Added security and protection with an automatic gate

At the same time security gates offer valuable protection to:

• Stop children and animals running out on to busy roads
• Manage, monitor and control access to a site
• Deter intruders and make access to the property difficult
• Deter car thefts from drives

They can also help to reduce a home/commercial insurance premiums and can enhance the aesthetics of a property.

New technology

New technology in recent years have made automatic gates far more sophisticated and user-friendly, for example when it comes to controlling access they can:

• Alert assigned fixed intercom or landline/ mobile phones, which can be responded to remotely by the property owner or a receptionist – they don’t have to be on-site to give/decline access
• Enable the property owner to see the person at their gate, even if they are not on the premises – via two-way video-calling functionality linking to mobile phones
• Programme permissions into the Gate’s access systems so dedicated people can gain entry. Permissions can be time-specific to permit entry at fixed times.
• Number-plate recognition and other hands-free permission options – so, for convenience, the gates automatically open to approved people. They in turn don’t have to type in an access key, present a fob or buzz the intercom
• Integrate with other security measures on a premises, for example CCTV and fire detection (in the case of the latter, so they don’t cause obstructions when people are trying to evacuate the premises, delay the emergency services or prevent a lock-down operation running smoothly)

Health & Safety considerations

Automatic gates tend to come in two varieties:

• Electronic – Those which are controlled by access passes, intercoms or fobs and then open automatically
• Manual – Those controlled by access passes, intercoms or fobs which then require a person to push them open

In the case of the first, health and safety regulations are in force to minimise the risk to people and things of getting trapped as the gate opens or closes.

This legislation focuses on aspects such as the gate and its system’s:

• hinges
• safety/pressure edge
• photocells/ safety beams
• support posts
• control cabinet
• warning mechanism

Home owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that their gate is safe for anyone using it. All commercial property is legally required to maintain automatic gates to meet current Health & Safety requirements – that includes multi-occupancy housing, schools, rented property and premises managed by companies.

So it is important to maintain your Electronic Gate (for example via a regular servicing regime). This will ensure its parts remain fully functional and compliant with the latest industry standards.  When looking to a maintenance/servicing company, ensure the engineers are Gate Safe trained and accredited.

Find out more

If you are interested in automatic gates, or want to check if your current gate complies with the latest Health & Safety regulations, please contact the Sales Team on tel 01483 791500 or email sales@absolutesecurity.co.uk