The call has come from the Door & Hardware Federation Powered Gate Group following a recent accident involving a telescopic gate that led to injury.
The DHF Powered Gate Group, which represents the leading manufacturers, suppliers, installers and maintainers of powered automatic gates and gate automation equipment, has now issued guidelines to its members. These highlight the areas of concern relating to telescopic gates and give advice on how potential hazards can be identified and adequately 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 get them checked for safety by a member of the DHF Powered Gate Group. 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."
And he pointed out 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."
