Installing gates? Remember the legal requirement for maintenance

Installing gates? Remember the legal requirement for maintenance

We know a lot of AFI members install gates so we’ve asked Gate Safe for advice on maintenance questions that our installers are regularly asked so you can have a template of answers for this type of enquiry.

Q: Where does it say I need regular maintenance?
A: It is a legal requirement for commercial / industrial / schools / multi occupancy housing with gated access / rented property / premises with managing agent or residents association to have regular maintenance on all automated gates and barriers.  The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – regulation three and The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 Regulation 5 both detail the need for maintenance.

Q: How often should my gate be serviced?
A:  The installer / maintenance provider should stipulate how often and what is required during the routine service.  They will assess the specific system and take into account number of daily operations and specific product requirements to ensure the maintenance visit schedule is adequate.  Most gate systems will require at least one service every six months but this could be more frequent if the gate / barrier undergoes a high volume of daily operations.

The latest revision to BS EN 12453:2017 also states that safety devices should be checked at least every six months.

As the expert you know the gate system and your legal responsibilities far better than the customer so don’t be pushed into providing less service visits to appease them, you could be leaving a dangerous gate in operation without sufficient maintenance.

Q: Do residential customers have to have regular maintenance service visits?
A:  There is no legal requirement but yes, they should still have a six-monthly service visit.  This is no different to having a car MOT’d and the responsibility associated with owning a potentially lethal machine which must be regularly maintained to ensure it is roadworthy and safe.

For further guidance on maintenance contact us info@afiorg.uk

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