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DHF OFFERS HAND OF PROTECTION TO SUPPLIERS OF DOMESTIC SECURITY GATES Article first published 31/08/2006
The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), the voice of the UK door and hardware industry, has opened its doors to suppliers of domestic security gates in a bid to raise levels of safety. It has formed a specialist domestic security gates group which has been charged with the task of raising awareness amongst suppliers of the need to comply with safety legislation.
The move, which has been welcomed by the Health & Safety Executive, follows the recent tragic death of a nine year old boy from Dorset who was crushed by electronic gates. The Health & Safety Executive are currently investigating the case.
The DHF, which represents all the UK's leading door, shutter and garage door makers and manufacturers of building hardware and architectural ironmongery, has been working with the Health & Safety Executive to update HSE safety guidelines on the correct use of power operated shutters and grilles.
Said DHF chief executive officer Ian Wood: “This tragic death has brought into sharp focus the need for fencing contractors, security companies and other suppliers of domestic security gates to understand their obligations under the legislation.
“Any powered gate must comply with both the BS EN 13241-1 product standard and the Machinery Directive because they are officially classed as machinery. Yet many suppliers, especially those in the security industry, do not realise that powered gates are classed as machinery.
“We have long experience of helping our member companies supply doors, shutters and garage doors which comply with the many technical and legislative demands placed on them. Obligations can include not only compliance with BS EN Standards and the Machinery Directive, but also CE marking and the provision of technical construction files and declarations of conformity.
“We are now extending that expertise to all suppliers of domestic security gates by setting up this new specialist group within the federation and we are inviting suppliers to join.”
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