Automated gates stand guard over commercial and domestic properties, offering convenience and superior security across the UK. However, if not properly installed and maintained, these guardians can become hazardous. And even deadly. Never forget, automatic gates are heavy machinery…
With this in mind, Nick Perkins, of the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) identified seven deadly sins of automated gates. Here, we explore these sins and explain how Redzvision Security Limited mitigates these. Ensuring your gates remain a convenience. And never a hazard!
Automated Gates Sin #1 – Defective Sliding Gate Travel Stops
A sliding gate running off its track is a disaster waiting to happen. At Redzvision Security, we equip gates with resilient travel stops to prevent derailment. Keeping your gates compliant with machinery safety laws. And your people safe from injury…
Automated Gates Deadly Sin #2 – Hinge Failure
Gates need to stay upright if the hinges fail, for obvious reasons. Robust hinge designs are the answer. Triple, dual hinge, or lanyard systems prevent the gate from falling even if one hinge fails. It’s all part of our commitment to safety AND your peace of mind.
Automated Gates Sin #3 Draw-in at Sliding Gates
When a sliding gate passes a fixed object, like a wall, there’s potential for serious injury. Safety measures we employ include; enclosure fences or screens in the run-back area, safe edges near the moving gate surface or full-height optical safety devices like light curtains or laser scanners.
Automated Gates Sin #4 Reducing Hinge Gaps
Reduced hinge gaps invite accidents. Safe design practices maintain the required gaps. While flexible guards, safe edges or optical safety devices further ensure your safety.
Automated Gates Sin #5 Excessive Closing Force
It’s lovely to be greeted by a slowly opening gate when you get to work in the morning. Redzvision Security ensures your gate greets you with a welcoming swing rather than a dangerous push. Force limitation methods, safe edges and sensitive drive units limit the force exerted. Testing these forces is part of any sensible maintenance plan. Crucial to keeping your gates safe and fit for purpose.
Automated Gates Sin #6 Excessive Crushing Force at Hinged Gate Lower Edges
Lower edges can conceal dangers. We adhere to acceptable force limits and install safe edges, distributing force safely along the entire gate length. Keeping potential dangers to the bare minimum.
Automated Gates Sin #7 Uncontrolled Closing Force on Traffic Barriers
Traffic barriers exist to control vehicles, of course. But they must respect pedestrian safety. We incorporate safety measures like magnetic vehicle detectors and supplementary beams, for proper force limitation.
At Redzvision Security, we’re committed to taming these seven deadly sins – safety first and always is our moto. So your automated gates remain a convenience as well as a powerful security feature. Following relevant guidelines and standards, while conducting regular testing and maintenance reduces associated risks to the bare minimum.
Acknowledging Nick Perkins
Nick Perkins, the man behind the insights in this article, is a respected authority in gate safety. As DHF’s Senior Training & Compliance Officer, Perkins’ safety concerns align perfectly with ours here at Redzvision Security. Like Nick we prioritise safety. And educating the public is a huge part of that. As Nick says:
“There really is no place in our sector for illegal products and unsafe installations.”
Hear, hear, Nick. Keep up the good work!
DHF Guidance Table
The British Standards BS EN 13241-1:2003, BS EN 12635 on Installation and use and BS EN 12978 on Safety devices for power operated doors and gates are the cornerstone for gate safety and legal compliance.
They include robust rules, directly addressing the ‘seven deadly sins’ of automated gates. And suggest safety measures such as closing force limitations and force reversal timings. Compliance with these is crucial. The DHF provides guidance in their DHF TS 013-1:2021 Part 1. You’ll find the relevant sections for each sin in the following table.
| Company | Contact | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Defective sliding gate travel stops | #2 Hinge failure | #3 Draw-in at sliding gates | #4 Reducing hinge gaps | #5 Excessive closing force | #6 Excessive crushing force at hinged gate lower edges | #7 Uncontrolled closing force on traffic barriers |
| Section 2.1.2 | Sections 2.1.3 & 2.1.4 | Section 4.5 | Section 4.4 | Sections 6.5.3 & 6.5.4 | Section 4.3 | Section 6 |
No more deadly sins with Redzvision Security
Safety is more than a catchphrase at Redzvision Security – it’s our driving principle. We live and breathe by our motto, “Safety first and always.” As a small business, we offer a unique edge: service with a personal touch, the power of listening and a genuine commitment to our clients’ safety. With Redzvision Security, you’re not just another client. You’re a valued partner.
Let us help you navigate the complexities of automated gate safety. Our experts are ready to guide you through your automated gates journey. Ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulations. And most importantly, providing you peace of mind.
Choose Redzvision Security. Choose safety (and security) first and always.
This blog post is provided for general information only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. Call Redzvision Security on 01925 269323 to speak to one of our professionals for specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
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