A new app that allows users to quickly and efficiently perform safety risk assessments on automated gates has been launched. The ‘Automated Gate Safety Matrix App’ is the product of Gate-A-Mation and works by asking over thirty multiple choice questions to assess risk factors. These cover subjects from location and type of use, to technical details such as opening width, manual override status and operator force.
The app then provides an assessment score that is broken down into two sections – risk and safety – and highlights areas of concern that need addressing or require remedial work. These results can then be emailed out as a PDF.
The app was originally developed for use by Gate-A-Mation’s own engineers. However, as Alan Smith, the company’s General Manager explains, its wider potential quickly became clear:
“The app has replaced our old spreadsheet system and covers most if not all aspects of gate design and safety, nothing is left out,” he says. “It has vastly improved the detail, consistency and speed of our safety risk assessments, so we have released it onto the market as it can be of huge benefit to anyone involved with powered gate safety. This includes installers and maintainers, but also owners, facilities managers, electricians, fencing contractors, property developers, estate management companies and health and safety advisors.”
The need for better gate safety is certainly a pressing one, with HSE figures showing numerous adults and children have been tragically affected by automated gates. The Door and Hardware Federation estimates that, of the 500,000 automated gates in the UK, less than 30% are safe to use.
The app will also help those responsible for gates to comply with the host of supply, maintenance and inspection guidelines that govern their installation and use. These include the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008, which requires gates to comply with certain health & safety requirements.
Version 2 of the app can be downloaded for free until the end of 2015 via the Google Play store, with IOS set to follow soon.
