Gate Safety & Regulations
Automated gates are pieces of moving machinery. If they are not properly designed, installed, and maintained, they can cause serious injury. This is not scaremongering. There have been fatalities in the UK caused by poorly installed automated gates, and the regulations exist because the risk is real.
As a Gate Safe Premier Installer, safety is central to everything we do. This page explains what the regulations require and why it matters when choosing an installer.
THE MACHINERY DIRECTIVE AND SUPPLY OF MACHINERY REGULATIONS:
An automated gate is classified as a machine under UK law. This means it must comply with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (which implement the EU Machinery Directive). The installer is responsible for ensuring the completed gate system meets these requirements.
In practice, this means every automated gate installation must include a risk assessment specific to the site, appropriate safety devices to mitigate the identified risks, a force test to confirm the gate stops or reverses when it meets an obstruction, a Declaration of Incorporation confirming the system meets the essential health and safety requirements, and technical documentation that is kept on file.
WHAT SAFETY DEVICES ARE REQUIRED?
The specific devices depend on the risk assessment, but a typical residential installation will include photocells (infrared beams) that detect when something is in the path of the closing gate, safety edges on the leading edges of the gate that trigger a stop or reverse when contact is made, and force limitation settings on the motor that prevent the gate from exerting dangerous pressure.
Commercial installations may require additional measures such as traffic lights, warning signs, and induction loops.
WHY GATE SAFE MATTERS:
Gate Safe is a charity that campaigns for safer automated gates. Their installer accreditation scheme recognises companies that have demonstrated competence in designing and installing automated gates safely.
Gate Safe Premier Installer status, which Simply Secure holds, is a higher level of accreditation that requires additional evidence of training, safety awareness, and ongoing professional development. When you choose a Gate Safe Premier Installer, you can be confident that your automated gate will be installed to current safety standards with all the required documentation.
WHAT IF YOUR EXISTING GATE IS NOT COMPLIANT?
If you have an automated gate that was installed without proper safety devices or documentation, it may not be compliant with current regulations. This is more common than you might think, particularly with older installations or gates fitted by general builders rather than specialist installers.
We can carry out a safety assessment of your existing automated gate, identify any deficiencies, and recommend and carry out the necessary upgrades to bring it into compliance.
ANNUAL SAFETY TESTING:
Automated gates should be tested at least annually to confirm that all safety devices are functioning correctly and that force levels remain within safe limits. We offer annual safety testing as a standalone service and as part of our maintenance packages.
Concerned about your automated gate safety? Call 01952 740308 for a safety assessment.
