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Safety Installation Information
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:
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Edges Sensors (contact)
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Photoelectric Sensors
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Vertical Posts
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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 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. Permanently mounted access controls intended for users to activate,
must be located at least 6 feet (1.8 m) 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. Exception: Emergency access controls only accessible by
authorized personnel (e.g. fire, police) may be placed at any location in
the line-of-sight of the gate.
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 in the area
of the gate. Each placard is to be visible by persons located on the side
of the gate on which the placard is installed.
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. See Install Entrapment
Protection section.
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.
b. 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.
c. A wireless device such as 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 device shall function under the
intended end-use conditions.
d. 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 4 inches (10.1 cm) but less
than 16 inches (406 mm) above the ground at any point in its arc
of travel, one or more contact sensors shall be located on the
bottom edge.
SAFETY
