Premier Security Solutions’ Managing Director Neil Johns has welcomed new revised safety legislation governing the installation and maintenance of automated gate systems.
Recent incidents that led to the deaths of two young children have highlighted a risk of using automatic vehicle access gates and this has led to the European Commission last year stipulating all Automated Access now fall under the ‘European Machinery Directive’. These Regulations are enforced in the United Kingdom by the Health and Safety Executive for machinery used in the workplace, and the Trading Standards Service for machinery used at home.
HSE advise that those in control of the maintenance of electric gates to regularly review their risk assessments, taking account of or any changes to the operating conditions or environment, and that they have taken appropriate steps to address them. If the general public can access the ‘access device’ then additional protections should be in place and those maintaining these devices have a real duty to ensure they take their responsibilities seriously to make sure that anti-crushing, shearing and trapping safety protection devices are correctly set and maintained.
So to adhere to the European Safety Standard, companies must make carry out a full risk assessment of the automated access installation you have. This will highlight any modifications required to comply with and that are set out in the BS EN 12445:2001, BS EN 12453:2001 and BS EN 41-1 and the EU Machinery Directive 98/37/EEC. After they have been evaluated it is your duty to make sure that levels of protection are installed and working to ensure the maximum level of safety to prevent serious injury.
Premier SSL are a leading supplier of automated access systems and MD Mr Neil Johns is fully supporting of the enhanced safety checks. Mr Johns commented: “Safety to the public and our customers is our number one concern. We have an exemplary safety record but there is no room for complacency. Anything that can improve safety measures across the industry has to be good and as a company we fully back and endorse this latest legislation.”
For further information, follow the link below, to look at the latest safety notice, which is of particular interest to persons or organisations in control of premises where persons other than their own employees may have access to such gates (such as site management and/or lettings agents).
http://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/electricgates2.htm
Or to speak to one Premier SSL’s installation team, call us today on 0208 599 8295
