Procter Automatic Gates, the Caerphilly-based manufacturer and installer of automatic swing, sliding, telescopic and bi-folding gates, is launching a free specification checking service for architects and specifiers.
This the firm says is to help to ensure that new powered gates comply with safety standards and guidance from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the Powered Gates Group of the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF). The firm adds it will help to avoid the need for alterations and upgrades during or after the installation, and architects, specifiers and end users can be confident that the gates will, in fact, be safe.
Powered gates offer many advantages, particularly where some degree of manual or automated access control is required, but the gates come usually with motors that are powerful enough to cause serious injury in the event of a person become trapped or entangled. In the past few years fatalities have underlines the need to get the design and specification right on new powered gates.
The company is a founding member of the Door and Hardware Federation’s Powered Gate Group, which has worked with the HSE to write a guide to Gate Safety Legislation and Standards, and has also developed training that will become mandatory for all members of the group. Procter Automatic Gates is one of the first companies to attain the status of a Safety Assured installer, with five members of staff completing the training and being awarded their Safety Diploma that qualifies them to inspect and assess the safety of powered gates.
Procter Automatic Gates is now offering a specification checking service to coincide with Gate Safety Week (October 13 to 19), organised by the Powered Gate Group to improve awareness of installation and maintenance of powered gates.
Any architect or specifier planning to use a powered gate on a project in the UK can submit their designs and specifications, with information about gate usage, whereupon Procter will assess whether the gate would meet the health and safety requirements of the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and could be CE marked accordingly, and whether the gate would satisfy the requirements of the Powered Gate Group Guide to Gate Safety Legislation and Standards.
Depending on the conditions of use (for example, whether members of the public are present or just trained users) and the types of control (for example, fully automated or hold-to-run switches), there are guidelines for the types of safety measures that should be specified, such as key switches, pressure-sensitive edges, presence detection devices and force limitation. Other aspects of specification include the adequacy of the fencing to protect the run-back area, trip hazards, and the widths of gaps between swing gates and supporting pillars.
To use the free specification checking service or to discuss any aspects of automatic gates, telephone 02920 855756 or email [email protected]. Website: www.automatic-electricgates.co.uk.
