FAQ - PAS68 & IWA14-1 | Eagle Automation Systems Limited

1: What are the main safety requirements for these machines?

Powered gates and doors:

Must be properly designed, taking full account of the environment of use, the presence of vulnerable members of the population, and potential foreseeable misuse, as well as intended use;
Manufactured (including when assembled from components in situ) to the safety standards required by law, regardless of whether for use in connection with work, or located on private domestic premises;
Supplied with all relevant documentation, particularly the User Instructions for the complete product, and where necessary of component parts;
Installed safely, and maintained for safety, by competent contractors;
If part of a workplace, be adequately inspected and maintained for safety;
If part of premises managed by a work undertaking (including landlords and managing agents of residential complexes), to meet the general duty for the safety of non-employed persons;
As necessary for on-going safety, regularly checked, which may require specific inspection, testing, and adjustment, so they remain safe; and
Where found to be dangerous, immediately taken out of use until all of the safety concerns have been adequately addressed.

2: What does the law say?

Powered (automatic) gates (barriers and doors) located in workplaces are subject to a number of specific legal requirements. These will include requirements for:

design, manufacture, supply and installation under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008; and
inspection and maintenance under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

There will also be general requirements under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 in relation to risks to third parties (non-employees).

Powered (automatic) gates for use on private domestic premises must comply with the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 when first installed.

3: What are the risks with powered (automatic) doors and gates, and how can they be controlled?

In recent years, a number of adults and children have been seriously injured or killed by this type of machinery. The injuries were caused because people have been trapped or crushed by the moving door or gate. All powered doors and gates must be properly designed, installed and maintained to prevent possible injuries.

4: What if I think a gate is unsafe?

Unless youve been working on the gate, the owner of the gate has to ensure that the gate is safe and without risks to others. The owner here includes landlords or managing agents with responsibility for the gate. If the owner thinks the gate is unsafe, he should take steps to make it safe for example, by engaging a competent person to install safety mechanisms or protective devices. Meanwhile, for safety, it should be switched off, or only used safely in a supervised way, eg under direct hold-to-run control.

If youve been working on the gate eg installing, repairing, maintaining the gate then you are responsible for ensuring it is left in a safe state. You should discuss your concerns with the gate owner so that they can take action to put things right.