Automatic doors are designed for daily use, welcoming staff, customers and visitors while improving accessibility and energy efficiency. But these precision systems work hard, and like any powered equipment, they must be serviced regularly to stay safe, compliant and reliable.

At Nova Door Systems, we provide tailored maintenance and servicing for all types of automatic doors and roller shutters. Our expert engineers ensure every installation meets current safety standards and operates smoothly, preventing the costly downtime from neglected maintenance.

Regular servicing keeps automatic doors safe, compliant, and efficient.

The Legal Side - Your Responsibility

If you own or manage powered entrances, you have specific legal obligations to keep them safe and compliant.
Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), all equipment employees use - including automatic doors and roller shutters, must be “maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair.”

This places the duty on building owners, facilities managers and managing agents to ensure:

Doors and shutters are serviced at appropriate intervals by competent engineers.
Safety systems, sensors and emergency stops are routinely tested and logged.
Any faults or failures are corrected immediately.
Maintenance and inspection records are retained for audit or insurance purposes.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reinforces this requirement, stating that “powered doors and gates need to be maintained to remain safe.”

These regulations ensure that every powered system, from automatic sliding doors to commercial roller shutters, operates safely and does not present a risk to users.

BS EN 16005: Safety in Use for Automatic Doors

The recognised industry benchmark for automatic pedestrian door safety is BS EN 16005, Power-operated pedestrian doorsets Safety in use Requirements and test methods. This British Standard specifies how automatic doors must be designed, installed, and maintained to ensure user safety covers:

Opening and closing forces: limits to prevent impact, trapping or crushing.
Sensor placement and coverage: to ensure safe activation and obstacle detection.
Emergency operation: manual override and fail-safe performance in power loss.
Inspection intervals: how often safety features must be tested.
Documentation requirements: what should be recorded for compliance evidence.

Adhering to BS EN 16005:2023 demonstrates that your doors are safe and that maintenance is performed to the latest standard expected by auditors, insurers, and regulators.

Nova Door Systems’ engineers are fully trained in BS EN 16005 compliance testing, ensuring that every service visit keeps your system reliable and verifies that it meets this key safety standard.

Supporting Regulations and Nova’s Compliance Approach

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 also require all workplace doors and gates to be “of sound construction and properly maintained.” This extends beyond automatic doors - including manual, sectional and roller systems.

Failing to comply with PUWER, BS EN 16005, or the Workplace Regulations can result in enforcement or improvement notices from the HSE, insurance invalidation due to non-compliance, and civil liability in case of injury or damage.

At Nova Door Systems, our planned preventive maintenance service helps clients meet every aspect of these duties. Each visit includes:

Full inspection to PUWER, BS EN 16005, and Workplace Regulations 1992 standards.
Safety tests for sensors, actuators, brakes and control units.
Electronic service reports and maintenance certificates.
Expert advice to keep your systems compliant year-round.

This structured, documented process ensures your automatic doors and roller shutters are operational and fully compliant, traceable, and safe for everyone who uses them.

Testing sensors and safety features ensures compliance with BS EN 16005:2023.

What’s Included in a Professional Service

Fully trained, industry-certified engineers carry out our servicing and maintenance visits. Each visit includes a detailed safety inspection, operational test and performance check.

Typical tasks include:

Testing all sensors, activation devices and emergency stops
Checking closing forces, alignment and operating speed
Inspecting control systems and electrical connections
Cleaning tracks and guide channels for smooth movement
Lubricating mechanical parts to reduce wear
Recording results for audit and insurance compliance

This proactive approach ensures problems are identified before they cause breakdowns. It builds on the principles detailed in our Automatic Door Maintenance Checklist, showing the value of structured, professional servicing rather than one-off repairs.

How Often Should Servicing Be Carried Out?

The ideal frequency varies depending on the system type, usage, and environment, but as a general guideline, Automatic doors should be checked at least once every 6-12 months (more frequently in high-traffic or public areas). Roller shutters should be inspected every 6-12 months, depending on exposure and their security role.

HSE guidance recommends that maintenance be planned, recorded and proportional to use, ensuring any deterioration is identified and corrected promptly.

Routine servicing checks electrical, mechanical and safety performance.

The Benefits of Regular Servicing

Compliance Confidence: Meet legal and insurance obligations effortlessly.
Safety Assurance: Keep entrances safe for staff and visitors.
Reduced Downtime: Avoid unexpected repairs and disruption.
Longer Lifespan: Protect motors, bearings and sensors from wear.
Cost Savings: Planned maintenance is always cheaper than emergency call-outs.

So, do automatic doors need to be maintained regularly? Absolutely. It’s a legal requirement, a safety necessity and a smart investment in your business operations.

At Nova Door Systems, we make servicing straightforward, providing tailored plans, qualified engineers and comprehensive records to keep you compliant and confident.

Get a Quote today to schedule your next service and keep your automatic doors and roller shutters working safely and efficiently.

Do Automatic Doors Need Regular Servicing?