Watchdog, the BBC1 TV consumer show, called on a trade body for help when it turned its spotlight on dodgy domestic garage doors.
The DHF (Door and Hardware Federation represents manufacturers and installers of garage doors in the UK. On the Wednesday, November 30, edition, the DHF’s technical man Nick Perkins helped Matt Allwright, Watchdog’s consumer champion, highlight the safety issues caused by incorrect installation of garage doors.
Watchdog exposed one company that fitted a garage door which subsequently fell, injuring the person who was walking into the garage. The garage door company based in Chelmsford had variously traded under the Essati, Vecelli and Roman company names but had the same family members involved. Guarantees issued had proved worthless after the company name changes, Watchdog reported.
In the programme Nick – who is the DHF’s training officer – gave an on-air commentary during secret filming of the installation of an ill-fitting garage door. Viewers heard Nick criticise the methods of installation used by the fitters which, he said, should have been safer.
After the fitters left, Nick inspected the installation and said his main concern was the structural integrity of the door.
After the programme, Nick, pictured, said: “A garage door is the largest and heaviest moving part in the home. If it’s unsafe it’s quite capable of causing serious injury if someone is struck or trapped by an unsafe garage door. The DHF has been campaigning for a long time to raise standards of compliance and safety in the garage door industry. To that end we work closely with trading standards officials to alert them to companies which fit non-compliant doors.
“As Watchdog demonstrated, there are unfortunately still companies out there which cut corners, mislead customers and fit doors that are potentially dangerous. Watchdog is seen by millions of viewers so this programme will significantly raise awareness amongst householders of the need for compliant and safe garage doors. The DHF will continue to advise householders to have their garage doors installed and maintained by reputable companies that employ qualified and trained installers.”
For video from Watchdog, visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04jtfkk.
For the DHF visit http://www.dhfonline.org.uk/garage-doors-trade.aspx.
