Killer gates on estates ‘to become a thing of the past’

Charity Gate Safe and Propertymark have joined forces to raise awareness surrounding the consequences of unsafe gates after several fatal accidents in the last decade.

Gate Safe launched in 2010 after two children tragically lost their lives in two separate incidents featuring automated gates where safety features were found to be lacking.

Since then there have been 38 reported cases of accidents including 11 further deaths involving automated gates like the one pictured above.

Propertymark and Gate Safe will offer free webinars and other educational events throughout the year as well as sharing a guide detailing the protocols required to deliver gate safety with agents.

COMPLIANT

These events will be catered towards improving the understanding of automated gate safety amongst property professionals, whilst promoting the need to ensure the safe and compliant installation of gates to landlords, purchasers, homeowners and tenants.

The gate safety webinar will provide relevant guidance to all agents to gather an understanding of what to look out for when managing a property.

This aids agents in learning how to identify non-compliant gates, and ultimately supports them in ensuring they are not found liable for any issues surrounding a gate that does not meet legal standards.

ACCIDENT

When an automated gate accident occurs, previous court cases have proven that everyone associated with the gate is under scrutiny, from the architect to the electrician who finally powers the gate — and anyone in between.

There is a requirement that those operating in the sector should be aware of the possible dangers associated with an unsafe gate.”

Whilst there is no precedent relating to court cases where an estate agent or letting agent is implicated, there is a requirement that those operating in the sector should be aware of the possible dangers associated with an unsafe gate and should demonstrate best practices by guiding their clients accordingly.

Matt Eades, Compliance Auditor at Propertymark, says: “These tragic incidents highlight the vital importance of doing everything we can to improve safety.

“Education, awareness, and ongoing diligence will play a major part in helping agents identify risks so that appropriate safeguards can be put in place.”