Chamberlain is committed to the highest safety standards in the production of all of our gate access systems and fully supports the safety standards identified and prescribed by Underwriters Laboratory (UL). These standards are voluntary, yet critical in effectively protecting property and most importantly, human lives. SafetyChamberlain regards the safety of its gate access systems as paramount. Each gate access system has primary entrapment protection built-in as a standard feature. Inputs for secondary entrapment protection are provided, as well as two warning placards. Our catalog includes a variety of secondary entrapment protection devices such as photo-eyes and contact edges, depending on the particular application. Our LiftMaster® gate access systems are tested extensively to ensure that they meet or exceed the requirements of the UL325 standard when properly installed and maintained. Proper installation and maintenance is covered in detail in our manuals, which are included with every gate access system we sell. Underwriters Laboratory (UL) identifies a set of safety standards for the installation of motorized gate openers and the gates they are attached to. Among these safety standards, are the following requirements:
Most manufacturers of gate openers test and list their products to compliance with the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Standard UL325. These gate opener manufacturers provide instructions and warnings that the installer of these gate operators must include the addition of secondary entrapment protection sensors, and that the gate design itself is to be constructed to certain safety standards (ASTM F2200). Therefore, selecting a gate opener that is UL325 compliant is only one step in having a motorized gate system that meets these safety standards.
LiabilityAlthough compliance with these safety standards from Underwriters Laboratory (UL) is voluntary, improper gate/gate system installations can lead to death or serious injuries to pedestrians. The liability of the property owner/property manager to the families of injured parties can be enormous, and can easily result in the bankruptcy of many people.
A gate operator manufacturer's compliance to the UL standards is not a "defense" for an installation that is performed improperly or in a negligent fashion. Unless the entire gate and installation complies with the UL325 standard, it would be in direct conflict with the gate operator manufacturer's written instructions and warnings.ResourcesThere are a number of voluntary safety standards you should be familiar with. For your reference, UL325 is the safety standard for gate operators, and ASTM F2200 is the standard for the proper installation and construction of the gate itself.
The Door and Access Systems Manufacturers Association (DASMA) has several technical data sheets on their website that can be downloaded for free at www.dasma.com. Please refer to the DASMA Safety Information Page and the DASMA Automated Vehicular Gate System Safety Guide for more information. We also have created easy to use diagrams and letters to simplify gate safety presentations to customers.
This matter is very important to all of us in the industry who are striving to provide consumers with the safest products possible. As a concerned manufacturer in the industry, we are alerting you to this condition, and advise you to contact your professional gate operator installer or gate operator service company when designing, building or repairing your motorized gate system to ensure it meets the current UL325 and ASTM safety standards.
Other Helpful Links:What You Need to Know About Purchasing a Gate Operator Online