Automatic gates are attractive and they provide convenience and much-need security for your property. However, certain safeguards need to be put in place if you want to ensure safety for both people and property.
Follow these 7 tips for your automatic gate to ensure safety:
1. Keep the Area Clear
This is an obvious precaution that you must take in order to ensure safety for people. Accidents involving automatic gates often occur due to the negligence of homeowners. You can prevent such accidents if you are careful. Firstly, it is recommended that you keep your eyes open for any person or object in the path of the gate before you open/close it. Secondly, install safety devices e.g. loop detectors, safety beams, etc. as they can detect the obstructions and prevent the gate from being opened/closed until the path is clear.
2. Properly Configure Your Sensitivity Setting
This is a must-do safety measure if you have an automatic swing gate. These gates require a lower setting to compensate for various environmental conditions e.g. wind loading. Keep in mind that the lower the sensitivity setting, the harder it will be for your automatic swing gate to stop. It is recommended that you consult with an expert about the best sensitivity setting for your gate.
3. Follow the 10-Foot Rule
When it comes automatic gates, the controls must be installed and positioned in such a way that an individual using the controls cannot touch the gate. As a rule of thumb, you should install the controls at least 10 feet away from the gate.
4. Maintenance
If the right care is taken in testing and maintaining your gate regularly, then the chances of accidents will be drastically reduced. Regular maintenance will also ensure that your automatic gate is in good working order. It is recommended that you call an automatic gate repair company if your gate is not operating properly. The technician will diagnose and fix the problem, and while this won’t be free, it is far better than the alternative of dealing with an accident on your property that you could have easily avoided.
5. Install a Warning Sign
Installing a warning sign is a good safety measure when it comes to automatic gates. A prominent warning sign will alert people to possible danger so they will exercise caution around the gate.
6. Install a Separate Walk-Through Gate
Automatic gates are powerful because they are usually designed for vehicular traffic. Because of this, they can easily cause injury to people. For this reason, it is recommended that you install a separate walk-through gate so that pedestrians can safely access your property.
7. Keep Your Gate on Track
This is another important safety measure that shouldn’t be ignored. Automatic gates need guide rollers to keep them on track. Without them, your gate would be very wobbly upon opening/closing and may even fail to operate properly. This can cause damage to your properly and injury to bystanders. So, it is recommended that you install guide rollers to prevent potential unfortunate outcomes.
For top-notch automatic gates for your home or business, Superior Gate Services is the trusted local choice. To get ideas and to see some recent examples of our work, take a look at our gallery page. When you are looking for a new gate or any related equipment, we welcome you to either contact us through our website or call us at (855) 747-4283 and one of our friendly representatives will be glad to answer any questions you have.
