New safety advice issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) needs to be considered by installers, designers maintenance firms and manufacturers of electric gates, according to an expert.
David Ashton, director of field operations for the HSE, was speaking following the recent deaths of two children involving gates of this type.
"Electric or automatic gates are designed to stop if someone gets in the way, and installers and those maintaining these gates have a real duty to ensure this happens. They must take their responsibilities seriously to make sure that anti-crushing, shearing and trapping safety protection devices are correctly set and maintained," he stated.
Mr Ashton went on to say that when making or installing these gates, it is "crucial" to consider who will be in the area when it is operating, with additional protections being put in place when the general public has access to them.
Earlier this year, a warning was given to public liability insurance holders by the HSE reminding firms of their safety responsibilities when installing gates.