When considering any automated gate, safety should always be the overriding priority. While automated gates are designed to make access control more convenient, they can also pose serious risks if not installed or maintained correctly. One type of operation you may come across is something called deadman operation or hold to run but what does this mean?
What is a Deadman Switch?
A deadman switch is a type of control that only works while someone is actively pressing or holding it. The moment the operator lets go, the movement of the gate stops.
You will see the same principle in operation in other sectors too – for example, some trains and lawnmowers have a deadman switch built in, so they cannot continue moving if the driver or operator loses control.
In the context of gates, this means the gate only moves while the button or control is being held down.
How Does Deadman Operation Work on Gates?
When a gate is set up with deadman operation, the installer programmes the controls so that the gate doesn’t automatically open or close with a single press of a button. Instead, the operator must keep their finger on the control for the entire movement – the operator needs to always be in sight of the gate. The operator of the gate needs to be trained in understanding how to operate the gate safely, effectively the operator is the safety device.
If the operator releases the button – whether by accident or intentionally – the gate stops moving straight away. This provides an added layer of safety because the operator has constant control and can stop the gate immediately if they notice a risk, such as someone walking into the path of the gate.
It’s also worth noting that deadman operation can be used not only on swing or sliding gates, but also to safely operate rising arm barriers.
Where are deadman – hold to run switches positioned?
These need to be placed in a safe position so that the operator has sight of the gate and can view all the potential hazards. The operator also has to be safely located so that the gate is not capable of harming them during its operation.. CCTV or any video surveillance isn’t deemed as sight of the gate.
Other considerations
When releasing the deadman key or button the gate will be stopped by the motor, it is therefore essential that the motor locks and does not allow the gate to free wheel.
It is also important to maintain the equipment to make sure wear and tear does not impact the stopping distance, the gate should stop within 100mm of the control being released
In order to make sure your gate is safe please make sure this is checked by trained experts.
Automated gates are incredibly useful as a means to deliver access control to a site, but like any machine, they must have the appropriate safety measures in place. Deadman operation is a simple but effective way of ensuring gates can only move when someone is actively in control and potentially be more cost effective in terms of capital outlay than a fully automatic gate.
