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Hi Nicky, We "tested" some of the doors that need minimal force to activate the power assisted opening and I, and many disabled people, were not impressed. This was as they still require some manual dexterity to grip/make contact with the handles and also this contact has to be maintained otherwise the door opener ceases - very difficult to do and manoeuvre a wheelchair at the same time for example. The doors where replaced with fully automated models (which unfortunately also regularly break down....). Best wishes, Martin. Martin Smith. Disability and Dyslexia Service Manager (Policy and Planning) and Manager West London Assessment Centre. Brunel University, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH. Tel: 01895 265791. FAX: 01895 269767. -----Original Message----- From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Hammond Nicola Miss (DOS) Sent: 07 January 2008 12:55 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Automatic door openers vs new electro-magnetic door controllers Happy new year to all, although I'm sure it seems a long while ago now! Our estates department has been looking to change the current plan to fit mechanical powered door openers throughout some teaching areas and move over to a new type of door opener called a "Dual power electro-magnetic door controller". These openers work using two forces (a lower one for usual operation and a higher one which is triggered on activation of the fire alarm). The doors therefore fit the requirements for fire safety but are also supposed to require much lower forces to be opened under normal conditions making them well within the limits of BS8300. I do not wish to counter this idea without full consideration as due to the associated cost saving, we may be able to treat 4 times as many doors by using the new system (and we have lots of long corridors with lots of obstructive doors!). My worry is that the doors still have to be pushed/pulled open however light. Am I also right in thinking that automatic openers can cause problems for other groups of users when they open unexpectedly or break down? I would be interested to hear from anyone who has been through these discussions or who knows of a good study or evidence looking at the benefits, drawbacks and the opinion of disabled users of mechanical powered door openers vs others. The university currently plans to fit one of these for testing (I hope involving individuals with mobility impairment) but they seem to be looking very positively at them right now. Nicky Hammond