Safety & Compliance
If you have been searching online or have begun talking to gate automation companies, it is likely you are already aware or have been advised of the importance of safety. This advice may range from: “Oh yeah, you’ll need a pair of safety photocells and a safe edge”
to:
“Your design must be given a proper risk assessment and all the identified risks of injury reduced to an acceptable level either by design or by the use of compliant safety devices. You will also need a certified force test together with all the relevant documentation to demonstrate compliance with the Health & Safety at Work Act and/or The Supply of Machineries Act.”
We can all guess which is the right response but the wrong advice can leave both you and the installing company liable to prosecution at best and serious injury at worst for those who use the gates.
View Our Gallery Get InspirationAn automation company has a legal duty to commission a new installation or upgrade and maintain an existing system in a manner that is compliant to The Machine Directive 2006/42/EC. To do this will also ensure that all non-domestic installations comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
As a result of deaths and serious injuries from incorrectly installed or maintained automated gates, the Health & Safety Executive has published Bulletins and Guidelines for both domestic and non-domestic applications where, for instance, there are persons with responsibility for employees, public and visitors. With the guidance and endorsement of the Health & Safety Executive, The Door Hardware Federation has established a Powered Gate Group to raise the standards within the industry and to offer guidance to purchasers and users of automation.