Assess the complete travel path

The closing edge is only one danger point. Crushing may occur at hinges, drawing-in at rollers and shearing between the leaf and fixed fencing. With a sliding gate, the area into which the leaf retracts requires particular attention during assessment.

Consider pedestrians, delivery staff and people unfamiliar with the system. Remote controls can initiate movement without a clear view of every danger point. Traffic frequency and public access influence the protective measures required for the particular installation and its foreseeable use.

Protect people as well as vehicles

A photocell intended to stop a gate striking a car may miss a person in another position. Select and check suitable devices for each area, combining safe design, Machine guards, detection and force limitation where appropriate to the assessed hazards.

Devices must work together within the installed assembly. A list of certified components does not by itself establish that the finished door is safe. Verification should reflect actual site conditions and leave a record of the results and any necessary corrective work.

Structural stability matters too

Guides, supports and end stops prevent the leaf leaving its travel path or falling. They must withstand expected loads, including wind and operation. Switching to manual mode during a fault does not remove these hazards or automatically make the gate safe.

Vehicle impacts, corrosion and unusual movement require reporting and measures to prevent dangerous use. Competent personnel should assess and repair the damage. Do not compensate for abnormal resistance by defeating protection or increasing the force applied by the drive.

Maintain records and protective functions

The responsible person needs assembly instructions, installer identification and maintenance records. Checks should cover mechanical parts and protective functions at intervals appropriate to use and manufacturer guidance, rather than assuming one schedule suits every door or entrance.

During intervention, weight, spring tension or hydraulic pressure can remain hazardous. The procedure must control these energies and prevent unexpected movement. After modifications or repairs, verify the complete system’s safety again before returning the access route to normal service.