We recommend a minimum annual service for reliability and safety compliance.
We serve Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Northamptonshire regions.
Yes and no! A safety inspection, risk assessment and suitability assessment would be required
Not forgetting that, there needs to be suitable fixing points for the motors and we can get cables to where we need them.
There may also be the requirement for additional safety sensors
Can the gates remain in the same position on the post?
Maybe! The gates should be installed as safely as reasonable
When we say safely... Once upon-a-time, most gates were fitted between an opening and hung in the middle of each pier or post.
Although this is still a good location for field type gates, hung off standard size posts, it is not the case most anywhere else.
Does that mean my gates shouldn‘t be hung in the centre of the piers?’ Yes, for H&S reasons and to abide by the regulations in keeping with the Machinery Directive, Entrapment & Crushing etc.
(this is law!) No power operated gate should be hung so that its movement from fully closed, to fully open, and vies versa, could cause a gap of over 100mm to reduce below 100mm without adequate safety cover or protection (additional safety devices fitted).
If the gate is hung mid position and swings either way, it will end up meeting the pier in its fully open position. At the pier/hinge end of the gate, what was a large gap of well over 100mm, reduces to nothing or one less than 100mm, therefore it becomes a hazard to anyone caught in that location The hinge end of all swing gates is the area of most concern, as it generates the highest forces, leverage or crushing potential, from not just the operator, but any external forces such as wind resistance or any other assistance. It was at this very point, the first reported fatality was caused!
Can't this just be protected?
Yes, but why add complication to the system if it is not really necessary? By fitting each gate leaf off the rear corner, it can swing a long way, until it reaches the back face of the pier and in most installations, this is a good solution. Additional devices maybe added to the gate system that should react if detecting an obstruction and avoid entrapment or impact etc. All added items will need looking after.
What about the swing end of the gate?’ The swing end of such gates can cause injury, but the stopping force required will be at its minimum in relationship to any point back toward the hinge end. Different safety devises can be used to protect this area of lower risk and recommendations are offered with every system proposal or design.