GATE SAFE REPORTS RECORD TRAINING NUMBERS

Gate Safe, the charity that has campaigned for improved standards of automated gate safety since 2010, reports a healthy increase in the number of installers looking to improve their knowledge of automated gate safety.

In a year-on-year comparison, training numbers are the highest ever, with the online training model proving highly popular since its launch in 2021. Although Gate Safe is looking to reintroduce face-to-face training, the distance learning opportunity is here to stay and is likely to remain the more favoured option with the majority of installers. This is due to the convenience (no need to travel / flexible timings), weekly availability and ability to strike up a more in-depth rapport with the trainer afforded by the online format.

Commenting on the IOSH approved training, founder Richard Jackson said, “We’re delighted to have seen such a strong uptake in the training in the last 12 months, particularly when you consider what a difficult time all businesses have experienced during Covid. In addition to increasing the Gate Safe register to over 2,600 approved installers, we are seeing a far greater level of engagement with our delegates once they’ve completed the course. Part of the appeal of our training is the ongoing access to our technical support line and we’ve noticed that following the distance learning, when delegates have an opportunity to relate with the trainer on a more 1-1 basis, there is an increased likelihood in them continuing to build their relationship by regularly using the technical support line. This means that we are working closely with those in the field, providing independent and impartial expert guidance and advice when they come across an installation that they recognise as not safe, but need further support as to what the next steps should be or even validation that their suspicions are true.

As a result of our regular dialogue with installers, we’re also aware of the increasing number of cases where installers are having to retrofit safety equipment because the original installer had been negligent in their duty to do so. This is unlikely to be well received by the customer and represents a failure in the industry to uphold best practice. We would urge all installers involved in gate automation works – or considering diversifying their business to include this specialism – to take the training as a matter of urgency. In addition, it’s important for all installers to remember the need to refresh their Gate Safe training every two years to ensure they are able to offer the most up-to-date and safest service to their customers.”

The AFI (Association of Fencing Industries) is an official supporter of Gate Safe and the two organisations have plans to work together on a number of related initiatives.

For more information on Gate Safe training visit www.gate-safe.org/training