Are You Renting a Property/Flat with an Electric Gate?

Electric gates are often used in multi-occupancy housing to enhance safety and control access. However, as machines, they need to be properly installed and maintained to ensure they do not pose a danger to anyone who comes into contact with them.

The Importance of Safe Electric Gates

While automated gates are designed to protect residents, incorrect installation or lack of maintenance can lead to severe, sometimes fatal, injuries. These gates are legally classified as machines and are typically heavy, capable of crushing, dragging, or trapping individuals if they fail to stop when a person is detected.

What Makes a Gate Safe?

A safely installed automated gate should not cause harm or injury to anyone using it. Installers must conduct a risk assessment of the gate and its environment to implement site-specific safety measures.

However, safety isn’t solely about adding devices; it’s also about thoughtful design from the outset. For example, a well-designed swing gate should include three hinges. This means that if one hinge fails, the gate remains securely in place, significantly reducing the risk of it falling. Incorporating safety considerations during the design stage ensures a robust and reliable gate that protects everyone. To learn more about designing in safety click here.