If you’ve ever been walking around in a public building and noticed a green running figure icon above or near an automatic door entrance/exit, you’re seeing more than just a green lit symbol – you’re seeing a nationally recognized accessibility and safety requirement. Known as the Green Man Running safety standard, this familiar icon plays a pivotal role in how automatic doors are designed, installed, and operated across Canada to ensure proper safety and accessibility.
For property managers, business owners, and builders across Alberta, understanding the Green Man running safety standard isn’t an option; in fact its essential for compliance, and liability protection.
Here’s what it means, where it came from, and how Dial Locksmith & Safeworld ensures every automatic door installation meets today’s standards.
Why the Green Man Running Symbol Matters | A Non-Negotiable for Accessibility
The Green Man Running safety standard is here to clearly indicate safe, barrier-free entry for people of all abilities. It visually indicated that an automatic door is power-assisted, properly controlled, and compliant with modern accessibility regulations. Therefore, if someone requires assisted entry or exit, they know they can rely on that sign to show them the way.
When a business’s property or building fails to meet this standard isn’t just a technical oversight – it can expose property owners to injury risks, fines, and even legal liability.
About the “Green Man Running” Icon | A Brief History
The green running figure is an internationally recognized accessibility pictogram that you may have recognized over certain exits or doorways when out and about within public buildings. Over time, this symbol evolved from a general access symbol into a clear visual indicator for power-assisted and automatic doors.
In Canada, this icon has become closely tied to the Green Man Running safety standard, which lets citizens know:
- There is barrier-free access
- There is a safe activation and door speed for those who need it
- There is proper control placement
- The building is in compliance with national accessibility guidelines
This sign’s purpose is pretty simple: provide instant clarity and confidence for users of all kinds, especially those with mobility, sensory, or cognitive disabilities who may need some assistance.
The Standard Behind It | CSA/ASC B651:23
The Green Man Running safety standard is directly supported by CSA/ASC B651:23 – Accessible Design for the Built Environment, published in 2023 by Accessibility Standards Canada and CSA Group.
This national standard outlines all the minimum technical requirements to remove accessibility barriers in buildings and facilities, including:
- Revised guidance for power-assisted door control options
- Updated dimensions based on anthropometric research
- Improved luminance (light and colour) contrast requirements
- Consideration for those with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities
CSA/ASC B651 is referred to in the National Building Code of Canada and provincial legislation, making compliance absolutely essential for new builds, many renovations, and even replacements.
Alberta Follows Suit | Why Barrier-Free Compliance Is Essential
As a province of Canada, Alberta follows national accessibility and building code references, meaning the Green Man Running safety standard is a key part of ensuring barrier-free access for all:
- Commercial buildings
- Condos and apartments
- Healthcare facilities
- Public and government spaces
According to Statistics Canada, in 2022, 27% of Canadians aged 15 years and older (about 8.0 million people), have reported having one or more disabilities that limited them in their daily functional activities, according to the latest Canadian Survey on Disability. This shows a significant increase from 22% in 2017 and reflects the growing importance of accessibility in public and private spaces across Canada.
In short, accessibility is no longer optional – it’s a legal, ethical, and practical responsibility.
The Risks of Non-Compliant Automatic Door Installations | What You Need To Know
If public (or some private) spaces that are open to the public in some way, shape, or form ignore the Green Man Running safety standard, this can result in some serious consequences:
- Injury risk due to incorrect door speed, force, sensor placement, or misuse.
- Liability exposure if an accident occurs
- Failed inspections or delayed permits
- Fines or required retrofits at the owner/business’s expense
- Accessibility complaints or legal action
Non-compliance often comes from improper installation – not the door itself.
How Dial Locksmith Ensures Safety & Compliance | Your Trusted Partner in Accessibility
At Dial Locksmith & Safeworld, compliance isn’t an afterthought – it’s built into every installation.
Our certified technicians:
- Install automatic door operators that are up to national standards
- Ensure effective placement of the Green Man Running safety standard signage for public visibility.
- Ensure correct door speed, activation force, and sensor response for proper usage.
- Coordinate with electrical teams to ensure systems are up to code.
- Install doors that are safe, accessible, and reliable from the start.
At Dial Locksmith & Safeworld, we’ve provided hundreds of automatic door installations and have completed these services all across Edmonton and the surrounding areas, so we understand both the technical requirements and the real-world use of these systems.
Quick Checklist | Is Your Automatic Door Compliant?
Do your existing doors meet the Green Man Running safety standard?
Here’s what you need to stay in compliance:
- Visible green running man icon near the entrance/exit
- Clearly marked activation buttons or sensors for easy use
- Doors open smoothly without sudden force or jerking motion
- Sensors prevent doors from closing on users, allowing them to move freely and safely
- Controls are reachable and easy to understand for users
- Door operation feels predictable and safe
If you’re unsure about any of these, a professional inspection is recommended, and we can help with that!
Take Action Today
Still not sure if your automatic doors meet the national Green Man Running safety standard? Help Dial Locksmith & Safeworld help you!
Our certified technicians can assess your existing doors, recommend upgrades, and ensure your automatic door operators are fully compliant with the national and provincial requirements.
Contact Dial Locksmith & Safeworld today to schedule an inspection or learn more about safe, code-compliant automatic door installations in Edmonton.
