In a busy auto dealership, high-performance doors keep the service department moving efficiently, day in and day out.
Customers, technicians, service representatives and vehicles form a constant procession through the threshold of this busy nerve center. Service bay doors must efficiently open and close hundreds of times a day, while protecting people and vehicles from injury and damage.
Here are some of the most common safety features and systems that help protect pedestrians and vehicles entering and leaving your dealership’s service department.
Vision Slats
Rigid rolling doors and fabric high-performance doors can be outfitted with vision slats or panels to give users a clear view into an adjacent area. These slats can be incorporated throughout the entire door for a full view of the other side or installed at eye level to improve visibility while maintaining privacy and security.
For example, the Spiral® FV® full vision door has clear anodized aluminum-framed slats that provide visibility on both sides of the door while maintaining high security. Its LEXAN material is shatter-, scratch- and graffiti-resistant with an impact strength 250 times stronger than glass.
Activation Sensors
Door manufacturers offer several door activation options, depending on the application and the volume of vehicle traffic:
- Automatic activation devices, such as floor loop sensors, motion detectors and presence detectors, provide a hands-free method of opening and closing doors for a variety of traffic situations.
- Enhanced activation devices not only monitor the areas immediately in front of the door, but enable programmable operation based on activity in adjacent areas.
- Manual activation options, such as pushbuttons, remote controls and pull cords, that are suitable for areas with low or predictable traffic levels.
Safety Light Systems
Safety light systems are designed to increase safety and provide a warning on the door threshold. Safety light systems provide visual indicators near the door – such as a flashing amber light – that warn nearby workers that the door panel is about to move or more pronounced light stripes along the entire width of a door opening. Ideally, they attract attention from nearly any angle or direction of travel to ensure they’ll be seen when and where it’s most critical.
Advanced Detection and Alert Systems
Rytec offers exclusive advanced technologies to transform your dealership and keep you at the forefront of your industry. One of these systems is SmartSurround®, which combines artificial intelligence, optical light curtains and high-intensity signaling lights to create a comprehensive detection and alert system.
SmartSurround allows you to integrate high-performance doors with your dealership’s security or building management systems. Now, your rigid rolling doors can intelligently detect and respond to a variety of traffic scenarios to improve safety around doorways. Plus, it extends beyond the door threshold, providing a visual cue for vehicles and pedestrians and enhancing safety in high-traffic areas without impeding traffic flow.
Reversing Bottom Edge
Depending on the safety features selected on a high-speed rolling door, the reversing bottom edge provides yet another safeguard. Equipped with responsive sensors located in the bottom edge of the door, it will immediately reverse if it senses an obstruction.
Photo Eyes
Photo eyes are another safety feature used with some models to assess the area around the door to determine if it is safe to close or needs to be opened. If their light beams are blocked or interrupted, they will prevent the door from closing. They can also detect if something is preventing the door from closing and keep the door in an open position.
Contact us today to discuss your service department door needs, and ensure safety for your customers and staff.
Learn more about Rytec safety features here.
