1. Vehicular gate systems provide convenience and security. Gate systems are
comprised of many component parts. The gate operator is only one
component. Each gate system is specifically designed for an individual
application.
2. Gate operating system designers, installers and users must take into account
the possible hazards associated with each individual application. Improperly
designed, installed or maintained systems can create risks for the user as well
as the bystander. Gate systems design and installation must reduce public
exposure to potential hazards.
3. A gate operator can create high levels of force in its function as a component
part of a gate system. Therefore, safety features must be incorporated into
every design. Specific safety features include:
• Gate Edges
• Guards for Exposed Rollers
• Photoelectric Sensors
• Screen Mesh
• Vertical Posts
• Instructional and Precautionary Signage
4. Install the gate operator only when:
a. The operator is appropriate for the construction and the usage class of the
gate.
b. All openings of a horizontal slide gate are guarded or screened from the
bottom of the gate to a minimum of 4 feet (1.2 m) above the ground to
prevent a 2-1/4 inches (6 cm) diameter sphere from passing through the
openings anywhere in the gate, and in that portion of the adjacent fence
that the gate covers in the open position.
c. All exposed pinch points are eliminated or guarded, and guarding is
supplied for exposed rollers.
5. The operator is intended for installation only on gates used for vehicles.
Pedestrians must be supplied with a separate access opening. The pedestrian
access opening shall be designed to promote pedestrian usage. Locate the gate
such that persons will not come in contact with the vehicular gate during the
entire path of travel of the vehicular gate.
6. The gate must be installed in a location so that enough clearance is supplied
between the gate and adjacent structures when opening and closing to reduce
the risk of entrapment. Swinging gates shall not open into public access areas.
7. The gate must be properly installed and work freely in both directions prior to
the installation of the gate operator.
8. Controls intended for user activation must be located at least 6 feet (1.8 m)
away from any moving part of the gate and where the user is prevented from
reaching over, under, around or through the gate to operate the controls.
Outdoor or easily accessible controls shall have a security feature to prevent
unauthorized use.
9. The Stop and/or Reset (if provided separately) must be located in the
line-of-sight of the gate. Activation of the reset control shall not cause the
operator to start.
10. A minimum of two (2) WARNING SIGNS shall be installed, one on each side of
the gate where easily visible.
11. For a gate operator utilizing a non-contact sensor:
a. Reference owner’s manual regarding placement of non-contact sensor for
each type of application.
b. Care shall be exercised to reduce the risk of nuisance tripping, such as
when a vehicle trips the sensor while the gate is still moving.
c. One or more non-contact sensors shall be located where the risk of
entrapment or obstruction exists, such as the perimeter reachable by a
moving gate or barrier.
12. For a gate operator utilizing a contact sensor such as an edge sensor:
a. One or more contact sensors shall be located where the risk of entrapment
or obstruction exists, such as at the leading edge, trailing edge and post
mounted both inside and outside of a vehicular horizontal slide gate.
b. One or more contact sensors shall be located at the bottom edge of a
vehicular vertical lift gate.
c. A hard wired contact sensor shall be located and its wiring arranged so the
communication between the sensor and the gate operator is not subject to
mechanical damage.
d. A wireless contact sensor such as the one that transmits radio frequency
(RF) signals to the gate operator for entrapment protection functions shall
be located where the transmission of the signals are not obstructed or
impeded by building structures, natural landscaping or similar obstruction.
A wireless contact sensor shall function under the intended end-use
conditions.
e. One or more contact sensors shall be located on the inside and outside
leading edge of a swing gate. Additionally, if the bottom edge of a swing
gate is greater than 6 inches (152 mm) above the ground at any point in
its arc of travel, one or more contact sensors shall be located on the bottom
edge.
f. One or more contact sensors shall be located at the bottom edge of a
vertical barrier (arm).
SAFETY
» SAFETY INSTALLATION INFORMATION
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