At PAC, safety and compliance are at the core of our operations for all automated gate systems. As proud members of the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF), we adhere to stringent legislation and guidelines to ensure every system we install or maintain meets the highest safety standards. If a system is found to be unsafe, we take immediate action to rectify the issues, ensuring the protection of users. Our commitment extends to educating clients on best practices to maintain safe and compliant systems.

Maintenance companies, including PAC, have a legal responsibility under national criminal health and safety legislation to ensure equipment is not left in an unsafe condition following maintenance work. This obligation is mandated by:

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (England, Scotland, Wales)
• Health and Safety at Work Order 1978 (Northern Ireland)
• Safety, Health and Welfare Act 2005 (Republic of Ireland)

Compliance with these laws requires taking reasonable steps to ensure safety. Multiple prosecutions in the UK have demonstrated that leaving an unsafe system in service after maintenance fails to meet legal standards, potentially resulting in fines, legal action, or reputational damage for responsible parties.

Safety issues are typically identified during routine maintenance visits, system takeovers, or reactive inspections. For each visit, our process includes:

• Risk Assessment: Conducted on-site to identify potential hazards associated with the system’s operation or environment.
• Force Test: Performed to ensure the gate’s operation complies with safety standards, such as force limitation requirements outlined in EN 12453.
• Maintenance: Where possible, maintenance tasks are completed to restore or maintain system functionality.

Once our engineer compiles their findings, the information is passed to our operations team. We will contact you promptly to discuss the assessment results, provide detailed recommendations for any necessary repairs or upgrades, and outline the next steps to ensure compliance and safety.

Domestic Systems

For domestic users, there is no legal obligation to install additional safety features on existing systems unless employees (e.g., housekeepers, gardeners) are present, in which case the property is classified as commercial and subject to the same legal requirements as commercial properties. As a responsible gate and garage door maintainer, we are obliged to:

• Inform you of the risks and hazards associated with the unsafe system.
• Provide a detailed quote for necessary repairs or upgrades to achieve compliance.
• Follow up as required to ensure you are aware of the situation.

In some cases, we may place an ‘Unsafe System Notice’ on the system, which could result in the system being turned off or disabled until the necessary repairs or upgrades are carried out to restore safety.

Commercial and Multi-User Systems

In commercial environments—such as businesses, rental properties, multi-user settings (e.g., care homes, retirement homes, or multiple properties), or properties with employees—it is a legal requirement under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992 to ensure that systems in use are safe. Failure to meet these duties can result in criminal proceedings, including fines or other penalties.

As a maintenance company, we are not obliged to attend to an unsafe system if the client declines recommended safety works. However, if we do attend, we must ensure the system is left in a safe condition, which may involve disabling the system, reverting to manual operation, or implementing temporary safety measures until full compliance is achieved.

Follow-up Actions (Relevant to All Systems)

After identifying an unsafe system, we will provide you with a quote and recommendations for compliance works. Your options are:

• Proceed with Recommended Works: Please confirm your approval in writing or via email, and we will schedule the necessary repairs or upgrades to bring the system into compliance.
• Decline Recommended Works: If you choose not to proceed, we require a written confirmation (via letter or email) within 14 days of receiving the quote, acknowledging that you have been informed of the dangers and risks associated with the system. This confirmation serves as your acceptance of the risks outlined in our quote.

Our commitment to safety is reinforced by strict adherence to the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) guidelines, which set the benchmark for safe and efficient operation of automated gates, barriers, and doors. Our team undergoes regular DHF training to stay updated on the latest standards and best practices. For more information on DHF standards, including technical specifications and safety guidance, visit the DHF publications page.

For further information on gate safety and compliance, or to schedule a safety inspection, please contact us today. Our team is ready to assist you in ensuring your automated systems are safe, compliant, and reliable.