Automatic doors are a vital part of buildings — ensuring accessibility, safety, and convenience for everyone who uses them. But like any piece of machinery, they need regular servicing to stay safe and compliant. Unfortunately, even experienced engineers can fall into common traps when carrying out maintenance. Here are five mistakes we often see — and how to avoid them.
1. Skipping a Full Risk Assessment
A risk assessment isn’t just a tick-box exercise. It’s essential to identify potential hazards and ensure the door meets the latest safety standards. Engineers sometimes rely on a quick visual inspection, but without testing and recording safety features properly, critical risks can be missed. ADIA members can get a free online form here
2. Overlooking Sensor Calibration
Presence and activation sensors are the backbone of user safety. If they’re not correctly positioned or calibrated, doors may fail to detect users — or worse, close too soon. Engineers sometimes assume sensors are fine if the door appears to operate, but minor misalignments can cause major issues.
3. Neglecting Fixings and Door Hardware
Loose fixings, worn pivots, or deteriorating guides can make even the most advanced operator unsafe. Because much of the focus is on the control panel and electronics, engineers may overlook the “mechanical” side.
4. Failing to Update Documentation
Servicing isn’t complete without up-to-date paperwork. Without proper service logs, risk assessments, and checklists, the client has no proof of compliance — and the engineer has no record of work done. It’s not just an admin task; it’s a compliance requirement. You can purchase log books and service due stickers at our shop.
5. Forgetting the Customer Briefing
It’s easy to complete the service, pack up tools, and move on. But clients need to understand what’s been done, what risks remain, and when the next service is due. A missed briefing can lead to misuse, missed follow-ups, or liability concerns.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these five common mistakes doesn’t just protect you as an engineer — it protects the end user, the client, and the reputation of the industry. Consistency, compliance, and clear communication are the keys to safe and effective servicing.
At the ADIA, we provide training, resources, and digital tools to help engineers carry out best-practice servicing every time.
👉 Learn more about our Servicing and Maintenance accredited by City & Guilds course to keep your skills sharp and your work compliant.