances.
Equality Act Vs DDA At Entrances: What ‘Reasonable’ Looks Like
Reasonable adjustments at entrances typically mean:
- Clear opening of around 800–850 mm where feasible.
- Level thresholds and enough approach/turning space for wheelchairs and buggies.
- Strong visual contrast between doors, frames and handles.
- Dwell times long enough for slower users; no sudden closing.
Common improvements include automating a heavy manual door, fitting a low-energy swing operator, or adding touchless activation when reach is limited. Where heritage or structure constrain works, record why and offer alternatives. If you are choosing between systems, see selecting automatic doors: swing or sliding.
This image was generated with AI and may not always represent the product or service exactly.
Door Types: Key Compliance Points By System
Automatic swing doors:
- Protect approach and hinge sides with presence detection; cover the sweep area.
- Fit finger protection on the hanging stile and provide clear signage.
- Set opening forces and speeds to safe values; verify with a force gauge.
- Provide manual override and safe behaviour on power loss (per risk assessment).
Automatic sliding doors:
- Use side-screen protection, pocket detection and safe thresholds.
- Provide fail-safe opening where the risk assessment requires it (e.g. main escape routes).
- Match duty cycle to usage: domestic/light commercial vs busy public entrances.
- Aluminium entrance systems offer durability and clear sightlines.
Controls, Handles And Heights: Stop Relying On ‘DDA’ Shorthand
Choose handles people can grip: return-to-door levers or D-pulls with 45–50 mm knuckle clearance, set about 900–1000 mm above finished floor level, in strong visual contrast. For detailed guidance, see what makes a door handle DDA compliant.
Place push pads, readers and intercoms 900–1100 mm high with side clearance. Provide tactile or illuminated feedback and mirror positions on both sides of the door. Touchless sensors help where reach or dexterity is limited and support hygiene goals. Set dwell and re-close times to suit users, and mark emergency stops and break-glass units clearly.
Safety-First: BS EN 16005 Essentials Every Site Should Meet
BS EN 16005 requires:
- Safe activation and presence detection on approach paths, side screens and standing zones.
- Controlled forces and speeds, with reopening if an obstruction is detected.
- Clear, visible signage and user instructions.
- An up-to-date risk assessment and documented maintenance.
Simple routine checks:
- Verify sensor coverage and response.
- Measure opening/closing forces and speeds.
- Confirm safe stop and automatic reopen on obstruction.
- Test emergency release, break-glass and fail-safe behaviour.
- Check visibility of warning signs and operating instructions.
For an easy starting point, use our automatic door safety audit checklist.
Access Control, Fire Strategy And Emergency Egress
On escape routes, select locks that release safely under fire alarm or power loss. Provide green break-glass units and ensure the door defaults to a safe egress state. Readers, intercoms and timers must not compromise inclusive access or emergency exit.
Plan battery backup or UPS where risk assessment requires continuity. Layered security is fine, but escape comes first. For lock behaviour and best practice, see fail-safe vs fail-secure locks and fire alarm integration for automated doors.
This image was generated with AI and may not always represent the product or service exactly.
Real-World Fixes: Three Scenarios We See Most
- Healthcare: Replace heavy manual doors with low-energy swing operators, add presence sensors and touchless activation, and fit antimicrobial plates. Integrate the operator with the fire alarm so the door behaves safely during an event.
- Schools and leisure: Install a sliding entrance to widen clear openings, add side-screen and pocket protection, set reader heights correctly, and extend dwell times during busy periods.
- Small retail/domestic: Fit a compact low-energy operator, swap to accessible handles, add a wave sensor at the right height, and improve lighting and visual contrast.
Environment, Energy And Weather: Design For UK Conditions
Weather affects reliability and comfort. Use canopies, lobbies and correct sensor logic to cut false activations and heat loss. Consider stack effect in tall buildings; it can push or pull doors, so choose operators and hold-open times accordingly.
In winter, protect thresholds and seals and plan drainage to reduce freezing and condensation. For seasonal tips, see how to prevent automated doors freezing shut. Durable aluminium entrances with proper brush seals improve longevity and energy control.
Servicing, Records And Ongoing Compliance
Match service frequency to usage:
- Heavy-traffic sites: often quarterly.
- Standard use: commonly six-monthly.
- Daily/weekly visual checks by on-site staff.
- Annual deep inspections by competent engineers.
Common faults include misaligned sensors, worn rollers or guides, loose fixings and timing drift. Keep a logbook, risk assessments, training records and the UKCA/CE Declaration of Conformity. For planning, see how often should automatic doors be serviced or book support with Access Automation.
Specifying The Right Solution In 2026: Next Steps
Start with a site survey and tailored risk assessment. Capture:
- Approach space, traffic patterns and clear opening targets.
- Fire strategy, escape routes, and lock behaviour on alarm or power loss.
- Power/data routes, control positions and user heights.
- Environmental pressures such as wind, temperature swings and exposure.
Choose the mechanism that fits the layout: swing, sliding or power-assist. Then set handle types and heights, activation methods, and access control integration. For early scoping, see selecting automatic doors and plan for durable entrances and a clear O&M handover.
FAQs
Is ‘DDA Compliant’ Still Valid In 2026?
No. The Equality Act 2010 replaced the DDA. “DDA compliant” is common shorthand, but compliance is judged against current law and relevant standards.
Do I Have To Automate Every Entrance?
Not always. The duty is to make reasonable adjustments. That may mean automating one door, adding a power-assist operator, or improving handles and controls.
What Clear Opening Width Should I Aim For?
Target around 800–850 mm where feasible, with level thresholds, adequate approach space and clear visual contrast.
How Do I Know If My Sensors Are Adequate?
They should cover approach, side screens and standing zones, and trigger safe reopening on obstruction. Use a documented BS EN 16005 checklist.
What Happens To Automatic Doors In A Power Cut?
Behaviour depends on the lock type and risk assessment. Escape routes typically fail safe. Add battery backup if continuous access is critical.
How Often Should We Service Automatic Doors?
Heavy traffic often needs quarterly servicing; standard sites are usually six-monthly. Keep daily visual checks and a service log.
Can Touchless Activation Improve Accessibility?
Yes. Touchless sensors help users with limited reach or dexterity and support hygiene goals. Position them 900–1100 mm high with side clearance.