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Gate Safety – Would Could Possibly Go Wrong?

Max Smith Picture

Max Smith

17th December 2024

Last week the Door and Hardware Federation issued a warning following an incident at a school in Surrey involving a five-year-old boy. They have urged caution regarding reducing gaps at hinges as it was revealed that the boy’s hand slipped and went into the reducing hinge gap of a door set where no guards were installed. Ultimately, the trust was prosecuted under Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, duty of care to persons other than employees, and in October this year, was fined £6,000 and ordered to pay an additional £6,875.70 in costs. 

This unfortunate incident really highlights the importance of gate safety, so we felt it was timely to collate an update on the importance of keeping on top of your gate maintenance program.  There are many different things to consider as part of a gate safety maintenance plan including:- 

Physical Hazards 

The are many ways in which an automatic gate, especially sliding or swing gates can become a hazard to those onsite. Caution needs to be taken as electric gates have the potential to pinch or crush objects, pets, or people caught in their path, especially heavier gates. In addition, ensuring that your gates are installed by a fully qualified and compliant installation company is essential as poorly installed or unmaintained gates can detach, fall, or collapse, causing serious injury or property damage so. 

Another physical hazard, which inevitably can be out of our control, can be the good old British weather! High winds or weak mechanisms can cause swing gates to move uncontrollably, potentially striking people or vehicles. 

Malfunctions 

Due to the nature of the mechanics of electric gates there are many points of potential mechanical failure which could result in a malfunction. Keeping on top of your gate safety checks and maintenance should therefore help to reduce the risk of a malfunction occurring. 

Some of the most signific malfunctions could result in the gates being deemed unsafe include:- 

  • Sensor Failure: Safety sensors may fail to detect obstacles, leading to collisions or crushing accidents. 
  • Unresponsive Controls: Malfunctioning remotes, keypads, or control systems may make gates inoperable or unpredictable. 
  • Power Outages: Automated gates might fail to open or close during power cuts, leaving users trapped or unable to secure property. 

It is therefore vital to check the mechanics of your gates regularly to reduce the risk of any serious malfunctions occurring. 

Improper Use or Installation 

Most notably, all automated gate installations should be undertaken by a fully qualified gate installation company. Gates fitted by untrained individuals may lack essential safety measures, increasing risk. Some of the most ‘common’ safety issues arise around either a lack of safety edges or the gate having improper locking mechanisms. Both things can pose a serious threat to injury and should therefore be taken very seriously and fixed as part of an ongoing gate safety maintenance program.  

There are many tests and regulations that automated gate installers should adhere to including force testing and safety compliance checks. This will not only keep your gates in full working order but will also help to keep everyone on site as safe as possible. 

    Metal gate side view hinges
    Metal gate open

    Gate Safety

    Gate safety should be taken very seriously with regular checks and maintenance

    Child and Pet Safety Risks 

    As outlined by the recent warning from the DHF, the safety incidents that tend to make the headlines involve children or pets.  Unfortunately, too many accidents occur due to children or pets playing near gates. Due to a lack of awareness of the potential risks, a serious incident can occur and without proper safety measures, children may attempt to climb or open gates, risking falls or crush injuries. It is therefore imperative that children and pets are monitored at all times if playing near gates, and a safety zone or procedure put in place. 

    Neglect or Maintenance  

    Very often automated gates are left for many years without proper checks or any ongoing maintenance. This level of neglect can undoubtedly result in a lack of safety causing a potential hazard to those onsite or near the gates. 

    There are two main areas to focus on as part of your ongoing gate maintenance plan:- 

    Undertaking regular checks, like the ones outlined in our  ‘How to look after your electric gates’ blog is a great way to monitor both wear and tear and obstructions, all helping to keep your gates in full working order and as safe as possible. 

    Emergency Situations 

    Having a plan in place to handle any emergency situations is essential as this could result in a there being a blocker should a serious situation arise. 

    Most notably, those responsible for the gate safety and maintenance should consider how to handle the following:- 

    Having a fully tested plan in place will help to speed up entry and access to the site if needed. 

    Lack of Visibility or Warning 

    Having the right lighting in place, especially during the winter months, is an important consideration to help reduce the risk of an incident on site. Insufficient lighting around gates can obviously lead to a lack of visibility of a moving electric gate (or anything else that might move!) which could result in a potential incident. 

    Also a lack of clear signage can confuse users about gate operation or warn of potential hazards. The site should be fitted with the correct signs and warnings.  

    Legal and Compliance Issues 

    Arguably the legal and compliance requirements should be one of the most significant elements of your gate safety and maintenance plan.   

    Simply put, gates that do not meet regulatory safety requirements can result in liability if an accident occurs resulting in significant fines and compensation dependant on the severity of the injury.  

    In addition, inadequate training where users are unfamiliar with gate operation may misuse them which could also lead to accidents. Having a full training program place will ensure that anyone who operates the gates has been trained accordingly.  

    Preventative Measures 

    As with a lot of scenarios where a level of safety is required, having preventative measures in place is the best way to mitigate risks. 

    The list below should help to provide guidance on how to ensure your automated gate is installed and maintained inline with industry standards and requirements:-  

     If you have any concerns about the safety of your current automated gates, or would like to discuss how to improve onsite gate safety please drop us a line. Ultimately, it’s all about keeping everyone onsite as safe as possible! 

    Max Smith Picture

    Max Smith

    17th December 2024

    From studying for a Politics degree, Max took the less than obvious path into the environs of Security as a Locksmith back in 1985! Thirty plus years later, it’s a journey that has seen the achievement of NSI Gold accreditation for Intruder Alarms, Access Control & CCTV, plus the introduction of a sister company specialising in Gate Automation Solutions. With a wealth of both Engineering and management experience, Max has an active interest in the evolution of the Security Industry and its future direction.

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