The Hidden Danger on Swing Gates – and the Simple Way to Protect Against an Accident
A gate tether is a simple but effective addition to a gate, designed to prevent it from falling in the event of a hinge breaking and potentially causing serious injury, or worse.
In a perfect world, all gates should feature three hinges to mitigate the risk of hinge failure. But in many cases, especially on existing gates, this is not always practical as it may require complex work and / or carry a high cost. However, a gate tether is an alternative straightforward solution that is quick to install, cost-effective, and most importantly, can prevent a serious falling gate accident.
Tethers are fixed between the hang post and the gate leaf, and act as a fall arrest – or safety net – should the gate become detached, but it is important to remember that these devices are only as good as their fixing. Gate Safe recommends studding through the hang post and then clamping the tether to the surface to ensure a reliably secure installation. Be aware that Tex screws or similar will not provide the support required.
When incorporating a tether into a gate installation, installers should be able to provide evidence that the tether is suitably rated to support the gate structure if a hinge fails. The tether must also be regularly inspected as part of the routine maintenance regime to ensure against degradation or damage.
If a swing gate falls, a tether could literally represent the difference between life and death.
