As a homeowner, you want to ensure that your property is safe and secure for your family and visitors. One potential area of concern is the gate that controls access to the home. Gates are an essential aspect of home security, but they can also pose a safety hazard if not installed or maintained correctly.
In this article, we will discuss how you can ensure that your gate represents a safe and legally compliant installation.
The Importance of Gate Safety
Gates are designed to provide security and privacy for your home, but they can also cause serious injury or even death if not properly installed or maintained. It’s essential to understand the importance of gate safety to help prevent accidents from occurring and also to protect yourself from potential litigation in the event of someone being harmed or far worse …
Whether you wish to install an electric gate or already own one, we recommend that you always seek out a Gate Safe installer – who has undergone the specialist training required to understand the protocol required to ensure a safe and compliant automated gate installation – to undertake any works.
All automated gates should be installed with at least two different types of safety devices / features to protect gate users from the risk of injury. Automated gates are capable of trapping and crushing the user, and can also drag the victim or shear a limb. As the leading and original campaigner for improved standards of safety for automated gates, Gate Safe recommends the use of photocells, light curtains or laser scanners, in addition to pressure edges on all gates that are automated. However, the person who takes responsibility for installing these devices must possess the appropriate knowledge to understand WHERE the devices should be sited to mitigate or eliminate the risk.
Regular maintenance is also essential to ensure that your gate remains safe and secure. Gates should be inspected regularly by a competent and professional trained installer – usually every six months – to ensure that they’re in good condition and functioning correctly. Any signs of wear or damage should be addressed promptly to prevent accidents from occurring.
If you’re unsure about whether or not your gate meets the above safety criteria, don’t hesitate to contact a Gate Safe installer for assistance.
To find out more about gate safety click here
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