gate safety still being overlooked

Managing agents, facilities managers and other property-related professionals are still failing to ensure the safety of powered gates and barriers according to Richard Jackson, CEO and Founder of charity Gate Safe. Speaking at an industry event organised by security systems and building technology integrator Interphone Limited, he explained that of more than 50 gates surveyed by Gate Safe in the past 12 months, all were deemed to be dangerous and over 95 per cent required significant safety upgrades.

“Property management companies have a moral, legal and commercial responsibility to ensure that powered gates and barriers at residential developments meet the latest safety standards,” explains Jackson. “We are still seeing on average two incidents a year where people are being seriously injured or killed due to poor safety, despite significant risk of financial penalties of more than £500,000 in some cases, civil lawsuits and even a prison sentence if a company or individual are found to negligent.”

Jackson went on to outline the steps needed to ensure the ongoing safety of electric gates and barriers, as well highlighting some of the common safety issues. He explained that all aspects of an integrated solution – including the motor, intercom system and safety devices – need to be manufactured, installed and maintained correctly. Property management companies also need to ensure that six-monthly maintenance service call and risk assessments are carried out and acted on for all new and historical installations if they are to meet their duty of care and health and safety commitments.

Julian Synett, Managing Director of Interphone commented: “Every injury or death caused by unsafe gates and barriers could have been prevented with the application of the correct safety protocol. It is essential that gates are installed and maintained in a safe and responsible manner, so we are pleased to have teamed up with Gate Safe to raise awareness of the risks and help promote safety best practice.”

This latest event is one of a series of Safety Awareness Courses run by Interphone at its head office in Harrow. For further information on forthcoming events or to register interest in attending please visit: https://interphone.co.uk/2017-events/