Gate Risk Assessment Service for Health & Safety
Our risk assessment involves an on-site inspection of an automated gate or rising arm barrier to identify potential risks to people when the gate is in operation.
The assessment typically includes thoroughly examining the gate’s physical condition, operational efficiency, and the functionality of safety devices such as sensors and emergency stops. Inspectors look for any signs of wear and tear, potential pinch points, and areas where the gate’s movement might pose a risk to users.
For your guidance, we provide a guide to who might be responsible for managing the risk. Click here…
A Gate Risk Assessment Service – Call 0207 770 6486
Why Complete a Risk Assessment?
It is recommended by the HSE that every site completes a full risk assessment and acts upon any recommendations made. Company directors are liable for injuries, deaths, or other RIDDOR issues investigated by the HSE in relation to gates operated by their company or organisation.
Residential homes with automated gates are not liable in the same way. However, if children live at or are visitors to the house, would you not want the peace of mind that your gates are safe?
If an accident involving an automated gate does occur, it is important to note that the last gate company that attended the gate will also be investigated. If the gate is found to have been non-compliant, the gate company’s directors could be prosecuted. Therefore, it is very likely that gates that are found to be non-compliant but are otherwise fully operational will be switched off and left open, reducing site security.
WHAT ACTION IS NEEDED IF MY GATE IS NON-COMPLIANT?
A non-compliant gate should never be operated. Assuming the gate has been switched off and left open by the gate company, the legal responsibility has now been transferred to the owner of the gate. You should now seriously consider completing a Safety Upgrade.
Pearly Gate will provide advice and quotations as part of their comprehensive risk assessment service. We are also happy to undertake price reviews of risk assessments and quotations submitted by other companies as part of our customer care program.
What Issues Does an Electric Gate Risk Assessment Aim to Identify?
An electric gate risk assessment typically looks for several potential safety issues to ensure the gate operates safely and does not harm people. For example…
Gaps and Trapping Points:
The assessment identifies areas where fingers, hands, or other body parts could become trapped, particularly in moving parts and gaps between the gate and surrounding structures.
Shearing and Crushing Points:
Inspectors check for areas where the gate’s movement could cause shearing or crushing injuries, including where the gate meets gate posts, other gate leaves, fences, or walls.
Force Exerted by the Gate:
The force exerted by the gate in different positions and movements is tested to ensure it is within safe limits. Excessive force can cause significant injuries if someone is caught by the gate.
Operational Efficiency and Safety Devices:
The proper functioning of safety devices such as sensors, emergency stops, and light beams is verified to ensure they operate correctly and can prevent accidents.
Wear and Tear:
Regular wear and tear may lead to mechanical failures or safety issues. The assessment includes a check for any signs of damage or degradation that could affect the gate’s safe operation.
Environmental Factors:
The surrounding environment is assessed for potential risks, such as obstacles that may interfere with the gate’s operation or conditions that could impact its safety.
Addressing these issues can help property owners ensure their electric gates operate safely, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
WHAT WILL A GATE ASSESSMENT INCLUDE?
As a risk assessment is a site-specific report, the process would normally include the following: –
- A technical list of the key components installed
- Which safety devices are installed and if they are operational
- A nine-point force test report
- Photographs of the gate and areas of concern
- Key physical measurements
- All hazards identified and supported by photographs
- Appropriate risk control measures
- A certificate of compliance if the gate is deemed compliant
- Safety Upgrade Quotation if the gate is non-compliant
- Supporting general safety advice
HOW OFTEN DOES A RISK ASSESSMENT NEED TO BE DONE?
A site-specific risk assessment must be completed only once for each automated gate.
However, should there be a major change at the site, such as the construction of a wall behind the gate creating a potential new crush zone, a new or revised risk assessment should be completed.
It is also possible that your company policy requires that it be reviewed periodically.
Call 0207 770 6486 for more information.