Evacuation rules for swing gates in Spain (CTE DB-SI)
A swing gate at a store entrance controls who goes through. In an emergency, it must not get in the way. This is how Spain’s building code, the Código Técnico de la Edificación, deals with it.
Which document applies
In Spain, the evacuation of occupants in a fire is regulated by the Documento Básico SI (Seguridad en caso de incendio, the basic document on fire safety) of the Código Técnico de la Edificación (CTE, Spain’s building code), in section SI 3, Evacuación de ocupantes (evacuation of occupants). Paragraph 6 covers doors located on evacuation routes.
The DB-SI does not explicitly mention swing gates or turnstiles. So when an automatic swing gate is on an evacuation route, the designer usually takes as a reference what paragraph 6 requires of automatic pedestrian doors.
What it requires of automatic pedestrian doors
Point 6.5 states that automatic pedestrian doors must have a system that, in the event of a power supply failure or an emergency signal, guarantees evacuation, except in the secure closed position:
- If the door is sliding or folding, it must open and stay open, or allow it to swing open in the direction of evacuation by simply pushing it with a total force of no more than 220 N.
- If the door is swing or tilt-and-swing, it must open and stay open, or allow it to swing in the direction of evacuation with a total force of no more than 150 N.
A swing arm gate works much like a swing door. That is why what matters is that it opens, or can be swung open in the direction of evacuation, when the power fails or there is an alarm.
How it applies to a swing gate
- Opening on power failure. The gate must open automatically if the power goes off. Insmartia gates include automatic opening on power failure.
- Direction of evacuation. The arm must stay open or be able to swing towards the exit, on both entry and exit lanes.
- Emergency signal. It is advisable to connect the gate to the fire alarm panel signal so that it opens when an alarm is triggered, as well as on a power cut.
- Alternative route. Many premises also have an emergency door or lane next to the line of gates. The designer decides this based on the occupancy and the routes of the premises.
Who decides on each project
The specific solution is approved by the engineer who wrote the project or the activity report and, where applicable, by the town hall, based on the occupancy of the premises, the length of the routes and the number of exits. Before installation, we review the evacuation plan with you to choose the gate configuration.
Source: Código Técnico de la Edificación, Documento Básico SI, section SI 3, paragraph 6, available at codigotecnico.org. Always check the version in force.
Need swing gates for a store? See our smart swing gate for supermarkets or request a site survey.
This guide is for information only and does not replace the judgement of a qualified engineer or the local authority.