Repairs we offer on existing automation systems on Domestic Properties.

 

The first thing that needs to be addressed is do you believe that the safety of your gates complies with the Machinery Directive 2008. The Machinery Directive guidelines are in place to assure the safety of the users or those who come into the proximity of the gates, to date it my understanding that there has been a total of 35 fatalities as a direct result of electric/automated gates across the UK and Europe not to mention multiple serious injuries as the result of gates being installed that not compliant with the machinery directive 2008 guidelines.

 

However, it's worth noting, that to bring your existing automation system/gates up to compliance with the Machinery Directive 2008 is NOT enforceable by HSE under UK law as we stand at the minute however, this may change in due course.

 

However, it is lawfully for HSE to prosecute the engineer/installation company if they ever leave a system/gate live/powered when it’s NOT compliant with the Machinery Directive 2008.

 

Therefore, HMS Automated Gates will never leave a system/gate live/powered when it poses a life-threatening risk or serious injury because of diminishing gaps mostly located as gates come together in the center or at the hinges of the gate and where there is a significant slope on the drive.

 

We, ourselves, or any other automated gate company can carry out repairs on a gate with none of the necessary safety features installed to it, if after the repair the automated gate company must power down the system, this is to be done to remove any liability from the engineer and automated gate company who carried out the repairs.

 

The customer, however, can choose to power back up the system but the liability/responsibility in the event of any incident solely lies with the customer.

 

If a customer requests a call out for repairs having understood the above, once the repair has been carried out the engineer will carry out a risk assessment and supply back to the office along with images all the necessary upgrades for that system to be brought up to the current Machinery Directive 2008 guidelines and a list of what is necessary and a quote to carry out the necessary upgrade will be provided.

 

If you would like to book one of our engineers to carry out a site visit to address the repair of your existing system please contact the office and speak to either Amanda or Angela.

 

I have provided a link below addressing responsibilities to the installer this is on new installations and repairs.

 

https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/powered-gates/responsibilities.htm