Media information

September 12, 2016

New DHF powered gate code lifts industry safety standards

A new code of practice for the safe installation and maintenance of powered gates is rapidly establishing itself as the "bible" for gate installers across the UK.

DHF TS 011:2016 - the DHF Code of Practice for the Design, Manufacture, Installation and Maintenance of Powered Gates and Traffic Barriers -has been developed by the DHF (Door & Hardware Federation). The DHF represents Britain's leading manufacturers, suppliers, installers and maintainers of powered automatic gates and gate automation equipment.

The new Technical Specification took more than two years to develop and confirms the DHF's place at the forefront of automated gate safety. The importance of the new code is shown by the decision of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) to use the DHF Technical Specification to audit installers and maintainers in its new powered gates certification scheme. NSI is the UKAS-accredited certification and inspection body which audits security and safety providers.

The new DHF code is designed to reduce the risks associated with powered gates to as low as is reasonably practicable. It achieves this by giving installers and maintainers - and all adherents to the code of practice - a framework to ensure a gate is safe and therefore complies with the law.

The code draws on safety legislation and industry best practice. It gives practical help to all those involved in powered gates to meet their legal obligations by providing clear guidance on the design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of powered gates.

It has condensed and refined information from numerous parts of UK and European criminal law and more than 20 British and European standards in order to provide a precise and clear reference for gate and barrier work. This cuts out the complexity and confusion often caused when attempting to apply information from a multitude of standards and legislation.

The code is shaking up the powered gate industry by helping to end the current unsatisfactory situation within parts of the industry caused by conflicting interpretations of the legal standards required.

Said DHF CEO Bob Perry: "In recent years there have been ninedeaths in the UK and Ireland - six adults and three children -several serious injuries and countless near misses, all caused by dangerous powered gates and barriers. It's estimated that only 30% of the 500,000 automated gates in service in the UK are safe to use.

"Our new DHF code of practice is fast becoming the benchmark industry reference document, setting the standard for owner and installer stakeholders alike. Its introduction is a wake-up call for the industry and is helping confine powered gate and barrier accidents to the history books.

"It really is most encouraging that the NSI have chosen the DHF code to audit their gate scheme members. This demonstrates the standing the new code has attained in the industry so soon after its introduction."

Said Graeme Hazlewood, NSI business development director: "As the specialist certification body for the UK security and fire safety sectors, we are delighted to have collaborated with the DHF on the development of their Code of Practice DHF TS 011:2016 and integrate it into our new approval scheme for installers and maintainers of powered gates.

"NSI's role is to verify compliance with industry standards and codes of practice through rigorous audits carried out by our specialist auditors. NSI gates approval will provide reassurance to consumers that the company they have contracted is competent and professional, and the product provided is safe."

DHF TS 011:2016 - the DHF Code of Practice for the Design, Manufacture, Installation and Maintenance of Powered Gates and Traffic Barrierscan be downloaded fromhttp://www.dhfonline.org.uk/publications-gates-automation.aspx.

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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;guy@ainsworth-pr.co.uk

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

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

About the National Security Inspectorate:

End users who choose to contract NSI approved companies can be assured of security, fire and gate safety services delivered to the highest standards by businesses committed to quality. NSI 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 approved companies are inspected on a regular basis by NSI's national network of full-time auditors to verify compliance with relevant British and European standards and codes of practice. NSI's gates approved companies are audited against DHF Code of PracticeDHFTS 011:2016.

Press enquiries: Gayle Bennett, NSI Marketing Manager T: +44 (0)1628 764870 E:Gayle.Bennett@nsi.org.ukW:www.nsi.org.uk