Gate Safe was set up in 2010, in the wake of the tragic deaths of two children crushed by automated gates, in separate accidents. Gate Safe – which has been commended by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) for its ‘pioneering approach’ – was established to improve the understanding of existing legislation and standards, and to offer further guidance in ‘plain english’ to aid the interpretation of what constitutes a safe gate. The charity focuses on raising awareness of the critical safety issues associated with powered gates amongst the wide range of professionals associated with these types of installations, via training and education.
WHY IS GATE SAFE NEEDED?
Simply, to stop any further fatalities / injuries occurring as a result of electric gate accidents. Although legislation exists along with various British Standards, which provide guidelines on the manufacture and installation of electric gates, the interpretation / awareness of this information can lead to confusion. It is also clear that under current guidelines, there is no formal requirement to undertake any specialist training prior to becoming involved in the specification, supply or installation of powered gates and that the sale of such items is not limited to a list of professional registered organisations.
Gate Safe would also like to see tighter controls in relation to the maintenance of gates – this includes those installed prior to the current guidelines / legislation.
Gate Safe is also working to control the sale of DIY automation kits which enables anyone to transform a regular manual gate into a MACHINE.
WHO DOES THIS AFFECT?
- Gate Safe is the first initiative that aims to bring together ALL parties affected by automated gate safety, this includes:
- Suppliers of gate automation equipment
- Suppliers of access control equipment
- Gate manufacturers
- Gate installers including electrical specialists
- Architects
- Quantity surveyors
- Insurers / surveyors
- Construction companies
- Trade organisations / safety organisations
- Commercial property owners (including schools)
- Residential property owners
- Estate agents, letting agents, inventory clerks
- The general public