Brian Sofley, Managing Director of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, discusses the importance of securing rail environments with the correct door systems in order to ensure smooth operations and protect passengers and staff.
Railway stations host vast numbers of people every day, and the number of people choosing train travel has increased dramatically in recent years. More than 1.6 billion passenger journeys were made on national rail services in the UK in 2023/24, which was a 20% increase from the previous year.
Rail environments present a unique set of security requirements, and the high flow of passengers demands door systems that facilitate movement without compromising on safety or security.
The scale and complexity of the sector demands door solutions that go beyond basic functionality, offering security as well as resilience. With this in mind, what considerations should be given to access control, fire door safety and compliance in the rail sector?
Passenger flow
Railway stations experience a high amount of passenger traffic, with peak times placing even greater pressure on infrastructure, which means there’s a heightened need for balancing security and efficiency at every entry and exit.
Some key considerations include the placement and functionality of doors, which directly influence the speed and ease of movement. Doors may be equipped with automatic opening systems, or hold-open capabilities which ensure people can move freely through crowded spaces while reducing bottlenecks that not only lead to delays but also frustration.
For passenger convenience and accessibility, it’s essential that door systems meet inclusivity standards. Doors should be easy for everyone to navigate, from families with pushchairs to passengers with mobility challenges. By prioritising clear signage, wide doorways and step-free access, rail stations can enhance the experience for all passengers, ensuring everyone benefits from the accessibility of the space.
Door durability
Doors and emergency exits ensure constant use, sometimes up to thousands of cycles per day. Durable door hardware is crucial, elements like hinges, latches and handles must resist frequent handling and maybe even occasional impact, as well as the added strain of heavy passenger traffic.
Emergency exit doors are particularly vulnerable to both wear and tear and potential tampering. These exits must be secure yet ready to open instantly when needed. Emergency doors in rail stations are often fitted with push bars or touch sensitive access control that not only offer a reliable means of escape but are also designed to be secure in urgent situations.
Fire safety and compliance
The rail sector must adhere to stringent fire safety codes to protect passengers and staff in case of emergency. Fire-rated doors are essential to these efforts, serving as barriers that prevent the spread of smoke and flames between sections of the stations.
Maintaining fire doors in operational condition is an ongoing requirement. Regular inspections are vital in ensuring that these doors and their hardware continue to function as intended.
Properly maintained fire doors should always close completely and fit snugly within their frames. If these components are compromised, its effectiveness can be reduced, highlighting the importance of routine maintenance checks to keep them in optimal condition.
A bespoke approach to door specification
Each railway station has its own unique requirements, demanding a tailored package of internal and external doors to meet operational, security and, safety needs. This customisation ensures that every station benefits from solutions that align seamlessly with its design, functionality, and risk profile.
For internal applications, fire-compliant Safeguard timber doors offer a blend of aesthetic appeal and robust performance. These doors are meticulously engineered to meet LPS 1175 security standards, achieving SR3 and SR4 classifications, which denote their ability to withstand targeted, sustained attack scenarios. In addition to their high-security features, these timber doors can be customised in a range of finishes and styles to complement the architectural character of each station.
SMARTec timber doors are also ideal for internal applications, they have a Severe Resistance Duration and are available in a wide range of finishes, making them suitable for schools, universities, commercial buildings, offices, care homes, leisure facilities and hotels. These doors have been developed and independently tested in accordance with British and European standards and are registered with Secured by Design.
For external or higher-security areas, Powershield steel security doors deliver unparalleled strength and durability. These doors are rigorously tested to meet the stringent criteria of LPS 1175 (issue 8), offering advanced protection against both determined opportunists and premeditated attacks. Their robust construction ensures long-term resilience in challenging environments, such as areas exposed to harsh weather or heavy use.
These door systems are designed with versatility in mind, allowing for the integration of advanced locking mechanisms, access control systems, and fire-resistant features where required. This ensures they not only meet current safety and security regulations but also provide a future-proof solution adaptable to evolving operational demands.
Utilising BIM for the golden thread
Ensuring a traceable link between the design, specification, installation and ongoing maintenance of a door system is essential for the rail industry, helping to maintain integrity throughout the lifecycle of door solutions.
ASSA ABLOY’s Openings Studio™ is a BIM software solution, that integrates with design software to create and visualise openings for complete door, frame and hardware schedules and specifications.
It supports the specification process and beyond, by creating digital 3D models of tailored door frame and hardware solutions, which can be incorporated within the building model or viewed using the door visualisation tool.
The platform extends beyond design, offering data-driven support during manufacturing and installation. Contractors can access specifications for quality inspections, ensuring door systems are installed to meet the intended standards, reinforcing the golden thread and supporting ongoing maintenance and operational needs.
Utilising BIM for system specification, installation, and fire door testing, offers a range of benefits. The rail infrastructure remains resilient, passenger experience is enhanced, and compliance is ensured, meeting fire safety, accessibility and security requirements with a fully traceable record of decisions and specifications.
Securing rail environments demands a thoughtful approach to door systems that balances accessibility, safety, and durability. As passenger numbers continue to grow, railway stations face unique challenges, from managing high traffic flow to adhering to stringent fire safety and security requirements.
Tailored solutions that account for the specific operational and architectural needs of each station are essential. By combining durable materials, advanced safety features, and digital planning tools, the rail industry can ensure its infrastructure supports smooth operations, enhances passenger experiences, and maintains compliance with safety standards.
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