“Still work to be done on reducing automated gate accidents” urges Gate Safe founder

The charity has now trained nearly 2,000 installers and undertaken over 100 independent site surveys, many featuring multiple gates. However, although there are now many more suitably trained and competent installers in the field, Gate Safe continues to publicise the need to avoid the ‘accidental installer’ (ie a technician who might be on site for a number of other jobs, who is asked to take on the installation of an automated gate without the benefit of the requisite specialist training).

In addition, Gate Safe remains concerned about the number of recorded accidents relating to heavy gates falling on to victims due to a poor level of understanding pertaining to the safety of a gate in terms of heir intrinsic mechanical structure.

Jackson explained:  “The original team that was involved in the Gate Safe campaign ten years ago remains in place today and every one of us is acutely aware of the irreparable pain and suffering inflicted on Semelia and Karolina’s families following the terrible accidents of 2010. We will continue to work tirelessly to raise awareness of the need to treat automated gates and barriers with as much respect as a car when it comes to the mechanics and operation.”

He continued: “These installations are classed as machines and, as such, should only be installed by engineers with the appropriate understanding to fit a safe and compliant structure. Just as you would never dream of driving a car that has not been routinely serviced and adequately maintained, a gate owner must be aware of their responsibility to adhere to a regular maintenance programme in order to ensure the continued safety of anyone using that gate.”

In conclusion, Jackson observed: “Automated gates continue to grow in popularity. Our job is to ensure that awareness of the correct safety protocol required for this type of access control measure keeps pace with the increase in demand.”

*For further information on the work of Gate Safe visit https://gate-safe.org/