We often get asked what standards should be considered when installing an automatic gate or barrier, should it be standard ABC or should it be XYZ but I believe that is totally missing the point.

Whenever you install a gate or barrier the first question you should be asking is, “Is my gate going to be safe for anyone who uses it once I have completed my works?”. The only way to answer this categorically is by completing a full risk assessment of the installation – putting measures in place to mitigate any identified risks; pinpointing and communicating any minor residual risks and finally ensuring the users of the gates are suitably trained in all aspects of the machine’s operation including basic maintenance and manual release procedures.

If you are a purchaser of an automated gate and are unsure about what is required to ensure its safety, always check that the organisation that you are using to undertake the installation is Gate Safe Aware accredited. This way, you can be sure that they are trained to undertake a risk assessment approach to safety, and they will have a thorough understanding of all the potential risks associated with your gate.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) acknowledges the importance of risk assessments and agrees that following the standards alone won’t necessarily deliver a safe installation. So, please don’t get hung up on the details as to which standard applies, it is far more important to make sure that the installation is safe!