Pro Installer June 2025 - Issue 147 | Page 40

Installer Support
40 | JUNE 2025

Installer Support

SUPERIOR PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE AT YOUR FINGER-TIPS

Freefoam Building Products is excited to announce the launch of its newly updated Product Training Module, designed to provide essential knowledge on PVC building products for industry professionals, stockists and merchant suppliers.
Whether you’ re looking to expand your expertise or need a refresher on key products, the updated module offers an engaging and user-friendly learning experience. With a fresh new look and additional product insights, the module covers a wide range of PVC home improvement products, including fascia, soffit, cladding, window trims, and skirting boards.
Key features of the training module include:
• Product Overviews – A deep dive into Freefoam’ s core product range.
• Colour Options Guide – Learn about the variety of finishes available.
• Fitting Information – Essential tips for correct installation and fixing distance.
• Product Guarantees – Understand the guarantees and benefits Freefoam offers.
• Self-Assessment Quiz – A short quiz to test your knowledge.
Designed for maximum convenience, the entire training module can be completed in just 15 minutes, making it an ideal tool for merchants, installers, and sales teams looking to boost their product knowledge quickly and efficiently.
Freefoam UK Sales Director Richard Jackson recognises the value of the updated Freefoam Training Module to help suppliers stay ahead in the market.
“ We understand the importance of having the right knowledge when it comes to recommending and installing PVC building products. This updated module makes it easier than ever for merchants and independent PVC Suppliers to build product knowledge for their whole trade counter team and offer the best solutions to their customers.”
The Freefoam Training Module is now available: https:// qrco. de / bftUQQ www. freefoam. com
To sign-up or to find out more information, visit: www. fixallrewards. co. uk

DHF urges caution following gate accident and subsequent prosecution

DHF( Door & Hardware Federation) has learned of the prosecution of a Kentbased gate company following a serious incident in February 2022 that left a lady with life changing injuries.
In 2020, Pallet Handling Penshurst Limited( PHPL), originally trading as Chase Fencing of Tonbridge, installed an automated sliding gate system at a private residential property. According to Trading Standards, the gate came off its guides and fell to the ground on two separate occasions. Despite PHPL returning to the address after the first incident in 2021, the mechanism failed once more. In February 2022, during the second incident, the 400kg gate fell and crushed the homeowner to the ground, causing life-altering injuries.
Both PHPL and subcontractor Derek Havill, of Harris Road, Sheerness, pleaded guilty to breaches of the Supply of Machinery( Safety) Regulations 2008( SMSR 2008). PHPL received a £ 30,000 fine and
was ordered to pay £ 14,000 in legal costs. Derek Havill was sentenced to 200 hours of community service and required to pay £ 3,600 in costs.
Sliding gates with no( or ineffective) travel stops are the most common cause of death, injury and criminal prosecution in the gate automation industry. A sliding gate should have purpose designed and installed physical travel stops to completely prevent derailment in normal use, when there is a fault with a limit switch, and when the gate is being moved manually. The SMSR require that machinery is designed to prevent harm to people both when used as intended and when subject to any foreseeable misuse.
DHF guidance in the form of training and a Code of Practice( TS 013-1:2025), provides information on all aspects of powered gate safety and legal compliance. Compliance with SMSR 2008 means:
• conducting and recording a detailed compliance and residual risk assessment;
• meeting the essential Health and Safety Requirements of the SMSR, at a level of safety that meets or exceeds that described by EN 12453:2017 + A1:2021
( EN 12453 is listed by the UK Government as a designated standard under SMSR, it refers to EN 12604 for structural integrity);
• providing a formal Declaration of Conformity with SMSR 2008 and all other applicable product safety legislation, conformity marking under SMSR 2008( CE or UKCA);
• providing precise user and maintenance instructions, and assembling and retaining a technical file detailing how the above steps were achieved for at least 10 years.
The requirements of EN 12453 & 12604 have not altered significantly regarding travel stop provision since the first publication in 2000; the requirements are not new!
For more information on automate gate and traffic barrier training, please visit: https:// bit. ly / 3X5NdQy www. dhfonline. org. uk