Media information

September 16, 2014

Urgent checks needed on driveway gates, safety campaigners warn

With thousands in operation, the automatic residential gate has become the aspirational property accessory for homeowners. But dangers lurk at the end of the driveway, warn safety campaigners.

It is estimated that more than two thirds of all automatic driveway gates do not meet current safety standards and are potentially dangerous. In recent years, six people have been killed in dangerous gate accidents, three of them children.

Campaigners are holding a Gate Safety Week to alert homeowners of the possible risks, and make it easy for them to have their driveway gates checked.

The event is being held on October 13 - 19 (www.gatesafetyweek.org.uk) and is being organised by the the Door & Hardware Federation Powered Gate Group. In the run up to the event, any homeowner can contact the gate safety helpline 01827 52337 to locate the nearest DHF Powered Gate Group member who can carry out a safety check on their automatic driveway gates.

Virtually all powered gates can be brought up to the current safety standards which will help ensure that accidents and injuries cannot occur. A skilled engineer will advise the householder on what measures - if any - are needed to ensure safe operation of the gate.

Said Neil Sampson, chairman of the DHF Powered Gate Group: "Homeowners want the increased security, exclusivity and privacy provided by automatic gates on their driveway - which is why we are seeing more and more gates being installed. In addition, many new apartment blocks have automated car park gates.

"But gates are machines not playthings. It's not enough to warn their children to keep clear of the gates, parents need the assurance that the gates are as safe as they possibly can be.

"As the industry that makes, installs and maintains powered gates, we're absolutely determined to do everything we can to ensure no more tragic accidents happen.

"This is why we're focusing public attention on the dangers posed by badly installed and maintained gates and have set up the phone advisory service to help homeowners."

Extensive advice on what action to take if anyone is worried about the safety of a gate, tips on how to spot a potentially unsafe gate, and guidance on how to find a qualified company who can carry out a gate safety check are available fromwww.gatesafetyweek.org.uk01827 52337.

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Note to editors: The DHF Powered Gate Group is a collective of the UK's premier gate installation companies and the major automation equipment suppliers who work together to provide state of the art technology in safe and reliable installations. The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) represents all the key players in the following sectors: powered gates, industrial/commercial doors, garage doors, metal & timber doorsets and locks & architectural hardware. With the ultimate aim of maintaining and raising quality standards throughout the industry, all DHF members must meet minimum standards of competence and customer service.

Issued on behalf of the DHF by

Ainsworth Public Relations

0161 427 3861

guy@ainsworth-pr.co.uk

Door & Hardware Federation

01827 52337

www.dhfonline.org.uk

PICTURE CAPTION
A correctly installed and well maintained driveway gate like this is perfectly safe. Check the safety of your gate by calling the DHF gate safety helpline 01827 52337.