4
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:
• Edges Sensors (contact) • 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 6 feet (1.8 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.
Exception: Emergency access controls only accessible by authorized
personnel (e.g. fire, police) may be placed at any location in the
line-of-sight of the gate.
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. See
Install Entrapment
Protection
section.
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. 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.
c. A wireless device such as 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 device shall
function under the intended end-use conditions.
d. 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.
e. One or more contact sensors shall be located at the bottom edge
of a vertical barrier (arm).
f. One or more contact sensors shall be located at the bottom edge
of a vehicular vertical lift gate.
g. One or more contact sensors shall be located at the pinch point of
a vehicular vertical pivot gate.
SAFETY INSTALLATION INFORMATION
SAFETY
