Skills
62 | OCTOBER 2024
Skills
Read online at www . proinstaller . co . uk
DHF PROVIDES GUIDANCE ON ‘ POWERED GATE HINGE SAFETY ’
To assist its members and the wider industry , Tamworth-based trade association , the Door & Hardware Federation ( DHF ), has provided advice on powered gate hinge safety , in particular , pertaining to gate hinge failure , and has created a members only publication on this subject entitled , ‘ Powered Gate Hinge Safety ’ - https :// bit . ly / dhfconsumerinfo
As Nick Perkins , Senior Training & Compliance Officer at DHF explains , when gate hinges suffer a failure , heavy gates can fall over which can prove fatal to those in the vicinity . One particular example was in 2013 , when a heavy steel gate fell and killed 67-year-old , Myra Goldman , when its bottom hinge failed . The coroner investigating her death issued a regulation 28 report to HSE and BSI , ‘ to prevent future death ’, and demanding that standards be improved . In his discoveries , the coroner had noted that a common practice used to prevent gates being lifted off their hinges had led to critical vulnerability , and then to failure .
“ At the time of the incident , it was common to fit gates with two hinges , the lower one with the hinge pin facing up , and the top one with the hinge pin facing down . In this design , the lower hinge bears the vast majority of the weight , wear and stress caused in normal use ; subsequently , it is the most likely hinge to suffer damage or a structural failure ,” explains Nick . “ If and when it fails , there is nothing remaining to support the gate resulting in it falling .”
In 2016 , the British standard for gates and fences , BS 1722 , was revised to prevent this practice leading to further fatalities .
“ The case of Myra Goldman had a knock-on effect for powered gates ,” continues Nick . “ Many powered gates originate from manual gates provided by fencing contractors that are later automated by others , with the effect that several have unsuitable and potentially unsafe hinge arrangements . In fact , the standard for powered gates , EN 12453 , has since its first publication in 2000 , required the structure of the system to conform to EN 12604 , which has always required that failure of any one suspension element ( e . g . a hinge ) should not allow a gate to fall . EN 12604 was later revised in 2017 to allow a degree of flexibility of design with the effect that it also provided a safe and compliant means to upgrade existing sub-standard systems .”
The standard currently allows a limited amount of falling over from the fully upright position , and therefore , there are now at least three means of providing a safe and compliant hinge design ; firstly , two hinges and a safety lanyard ( limited fall ), three hinges ( no movement or fall ), and two reinforced hinges , any one of which will keep the gate from falling ( providing some movement , but no fall ).
www . dhfonline . org . uk
YOUTH CAREER DEVELOPMENT WITH ASSA ABLOY OPENING SOLUTIONS UK & IRELAND
After discovering an interest in engineering during his school years , Callum Starkey took on a civil engineering apprenticeship with a construction company . While working on-site , he found himself drawn to the field of quantity surveying , in which he decided to transfer universities and complete his degree in this area .
Callum joined the ASSA ABLOY family in July 2023 , and now manages the commercial aspects of various doorset specification projects , ensuring they are all delivered on time and within budget . He works closely with contracts managers , participates in progress meetings , and monitors projects to ensure their success .
The opportunity to manage and coordinate projects from start to finish , each with unique requirements , has allowed him to develop a broad skill set and deepen his expertise in the field .
ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions recognises that investing in the next generation is crucial for sustaining innovation and leadership in the industry , by providing a supportive environment , opportunities for hands-on experience , and pathways for career progression .
Whether through apprenticeships , mentorship programmes , or global mobility opportunities , ASSA ABLOY ensures that its emerging leaders are equipped with the skills , confidence and vision necessary to drive the company forward . The focus on youth development and capability expansion allows the company to strengthen its dynamic workforce to meet the demands of the industry .
Callum said : “ The freedom to work independently at ASSA ABLOY along with the support from experienced colleagues , has been great in building my confidence and abilities .
“ It ’ s reassuring to know that the team believes in my capabilities , but also that there ’ s always someone to turn to for advice if needed .”
Brian Sofley , Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions , said : “ We recognise the importance of investing in the next generation of talent . Callum ’ s story is a shining example of how our environment and commitment to professional development are helping shape the future leaders of our industry .”
www . assaabloy . com