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 which runs from October 13 to 19.
The Master Locksmiths Association has already joined the campaign, organised by the Door & Hardware Federation Powered Gate Group which comprises 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.”
Mick Reynolds, senior development officer at the Association of Chief Police Officers Secured by Design, says: “Secured by Design and the DHF have a long history of working together. As well as needing to be secure, it is vital that gates are regularly inspected and maintained so that they perform properly and at the same time are safe to those using them. Gate Safety Week is a great way of raising awareness in this area.”
And Bernard J KilBride, general secretary of European Fencing Industry Association, says: “EFIA actively works to raise standards of safety, quality and professionalism within the fencing industry, and therefore wholeheartedly supports DHF’s Gate Safety Week and its significant efforts to date in developing professional standards for powered gate installers and suppliers.”
Some background
The DHF Powered Gate Group was set up with the encouragement of the Health & Safety Executive after 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 guidance on the website www.gatesafetyweek.org.uk.
