Locks and Security News: your weekly locks and security industry newsletter
17th April 2024 Issue no. 701

Your industry news - first

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New DHF training scheme to drive up safety levels in powered gate sector

The drive to increase levels of safety of powered automatic gates has taken a major step forward with the introduction of a comprehensive training scheme by the Powered Gate Group of the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF).

The training scheme will be compulsory for all DHF members who install powered gates. It is the latest initiative from the DHF Powered Gate Group. This group was set up within the DHF specifically to educate and promote the safe and responsible design, manufacture and installation of automatic gates. Its formation followed a number of fatal accidents involving powered automatic gates.

Two 2 day training courses for DHF member employees will be held in September and October. Further two day training courses will be held early in 2014. All installers who successfully complete the course will be awarded the DHF Gate Safety Diploma. It is expected a total of 75 delegates will have successfully completed the training courses by early next year.

Each course will focus on both technical and practical safety procedures. The DHF Gate Safety Diploma will cover all aspects of gate safety from initial risk assessment through to force testing. It will ensure that installers are fully conversant with all relevant safety regulations, can prepare a technical file and can issue a Declaration of Conformity.

It means DHF Powered Gate Group member companies' personnel are trained to provide and install fully compliant gates in all environments including residential areas, industrial and commercial parks and school grounds.

It is the industry's only scheme to offer this depth of training. The DHF Powered Gate Group received advice on legal aspects from the Health & Safety Executive during the planning of the training curriculum.

Said Andy Holz, chairman of the DHF Powered Gate Group: "The DHF Gate Safety Diploma assures the customer that he has chosen a safe product from an accredited installer and that the gate has been installed by a fully trained fitter. It gives the customer complete peace of mind that he has made a responsible and safe choice."

For more information on the DHF training scheme, or to download the DHF Guide to Gate Safety Legislation and Standards which is used by all DHF Powered Gate Group members, visit www.dhfonline.org.uk

26th June 2013