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AAADM Celebrates Building Safety Month

Blog 47, May 2026

Each May, the building safety community comes together to spotlight the essential role that codes, standards, and professionals play in protecting the public. The International Code Council (ICC) leads this important initiative with Building Safety Month, this year centered on the theme “Built to Last.” The American Association of Automatic Door Manufacturers (AAADM) is proud to join ICC in recognizing this month-long campaign and reaffirming our shared commitment to resilient, sustainable, and safe construction practices.

As the voice of the automatic door industry, AAADM understands that buildings truly “built to last” must prioritize not only durability, but also safety and accessibility. Automatic doors are far more than a modern convenience. They are essential accessibility solutions and foundational elements of inclusive design. When properly specified, installed, inspected, and maintained, automatic entrance systems help ensure that buildings function effectively for decades to come.

This year, Week 4 of Building Safety Month, “Communities Without Limits” (May 25–31), especially resonates with the mission of our industry. It underscores the importance of accessibility in building design and construction, highlighting the need to create spaces that are welcoming and usable for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Automatic doors play a central role in fulfilling that responsibility. From healthcare facilities and schools to airports, retail centers, and government buildings, automatic door systems provide safe, hands-free access for people with mobility challenges, parents with strollers, travelers with luggage, and individuals carrying heavy items. They help facilities meet accessibility requirements and building codes while enhancing pedestrian safety through advanced sensor technology and standardized performance requirements. In high-occupancy environments, automatic doors also improve traffic flow and support safe emergency egress.

By eliminating physical barriers at entrances, these systems help foster communities where everyone can participate fully and independently.

AAADM’s mission aligns closely with ICC’s dedication to safety and code compliance. The association develops and maintains industry performance standards, administers inspector certification programs, and promotes best practices for installation and maintenance. Through ongoing collaboration with code officials, architects, builders, and facility managers, AAADM works to ensure that automatic door systems meet rigorous safety requirements and operate as intended throughout their service life.

Durability and resilience remain hallmarks of quality automatic door systems. Designed to withstand heavy daily use, environmental exposure, and emergency conditions, today’s automatic doors incorporate advanced safety sensors, redundant systems, and robust materials that contribute to long-term building performance.

Lasting performance is only part of the story. Buildings that endure must also be inclusive. Accessibility is not an afterthought; it is fundamental to safe and sustainable community design. By integrating automatic entrance systems that meet or exceed code requirements, building owners and design professionals demonstrate a clear commitment to equity, safety, and long-term value.

AAADM commends the International Code Council and building safety professionals across the country for their leadership and dedication. Together, we can ensure that our buildings are built to last and built to serve everyone.

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