S A F E T Y I N S T A L L A T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N
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1. Vehicular gate systems provide convenience and security. Gate systems are comprised of many component parts. The gate
operator is only one component. Each gate system is specifically designed for an individual application.
2. Gate operating system designers, installers and users must take into account the possible hazards associated with each individual
application. Improperly designed, installed or maintained systems can create risks for the user as well as the bystander. Gate
systems design and installation must reduce public exposure to potential hazards.
3. A gate operator can create high levels of force in its function as a component part of a gate system. Therefore, safety features
must be incorporated into every design. Specific safety features include:
• Gate Edges
• Guards for Exposed Rollers
• Photoelectric Sensors
• Screen Mesh
• Vertical Posts
• Instructional and Precautionary Signage
4. Install the gate operator only when:
a. The operator is appropriate for the construction and the usage class of the gate.
b. All openings of a horizontal slide gate are guarded or screened from the bottom of the gate to a minimum of 4' (1.2 m) above
the ground to prevent a 2 1/4" (6 cm) diameter sphere from passing through the openings anywhere in the gate, and in that
portion of the adjacent fence that the gate covers in the open position.
c. All exposed pinch points are eliminated or guarded, and guarding is supplied for exposed rollers.
5. The operator is intended for installation only on gates used for vehicles. Pedestrians must be supplied with a separate access
opening. The pedestrian access opening shall be designed to promote pedestrian usage. Locate the gate such that persons will not
come in contact with the vehicular gate during the entire path of travel of the vehicular gate.
6. The gate must be installed in a location so that enough clearance is supplied between the gate and adjacent structures when
opening and closing to reduce the risk of entrapment. Swinging gates shall not open into public access areas.
7. The gate must be properly installed and work freely in both directions prior to the installation of the gate operator.
8. Controls intended for user activation must be located at least six feet (6') away from any moving part of the gate and where the
user is prevented from reaching over, under, around or through the gate to operate the controls. Outdoor or easily accessible
controls shall have a security feature to prevent unauthorized use.
9. The Stop and/or Reset (if provided separately) must be located in the line-of-sight of the gate. Activation of the reset control shall
not cause the operator to start.
10. A minimum of two (2) WARNING SIGNS shall be installed, one on each side of the gate where easily visible.
11. For a gate operator utilizing a non-contact sensor:
a. Reference owner’s manual regarding placement of non-contact sensor for each type of application.
b. Care shall be exercised to reduce the risk of nuisance tripping, such as when a vehicle trips the sensor while the gate is still
moving.
c. One or more non-contact sensors shall be located where the risk of entrapment or obstruction exists, such as the perimeter
reachable by a moving gate or barrier.
12. For a gate operator utilizing a contact sensor such as an edge sensor:
a. One or more contact sensors shall be located where the risk of entrapment or obstruction exists, such as at the leading edge,
trailing edge and post mounted both inside and outside of a vehicular horizontal slide gate.
b. One or more contact sensors shall be located at the bottom edge of a vehicular vertical lift gate.
c. A hard wired contact sensor shall be located and its wiring arranged so the communication between the sensor and the gate
operator is not subject to mechanical damage.
d. A wireless contact sensor such as the one that transmits radio frequency (RF) signals to the gate operator for entrapment
protection functions shall be located where the transmission of the signals are not obstructed or impeded by building structures,
natural landscaping or similar obstruction. A wireless contact sensor shall function under the intended end-use conditions.
e. One or more contact sensors shall be located on the inside and outside leading edge of a swing gate. Additionally, if the bottom
edge of a swing gate is greater than 6" (152 mm) above the ground at any point in its arc of travel, one or more contact sensors
shall be located on the bottom edge.
f. One or more contact sensors shall be located at the bottom edge of a vertical barrier (arm).
