The first candidates have completed the new DHF Powered Gate Safety Diploma training course. This is the latest effort by the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) in towards safety of powered automatic gates.
Some 20 installers went through the two-day course in Manchester at the beginning of September. Training covered all aspects of gate safety from initial risk assessment through to force testing, to obtain their DHF Gate Safety Diplomas. The training is compulsory for all DHF members who supply and install powered gates or powered gate equipment. It has been put in place by the Powered Gate Group which was set up by the DHF to promote the safe and responsible design, manufacture and installation of automatic gates.
The curriculum was developed after consultation with the Health and Safety Executive. Said Andy Holz, chairman of the Powered Gate Group of the DHF: “The Gate Safety Diploma course sets a new standard in gate safety. There is no other safety assured training scheme for gate safety like it in the UK and it will quickly become a benchmark. This is not simply about turning up to get the badge. This is about ensuring safety standards are prioritised and every candidate is being fully assessed before qualification for the diploma is confirmed.”
The industry body says that the course is open to installers and all personnel responsible for assessment and inspection of powered gates. The second diploma course is being held in October and further courses will run early in 2014.
Chris Threadgold, general manager of Lancashire based Astbury, who completed the course, said: “Safety is fundamental to the work we do and the diploma is the only way forward for the industry becoming safety assured at all levels.”
For more on the DHF Gate Safety Diploma scheme visit www.dhfpoweredgategroup.co.uk
