Door Industry Journal - Winter 2014

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 90 THE door industry journal winter 2014 powered gates CHECK TELESCOPIC GATES FOR SAFETY, USERS URGED FOLLOWING ACCIDENT Owners and all those responsible for the operation of powered telescopic sliding gates are being urged to have their installations checked for safety. The call has come from the Door & Hardware Federation Powered Gate Group following a recent accident involving a telescopic gate that led to injury. The DHF Powered Gate Group, which represents the leading manufacturers, suppliers, installers and maintainers of powered automatic gates and gate automation equipment, has now issued guidelines to its members. These highlight the areas of concern relating to telescopic gates and give advice on how potential hazards can be identified and adequately controlled. The recent accident is being investigated by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE). In the meantime, owners of telescopic gates are being advised to review their installations and get them checked for safety by a member of the DHF Powered Gate Group. And all those involved in the repair and maintenance of telescopic gates are being urged to review their risk assessments to ensure all gates they have worked on are safe. DHF training officer Nick Perkins said: “Telescopic sliding gates present more complex issues than conventional gate designs and so hazard control and maintenance requirements are more complex as a result.” And he pointed out that telescopic gates in particular will most likely require cutting edge safety systems such as laser scanners and light curtains to be incorporated. Nick continued: “Recently we organised the Gate Safety Week initiative to build awareness amongst both gate installers and owners of the dangers posed by poorly installed and maintained gates. During the event HSE inspector Stuart Charles was a keynote speaker at our seminar. He told delegates ‘Don’t think what do I need to do for compliance, but what do I need to do to make the system safe?’. “This latest incident illustrates the vital importance of everyone involved in the installation, maintenance and use of automated gates to make safety their number one priority.” To locate DHF Powered Gate Group members who can carry out safety checks on powered telescopic sliding gates visit: www.dhfonline.org.uk/powered-gate-group-members.aspx . SUN, SEA AND THE FAAC B680 When Security Access Systems were asked to install a new barrier system for one of their long standing clients, there was one clear choice in the market place, that would withstand the Sun, Sea and Sand, that any Security equipment installed on the prestigious holiday park in Abersoch, North Wales would have to withstand for years to come; the FAAC B680. This new installation by Security Access Systems replaced a barrier system which had been in use on the site for several years; over that time, the barrier cabinet itself eventually rusted through, due to having experienced high winds and salty conditions, for many years. The FAAC B680 was recommended by Security Access Systems, due to its robust nature of manufacture, the availability of several finishes and the fact that they were able to offer their clients the option of replacing the cabinet, so that when the outer casing is effected by the elements, damaged or is subject to vandalism, the casing can be replaced, ensuring that a superior finish is maintained, without the need to replace the mechanics of the barrier. Sue Keelagher, Director of Security Access Systems commented; “The B680 particularly stood out to us as the obvious choice, given that LED lights can be installed on the unit housing and along the five metre beam, adding additional safety elements to the install, given the low lighting conditions, along with the standard safety devices, and the compatibility with the existing access control system. While, the ability to update the cabinet ensures the barrier remains aesthetically pleasing for years to come.” Mrs G. Eyton - Jones from Bryn Cethin Bach Caravan Park, Abersoch, commented “We are delighted with our new FAAC barrier, which has been installed by Security Access Systems. “The lighting, appearance and reliability has proved a great success with ourselves and customers”.