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AUTOMATIC GATE OPENER SYSTEM
Safety Guide

Automatic gate opening systems provide convenience and security. However, gate openers must use high levels of force to move gates. If a system is not properly installed, used and maintained, serious injuries can result.

This section is designed to help you understand your gate opener system. Read it, and bookmark this page for reference. Be sure it is reviewed by those authorized to use your gate.

You must be aware of the possible hazards associated with your particular system and take care to reduce the risk of injury to yourself and others.

This section cannot cover all possible situations, because each system is designed for a specific location or use and has a unique set of components. Refer to your gate opener's manual, and consult with the installer for additional information.

Safety Information:

Clearly display warning signs on both sides of your gate.
Do not permit children to play on or around the gate, and keep all controls out of their reach.
Do not lean on the gate, or put your arms or legs through the gate, even if the gate is not moving
People must be warned away from all moving parts, entrapment zones, and hazard or pinch points.
Your automatic gate is not intended for pedestrian use.
Never reach between, through, over or around the fence or gate, to operate the gate.
Make certain that all access control devices (push buttons, key switches, or card readers) are mounted at least six feet away from the gate.
Disconnect all power before removing the cover from your gate operator for any reason.

Warning Signs and Symbols:

Know Your Gate:

The manufacturer of your gate operator will not know what type of gate you have, or what devices you have installed. You are responsible for assuring that appropriate safety is provided, and for knowing how to properly operate and maintain your specific gate system.

Manual Disconnect:

Your gate opener may be equipped with a manual disconnect for use if the opener fails to operate correctly. Before disconnecting the opener, turn off all electric power, or unplug any power cords. You must also understand how to manually disconnect the operator safely; consult the instructions shipped with the equipment from the manufacturer.

Safety Devices:

Talk to your installer about the safety devices recommended for your system. Some examples of these would be:

Covers for exposed rollers
Protective screen mesh
Gate sensing edges
Photoelectric sensors
Guard Posts
Instructional and warning signs
Audio/Visual moving gate alarms

Automatic Gates are NOT for Pedestrians!

Automatic gate openers are designed for vehicular traffic. They are powerful, and can cause serious bodily injury. Accordingly, direct all pedestrian traffic to a separate walk-through gate. Sensing edges and/or photoelectric sensors are now required by current Underwriters Laboratories standards.

Special Precautions for Swing gate Openers:

Entrapment Zones: Pedestrians must stay clear of the gate path, particularly the area where the gate can trap them, as shown in the drawing below.

Hazard/Pinch Points: Keep pedestrians away from the operator at all times, particularly when the gate is opening. The operator may have arms which can overlap, with a scissoring effect, which can cause serious injury.

Special Precautions for Slide Gate Systems:

Installation and Maintenance:

Make sure your gate system is installed, maintained and repaired by a licenced and insured professional. Follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and ask the installer about a service agreement.

Do not operate your gate system unless all of your safety devices are connected and working properly.

Check all of your safety devices regularly in accordance with the opener manual. If your safety devices do not operate, disconnect all power to the opener and have the system repaired by a professional.

Make sure that the gate opens smoothly without the automatic opener. To check this, disconnect your gate from the opener and open the gate by hand.

Make sure your gate opener is not set at too high a force level. Have it checked by a professional.