safety of
automatic gates

Current Government Health and Safety Notices state that additional safety protection equipment should be fitted to electrically powered gates, subject to a Site Risk Assessment. See www.hse.gov.uk

In accordance with Government Health and Safety Notices, Spa Gates surveys each gate site to make a Site Risk Assessment and to ensure we design the gates and specify the automation and safety features required appropriately. A Site Risk Assessment takes into account the gate location, frequency of use, type of users and potential gate hazards such as the proximity of adjacent walls and pillars.

The automation features we specify include, wherever necessary, the following safety devices:

• use of 24 volt DC BFT Gate Automation Operators with a built-in anti-squash electronic facility to detect obstacles
• a primary set of safety photocells between the pillars of the gates to detect obstacles breaking a beam between the pillars
• a secondary set of safety photocells fitted at the limit of swing gates to detect obstacles moving into the swing area
• additional safety pressure strips fitted to gates or adjacent walls / pillars to detect obstacles by physical pressure

If any of the above devices detect an obstacle (such as a child or vehicle), then the gates should automatically reversed to move clear of the obstacle.

Automated gates are heavy, moving structures and they need to be treated with respect. The following rules must be adhered to in order to prevent accidents during operation:

• Do not try to pass through the gates when they are moving, wait until the gates are fully open.
• Do not stop stop unnecessarily between the gates.
• Do not allow children to play near the gates.
• Keep all remote control operating devices out of the reach of children.
• Do not operate the gates by remote control unless the gates are in view.
• Do not attempt to impede the movement of the gates during operation.
• Report any signs of malfunction immediately to Spa Gates Ltd or your Management Company.
• In the case of any malfunction, isolate the power supply, release any electric/automatic lock, open the gates manually and call Spa Gates Ltd or your Management Company.
• Do not attempt to modify the gates or the gate automation system.
• Ensure that your gates are serviced at regular intervals.

Please call us if you wish to discuss any safety aspect of our gate installations.