Gate Automation

We have put together this "Guide To Gate Automation" to help you understand the considerations of buying automated gates. We hope that the information below will answer any questions that you have about automated gates.

What Determines the Cost of An Automatic Gate?

Automatic gate drivers

A standard practical system is two drivers are controlled by radio transmitters and with an intercom or numerical series keypad. It will typically run in "fully automatic" mode. So when you arrive, you point the transmitter towards evictions and press once. The gates open, you continue, and after a predetermined wait, the gates will shut. Visitors can call the house utilising the intercom which will offer remote opening from the interior mobile phone.

New gates must adhere to the Supply of Machinery Safety Regulations. These bring the European Machinery Directive into UK law. Further, any person keeping, repairing or modifying a powered gate is called for by section 3 of the Health & Safety at the Office Act 1974. It is to make sure all work produces a secure gateway.

Automated gate system risk assessment

Many of the potential hazards that these dated installations present can be lessened by upgrading or refitting modern safety devices that work with the existing automation system you have in place. Our competent installation company will visit your site and carry out a full risk assessment of your automated gate system.

As soon as we have carried out a risk assessment and any potential hazards have been thoroughly assessed and addressed, we will then discuss with you the appropriate automation equipment, gates and necessary safety devices that are required. The correct equipment and safety devices will minimise or eliminate the hazards that had been highlighted in the risk assessment.

Just some of the dangers that we will assess as part of a full risk assessment when we install automated gates are: However, our team will discuss these with you. More dangers could occur if qualified engineers do not install automated gates.  All our Automated gates, security systems and products fully comply with all aspects of health and safety.

Crushing

Swing gates can present the potential for crushing because the two gate leaves close together. There is a potential of crushing to vehicles, people and pets.

There are gaps between the gates and the hinges or the underside of the gates and the road surface. These gaps have the potential to crush somebody's feet.

If the automated gates open onto a solid surface like a brick wall or a fence, and the space is insufficient, it is possible to get crushed between the two.

Electric Shock

Most automated gate systems installed will require a 230V supply. If this supply is not correctly installed, then there is the potential to receive an electric shock from the gate. The installation of the supply is subject to the regulations of BS7671.

Our expert team at Automation and Security are certified to Part P of the building regulations. The health, safety and wellbeing of our customers and the general public are paramount.

We work with and comply with the strictest of guidelines surrounding automated gates and automated security.

Trapping

There are two main trapping hazards they are: Where space is large enough for a person or animal to stand behind the gate once it is fully opened there is a chance there is no means of escape if the gates don't close.

People or body parts that become trapped in the automated mechanisms or the fabric of the gates is much more severe and potentially the more dangerous of the two hazards.

Collision

During the opening and closing of your gates, there is a risk that they could collide with a person, vehicle or animal. The risk of collision depends on how the automated gates are commanded to move.

They type and height of your gates is also a factor. Elderly, disabled and younger children aren't always able to react quickly. It is possible they could quite easily be in the way of the gates when they shut. All of these factors will influence the type and level of automated safety your gates require.

Shearing

This is a very significant hazard you need to consider when installing sliding gates. The danger occurs when your gates pass a fixed vertical object such as the bars of railings or a post.

If for example someone's arm got trapped between the post and the gate and the automated gate continued moving then the shearing forces could cause an injury such as a broken arm or at worst with a considerable gate it could act as the blades of a guillotine. There are some simple and effective ways to minimise or eliminate this risk, such as using mesh panels behind railings to stop arms from passing between the bars.

Choosing an Automatic Gate

There are many things you need to consider when selecting automatic gates. Firstly, it is essential to give some thought to exactly how your gates will be used and how often access is required.

Gate Safety Checklist

We will work with you and adhere to all health and safety regulations regarding automatic gates and security systems. Some of the regulations on our checklist are listed below:

• The gates must be fitted with the correct safety devices.
• The gates need to be correctly maintained regularly by a competent engineer.
• Service records must be kept and stored appropriately.
• The gates must have an annual force test and risk assessment.
• The gates must be CE marked with their unique serial ID number.
• The gates have to have a declaration of conformity.
• The gates need to have a certificate of compliance.
• The gates need an operation and maintenance manual (O&M manual) kept on-site.
• The gates
• The gates must have the correct signage.
• The exact, safe design hinges or pivots must be used for the gates.
• The gates have to have a fully lockable housing for there control panel.
• The gates need to be kept compliant as and when any regulations regarding them are updated.
• The gates have to have two pairs of safety beams or laser curtains to suit there design.
• The gates must have safety edges to cover any points that may trap.
• Swing gates will require finger guards to the hinged areas.
• Sliding gates should require safety cages or safety loops where applicable.
• Gates that have motors should have built-in obstacle detection.

All machines placed on the market in the European Union have a legal requirement to comply with the EU Machinery Directive. In the United Kingdom, this European law is implemented by The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations. This regulation requires all machines to meet a set of "essential health and safety requirements" and to be CE marked as proof of compliance.

Automating Your Existing Gate

Have you already invested in some good quality wrought iron or wooden gates? There is every chance you spent a lot of your valuable time choosing the right style that blends with your property. You will no doubt have invested your hard-earned money for their purchase. Maybe you would like to keep hold of your original wooden or wrought iron gates. Would like to have the convenience of automated gates without the expense of a whole new set of electric gates?

If you answered YES and your wooden or wrought iron gates are in good condition, then Automation and Security will be able to automate your existing gates by selecting the correct motor and make some simple adjustments. Our automation can be fitted to many different types and styles of gates. To discuss your requirements and how we can help you, please call our highly qualified professional team on 0191 511 82 40. Safety is our top priority, and for this reason, our qualified engineers cannot work on gates that don't conform to all HSE and British Standards regulations.  

For the safety of you, your family and any visitors, we recommend you speak with one of our engineers. They will be only too happy to give you all the help, advice and information you require. Our trained and qualified engineers will assess your entrance during there site visit they will take into account any areas that pose a hazard or risk.

They will recommend the necessary safety equipment to ensure your gates operate safely. There are many different types, styles and designs of automated gates. We can visit your residential or commercial property and discuss your requirements with you. Whatever you have in mind, Automation and Security will have the solution for you.

We have a team of fully qualified engineers that will give you all the help, advice and information you require.