COST OF LIVING CRISIS COULD COMPROMISE GATE SAFETY
The charity Gate Safe has expressed concern that the current cost of living crisis has the potential to significantly impact the safety of automated gates and barriers in the UK.
Regardless of the government’s recent Energy Price Guarantee announcement, households are still facing rising energy bills and an average increase in the cost of food with UK supermarket prices rising to their highest level since the 2008 financial crisis. Businesses are no better off and are still awaiting the details of the planned energy support plan whilst still reeling from the impact of Covid-19, Brexit and the associated supply chain issues.
According to Gate Safe, this may lead to customers, both domestic and commercial, trying to save money by cutting back on the essential maintenance regime recommended for automated gates and barriers.
WHERE DOES IT SAY I NEED REGULAR MAINTENANCE?
It is a legal requirement for commercial / industrial / schools / multi- occupancy housing with gated access / rented property / premises with managing agent or residents association to have regular maintenance on all automated gates and barriers. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – regulation three and The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 Regulation 5 both detail the need for maintenance.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY GATE BE SERVICED?
The installer / maintenance provider should stipulate how often and what is required during the routine service. They will assess the specific system and take into account number of daily operations and specific product requirements to ensure the maintenance visit schedule is adequate. Most gate systems will require at least one service every six months but this could be more frequent if the gate / barrier undergoes a high volume of daily operations.
DO RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS HAVE TO HAVE REGULAR MAINTENANCE SERVICE VISITS?
There is no legal requirement but yes, they should still have a six-monthly service visit. This is no different to having a car MOT’d and the responsibility associated with owning a potentially lethal machine which must be regularly maintained to ensure it remains roadworthy and safe.
To ensure installers are armed with the correct information to encourage a customer NOT to deviate from the maintenance schedule, the charity has provided a template of answers providing clear guidance on maintenance matters.
