Media information

April 6, 2016

DHF and NSI join forces to promote powered gate safety

More than 200 of the UK's top security installers were briefed on the biggest development in powered gate safety at a major conference held in Birmingham.

The Installer Summit was held by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), the UKAS-accredited certification and inspection body which audits security and fire safety providers. The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), whose Powered Gate Group represents Britain's leading manufacturers, suppliers, installers and maintainers of powered automatic gates and gate automation equipment, presented and exhibited at the Summit as guests of NSI.

A thought-provoking presentation and workshop at the Summit delivered by the DHF informed the installers that since 2005 there have been seven deaths in the UK and Ireland, at least nine serious injuries and countless near misses caused by dangerous powered gates. It was estimated that only 30% of the 500,000 automated gates in service in the UK are safe to use.

The event cemented relationships between the two organisations ahead of the launch of a new NSI approval scheme for installers and maintainers of powered gates, barriers and gate automation equipment. Delegates at the Summit heard how the two organisations, led by DHF training officer Nick Perkins and NSI technical officer Mark Gallagher, have spent two years developing theDHF Code of Practice for the Design, Manufacture, Installation and Maintenance of Powered Gates (TS 011).

The new Code, upon which the NSI approval scheme will be based, covers installers' responsibilities for gate design, new installations, risk assessment and commissioning. It details their responsibilities for the maintenance and modification of existing gates and covers risk assessment, safe isolation and documentation.

The NSI "Gates" Scheme will be based on the new Code which is designed to raise standards of powered gate safety to new levels. NSI Gates will be available on two levels: "Gates Gold" for companies that have an ISO 9001 Quality Management System (QMS) and want to be approved to the Code, and "Gates Silver" for those that do not have QMS but want approval to the Code on its own.

NSI will audit organisations seeking approval against the Code to verify compliance, and this will initially be offered to DHF members and NSI approved companies, delegates heard.

At the conference, DHF Powered Gate Group chairman Neil Sampson told delegates: "Properly installed and maintained automated gates are perfectly safe to use. Our industry will not tolerate unsafe automated gate installations being carried out by unskilled installers, or gates that are dangerous due to lack of testing and maintenance."

Delegates learned it was the legal duty of building owners and landlords - as well as gate installers, maintainers and repairers - to ensure the safe operation of automatic gates.

"The new DHF code of practice and the NSI approval scheme will help us achieve our joint aim of confining powered gate accidents to the history books," said Neil Sampson.

Richard Jenkins, NSI Chief Executive commented:"We were delighted to invite the DHF to the NSI Installer Summit: there is great synergy between our organisations in raising standards of safety and security for people and property.

"The new NSI "Gates" scheme will significantly contribute to public safety, endorse the high competence of specialist businesses in the sector, and give facilities managers and specifiers confidence in the safety of powered gate installations."

For further information about DHF or the NSI visitwww.dhfonline.org.ukorwww.nsi.org.uk.

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About the DHF: Representing all the key players in the following sectors: powered gates, industrial/commercial doors, metal and timber doorsets, garage doors, and locks & architectural hardware. With the ultimate aim of maintaining and raising quality standards throughout the industry, all DHF members must meet minimum standards of competence and customer service. They all operate within a Code of Conduct governing standards of workmanship, quality assurance, training, safety, business integrity and CE marking compliance.

Press enquiries, Guy Ainsworth, Ainsworth Public Relations 0161 427 3861

All other enquiries Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, DHF Marketing Manager T: (0)1827 52337

E:patricia@dhfonline.org.ukW: www.dhfonline.org.uk

About National Security Inspectorate: End users who choose to contract NSI approved companies can be assured of security and fire safety services delivered to the highest standards by businesses committed to quality. The National Security Inspectorate (NSI), with a national network of full-time qualified auditors specialising in security and fire audits, is recognised as the UK's leading specialist Certification Body and counts the UK's premier security and fire safety providers amongst its clients. NSI provides robust auditing by NSI experts to verify compliance with relevant British and European Standards, Codes of Practice and Certification schemes developed by Industry Bodies and Associations.

Press Enquiries: Gayle Bennett, NSI Marketing Manager T: +44 (0)1628 764870

E: gayle.bennett@nsi.org.uk W:www.nsi.org.uk

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Issued on behalf of the DHF by

Ainsworth Public Relations

0161 427 3861

guy@ainsworth-pr.co.uk

Door & Hardware Federation

01827 52337

www.dhfonline.org.uk

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PICTURE CAPTION

A VIP ... and a VIB! Well-known consumer journalist and TV presenter Matt Allwright, pictured here, was the conference facilitator at the NSI Installer Summit. And the owl? The image of an owl can be seen in the NSI certification logos displayed by Gold and Silver NSI approved companies.