Managing agents, facilities and other property-related managers have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure powered gates and barriers at commercial residential developments meet the latest safety standards. This was the opinion of Richard Jackson, CEO and founder of the charity Gate Safe, who was speaking at an industry event organised by security systems and building technology installer Interphone Limited.
Richard Jackson explained that under current laws, property management businesses could face financial penalties of up to £500,000 should an accident occur and they are found to be negligent.
Jackson said: “There have been ten incidents in the past ten years where people have been seriously injured or killed by unsafe gates. Near misses are still happening largely because a significant proportion of gates and barriers are still unsafe and require an upgrade, so it is only a matter of time before another tragedy occurs if installation, maintenance and property management businesses fail to take the necessary action.”
Jackson went on to outline the steps needed to ensure the ongoing safety of electric gates and barriers, as well highlighting some of the common safety issues. He explained that all aspects of an integrated solution – including the motor, intercom system and safety devices – need to be manufactured, installed and maintained correctly. Managing agents also need to ensure that six-monthly risk assessments are carried out and acted on for all new and historical installations if they are to meet their duty of care and health and safety commitments.
After Jackson, attendees heard about automatic number plate recognition (ANPR), and how it is supporting higher levels of gate safety and security. The discussion focused on how the latest systems can be used to control and operate electronic barriers and gates, providing real-time database checks, alarms triggers and notifications all adding extra layers of security to a site.
ANPR is offering increased visibility and control for commercial residential car parking requirements, the event heard. As a result, managing agents and FM companies can remotely operate gates and barriers for single or multiple locations centrally. This can help better manage car park traffic flows, prevent unauthorised parking, increase site security and achieve higher safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
The final speaker was Paul Collier, Interphone’s Contract Maintenance Manager, who presented a case study to show how the company is working with managing agents to upgrade and maintain gates and barriers. He outlined a recent refurbishment project at Riverside West Car Park, an underground car park beneath a block of flats in south west London that is open to both the buildings residents and members of the public.
About the project, Collier said: “Safety and security were the prime concern at the prestigious development. Therefore, it was essential to implement a solution that mitigated the risks posed by having free unhindered public access throughout the car park as well as ensuring that all installed equipment met the necessary safety standards. We were able to use our expertise as a Gate Safe approved installer to achieve optimum safety and protection.”
Interphone is hosting a further Automated Gate Safety seminar on Wednesday, July 5, 2017. To apply for a free place visit http://www.interphone.co.uk/events/.
