We regularly question the safety of our property and make sure we have the necessary arrangements in place to keep danger out, but do we ever question the equipment we have in place to protect us? Powdered Gates can be a hidden danger and in some cases a tragedy waiting to happen.
In the summer of 2010, the tragic deaths of two young children in separate incidents less than one week apart served to highlight the safety issues facing the UK gate automation industry. Powered gates are increasingly installed in schools and other public educational buildings, it is easy to forget that a powered gate is a machine, and like any machine it poses potential risks to children.
In 2011 the HSE issued a General Safety Notice to advise Landlords, Commercial owners or facilities managers of properties with Powered Perimeter Gates of their legal duties and responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act. The HSE advised to check your gate is being maintained by a reputable company who regularly test the safety features of the gate. Keep a log of maintenance. Ask the gate maintenance company to show you how to release the gate in an emergency and also ask them to show you all the gates safety features.
The Door and Hardware Federation
formed a specialist members group in response to requests from the Health and Safety Executive, this government-safety organisation wanted to see an industry-wide trade body that would develop higher standards of safety for automated gates.
The Powered Gate Group represents manufacturers, suppliers, installers and maintainers of powered automatic gates, who demonstrate their credentials of quality, safety and adherence to high technical standards. Security Solutions gained accreditation in 2014.
Security Solutions site operatives have completed the DHF Gate Safety Diploma course, the two day course focuses on technical and practical safety procedures and covers all elements of gate safety from initial risk assessment through to force testing. It ensures that Security Solutions operatives are fully conversant with all relevant safety regulations, can prepare a technical file and can issue a Declaration of Conformity.
“The DHF estimates that more than two thirds of all automated gates installed in the UK do not comply with current legislation and could pose a serious safety risk,” said Andrew Price, Service Manager at Security Solutions. “Even more worrying is the fact that unsafe installations are still being carried out by unqualified installers and gate companies who are quite willing to take dangerous short cuts in both gate manufacture and installation. At Security Solutions we are aware of the dangers that powered gates pose, and advise as many gate owners as possible on how to choose safe gates or make their existing powered gates safe.”
The question to ask yourself is “Are my gates safe?” Let Security Solutions provide you with the answer.
Call 0843 290 9250 and we will conduct a free gate safety survey and advise on all gate safety requirements