Sliding gate risk assessment for architects, specifiers and users
Procter Sliding Gates is offering a free Risk Assessment Form that is based on the document already used by the company when designing new installations. Architects and specifiers can download this Risk Assessment Form to assess the safety of sliding gates and, therefore, identify what safety measures might be required; in the case of existing powered/automatic gates, the form can help users to review the adequacy of current safety measures. This is important in view of recent accidents involving powered sliding gates, some of which have proved fatal.No two projects are identical, so all powered sliding gates should be assessed on their own merits. The Procter Sliding Gates risk assessment form includes a worked example to indicate the types of safety measures that can be appropriate for certain combinations of hazards and usage patterns.
For new installations, architects and specifiers might not be aware that powered sliding gates are classified as 'machinery' and must therefore be CE marked by the supplier in accordance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC, and there is a risk assessment standard that is harmonised to the Machinery Directive, namely EN ISO 14121, Safety of machinery. Risk assessment. Principles.
Existing powered sliding gates need not be CE marked retrospectively, but they are likely to fall within the scope of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98) and the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974. The prudent course of action, therefore, would be to start by undertaking a risk assessment using the new form from Procter Sliding Gates. If any areas of concern are highlighted, the gates can be subjected to a full PUWER inspection. Given the potential for gates to cause fatal injuries - such as to children playing in the vicinity of the gates - unsafe gates should have any necessary additional safety measures implemented as soon as reasonably practicable. If appropriate, automated operation could be temporarily disabled and hold-to-run controls used until such time as permanent improvements have been made.
The new powered sliding gate Risk Assessment Form is available from the Free Downloads section of the website, together with other useful resources such as guides and White Papers. Alternatively, contact Procter Sliding Gates to request a copy of the Risk Assessment Form by telephoning 02920 855 756 or emailing enquiries@sliding-gate.co.uk
