Building Compliance Associates now offering Gate Force Tests and Risk Assessments.

We’re pleased to advise we’re now offering completely independent automatic gate/shutter/barrier risk assessment and force testing.  Contact us for more details and/or a sample report.

In summary, the requirement is as follows;

Following a number of recent fatalities from electrically powered gates, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a series of safety notices.

Automatic gates on residential sites are classed as high risk by HSE in the following circumstances:

• where children may be in close proximity to them;
• where it is not possible to instruct users;
• where the gates are used by the public in high numbers.

Regular risk assessments including a force test of existing gates by competent persons are required. Additional safety measures may be required for existing gates.

Planned preventative maintenance of gates by a competent person should also be in place.

Failure to risk assess gates may affect the insurance cover held in case of accidents and could lead to prosecution and negligence claims.