Automatic Door Openers Will Soon Be Required. Is Your Business Ready?

Automatic door openers are essential for any business, providing both convenience and accessibility to customers who have disabilities.But installing these door openers is more than just a “good thing to do.” For Ontario businesses, it will soon be required by law.

Here’s what you need to know about the law and how you can prepare your business.

When will automatic door openers be required by law?

 Under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA),automatic door openers will be required at commercial establishments, offices and public workplaces throughout the province by 2025.

The act was first passed into law in 2005. The law seta target of 2025 to go into full effect, giving businesses 20 years to prepare and implement the new accessibility standards at their properties.

Specifically, the act states that the standards, including automatic door openers, should be implemented”before January 1, 2025.”

What does the law say?

 The AODA outlines several guidelines for”developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards in order to achieve accessibility for Ontarians with disabilities with respect to goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment, buildings, structures and premises.”

With regards to automatic doors, the AODA and Section 3.8 of the Building Code outline the requirements for “power door openers,” as well as other accessibility features, including “universal washrooms, barrier-free paths of travel, adaptable seating” and others.

More precisely, the proposed amendment to the Building Code, in accordance with AODA, mandates “requirements for power door operators to be provided at entrances to a wider range of buildings, and at entrances to barrier-free washrooms and common rooms in multi-unit residential buildings.”

Where will automatic doors be required in Ontario?

 The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act applies to all commercial buildings in Ontario. As such, the automatic door openers will be required at all businesses that have one or more employees. That encompasses private sector businesses, including retail, hospitality and office spaces, as well as the public sector and government buildings.

What Are automatic doors?

 Automatic door openers are electronically powered doors that open automatically at the touch of a button or when motion is detected. In secure areas, automatic door openers can also be equipped with key-fob or card readers to prevent unauthorized access.

Sometimes referred to as “automatic door closers”or”handicap door openers,” the door openers are intended to make it easier for people to enter a building, particularly if they have physical or mental disabilities that prevent them from opening the door on their own.

Don’t wait. We make your business AODA-compliant

 PROTECTION PLUS® has experienced, certified technicians that will professionally install your automatic door opener to make your building compliant with AODA.

We install Hunter Automatic AutoSwing Door Openers, which are known for their superior quality and advanced technology. Made in Canada, AutoSwing is engineered to withstand the most adverse weather conditions, ensuring smooth, reliable operation even in windy conditions. They are noise-free and can be easily retrofitted to existing doors or new construction without major renovation.

Contact us today for more information on automatic door openers from PROTECTION PLUS®or to schedule a no-obligation onsite survey.