Influential organisations within the security sector are continuing to join the growing campaign to improve the safety of automated gates.
Secured by Design, the flagship UK police crime prevention initiative and the European Fencing Industry Association (EFIA), which promotes safety within the fencing industry, are the latest to support Gate Safety Week (
www.gatesafetyweek.org.uk October 13 - 19).
The Master Locksmiths Association has already joined the Gate Safety Week campaign which is committed to raising public awareness of the dangers posed by poorly installed and maintained powered gates.
Gate Safety Week is being organised by the Door & Hardware Federation Powered Gate Group which comprises Britain's leading manufacturers, suppliers, installers and maintainers of powered automatic gates and gate automation equipment.
Neil Sampson, chairman of the DHF Powered Gate Group, said: "We're delighted the security sector has put its weight behind our campaign. They are joining a large number of influential organisations in the safety, enforcement, inspection and education sectors that are determined to help us promote this vitally important powered gate safety message.
"Gate Safety Week is all about making as many people as possible aware of the dangers posed by a poorly installed or maintained powered gate.
"We estimate that more than two thirds of all automated gates in the UK fail to meet current safety standards and could be potentially unsafe. In recent years three children and three adults have been killed in gate accidents. As an industry we are determined to minimise the risk of further tragic accidents happening."
The DHF Powered Gate Group was set up with the encouragement of the Health & Safety Executive following fatal accidents involving unsafe gates. Its Gate Safety Week campaign is raising awareness of the potential dangers that powered gates pose and advising that existing powered gates should be checked for safety and legal compliance. It is also stressing that correctly installed and properly maintained gates are perfectly safe to use.
There is comprehensive guidance for security professionals, other professionals and the general public on the website (). This includes a guide to safety legislation and a detailed rundown of the safety features to look for on a powered gate.
