Owners and all those responsible for powered telescopic sliding gates are urged to have their installations checked for safety. That call has come from the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) Powered Gate Group, after a recent accident involving a telescopic gate that led to injury.
The DHF Powered Gate Group, which represents manufacturers, suppliers, installers and maintainers of powered automatic gates and gate automation equipment, has now issued guidelines to members. These highlight the concerns over telescopic gates and advise on how potential hazards can be identified and controlled.
The recent accident is being investigated by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). In the meantime, owners of telescopic gates are being advised to review their installations. And all those involved in the repair and maintenance of telescopic gates are being urged to review their risk assessments to ensure all gates they have worked on are safe.
DHF training officer Nick Perkins said: “Telescopic sliding gates present more complex issues than conventional gate designs and so hazard control and maintenance requirements are more complex as a result.” He added that telescopic gates in particular will most likely require cutting edge safety systems such as laser scanners and light curtains to be incorporated.
“Recently we organised the Gate Safety Week initiative to build awareness amongst both gate installers and owners of the dangers posed by poorly installed and maintained gates. During the event HSE inspector Stuart Charles was a keynote speaker at our seminar. He told delegates ‘Don’t think what do I need to do for compliance, but what do I need to do to make the system safe?’. This latest incident illustrates the vital importance of everyone involved in the installation, maintenance and use of automated gates to make safety their number one priority.”
Visit: www.dhfonline.org.uk/powered-gate-group-members.aspx.
