Manufacturers and installers of powered residential gates are turning to the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) for help in keeping on the right side of the law.

The DHF has formed a specialist division - the Residential Powered Gate Group - which is raising awareness within the industry of the need to comply with safety legislation.

At the moment, a large number of non DHF members who supply and install powered domestic gates are unaware of their obligations under the Machinery Directive, and risk civil lawsuits and even criminal charges being made against them.

At the first meeting of the Residential Powered Gate Group, attenders were informed that any powered gate must comply with various rules and standards - and with the Machinery Directive in particular - because powered gates are officially classed as machinery. Yet many suppliers, especially those in the security industry, do not realise that powered gates are classed as machinery. If a risk assessment is not carried out then the gates cannot comply with the Machinery Directive.

Said DHF chief executive officer Ian Wood: “The Machinery Directive has been with us for a good many years now, so ignorance of the law cannot be used as an excuse. Even more important, powered gates that do not meet the standards are potentially dangerous and pose a real threat to children who may decide to play on the gates. So it is vital that we raise awareness throughout the industry of the importance of meeting the relevant standards.

“The formation of the new Residential Powered Gate Group is a major initiative intended to attract all the leading players - manufacturers, suppliers and installers - which will help set new safety standards in the industry.”

At the first meeting of the Residential Powered Gate Group, most attenders were existing DHF members who already are well aware of the legislation covering domestic powered gates and fully comply with all the standards. Now non members are being encouraged to join the group.

The meeting also agreed to work closely with the Health and Safety Executive in drafting out guidance for members. It also agreed to hold an advice seminar at the DHF Conference & Expo being held in Loughborough on September 28.

Email: guy@ainsworth-pr.co.uk