New safety standard for automatic gates

Does your gate comply?
As a result of a number of accidents where limbs have been trapped by moving gates, a new safety standard - BSEN 13241 - has been introduced.

The standard has been designed to protect the end user and the installation, testing and ongoing compliance of all automatic gate systems to the new standard is now a legal requirement. The criteria which a swing or sliding gate must meet to comply are:

1. When coming against an obstruction the gate must exert a force of less than 400n. Above this figure and the drive unit must stop. To clear the obstruction the gate must then reverse within 0.75 seconds.

2. The entire leading edge must have an active obstacle detection system up to a height of 2.5 metres, and the system must comply with BSEN1760-2. This standard is designed to ensure the gate will not work unless the system is in full working order.

Atlas is ensuring all new systems comply and have an ongoing programme of advising customers with older installations of the new standard. A number, some over 10 years old, have already upgraded.

If there is any doubt about the compliance of your system contact Atlas. Our engineers are available to advise and quote for retro-fitting a safety package if it is needed.

BSIA highlights benefits of Access Control

Following the British Security Industry Association's recent research into crime in the recession, the Association's access control section is highlighting the benefits that users can gain from access control technology. The research revealed that security remains a key investment for UK plc, despite the difficult economic climate, with 92 per cent of respondents retaining the same level of investment. In a summary report of the research findings, access control was featured as a popular security measure among the respondents.

BSIA access control section chairman, Mike Sussman, stated, "The research report makes for interesting reading and it is worth noting that 14 per cent of respondents are looking to invest in access control as a security measure in the near future".

There are many benefits of using an access control system. One of the main advantages is the provision of increased point of entry security to commercial and industrial sites and buildings, as well as residential premises, both single and multi-occupancy.

The Atlas Group is well placed to utilise the latest access control technology to the benefit of its customers.

Atlas has Elecsa Part P services to draw on

Elecsa has announced that over 6,000 approved contractors have taken up its part P scheme, a figure that, despite the recession, is increasing steadily.

As a member, Atlas has access to all the services Elecsa provide including technical advice and the provision of customer warranties.

Atlas managing director Joe Baker said it was essential that customers should feel that a company installing access control, whether a simple gate or a sophisticated electronic system, should have all the right credentials to ensure a high level of safety.

"Having the strength of Elecsa to draw on means that all our customers can be assured their access control system has been installed to the highest electrical specification."

Part P is incorporated in the Building Regulations and its requirement is that: "Reasonable provision shall be made in the design and installation of electrical installations in order to protect persons operating, maintaining or altering the installations from fire or injury". In short, electrical installations must be safe!