Barriers/Gates

[BlueDay]

Hi all

 

Currently in a dispute with my employer about traffic barriers/sliding gates.

 

We've always subbed faults and services out to another company, but now my employer has decided to save money by getting us to do it with no training provided.

 

A lot of engineers on the company (including myself) have no experience working with barriers/gates and I don't feel comfortable putting my name to something to say it is safe when I've not received any instruction or guidance.

 

If its just a case of testing safety loops, then fair enough I can do that. But surely there is more to it than that? The company that subbed to us definitely used to do more than that.

 

Anyone know any regulations or anything regarding training and competence I can refer them to?

[PeterJames]

Most gate and barrier suppliers will point you in the right direction for training. LinkCare I think even run their own training courses.

 

Not really saving money by sending people that dont know what they are doing. Id rather put round pegs in round holes. But most gate and barrier companies seem to be too busy with their own stuff to want to sub for anyone else nowadays.

Our guys are okay on service and maint and can install, but we regularly sub the install work out its cheaper to get someone that does it everyday to do it in the long run.

[sixwheeledbeast]

Engineer would be liable for any fault leading to injury or death just like with fire, so I would refuse to do any of it without correct training.

Plenty of jail sentences and fines in the news... Also insurance for the company is higher if you add gates to your services, either specialise and train correctly for it or sub IMO.

 

Gate-safe is one path of training, which is a ECS discipline.

https://www.hse.gov.uk/work-equipment-machinery/powered-gates/safety.htm

https://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/poweredgates.htm

https://gate-safe.org/

As above suppliers will have their own scheme but it's going to be based on their supplied kit.

[BlueDay]

Thanks guys. Still discussing with my employer 

 

Is there also any specialist equipment require in service gates/barriers? One of the sites mentioned force measuring equipment?

 

Also how long does it realistically take to service these properly?

 

So I can pass the information back

[al-yeti]

3 hours ago, BlueDay said:

Thanks guys. Still discussing with my employer 

 

Is there also any specialist equipment require in service gates/barriers? One of the sites mentioned force measuring equipment?

 

Also how long does it realistically take to service these properly?

 

So I can pass the information back

Sounds like your going to need lots of liability insurance 

[PeterJames]

4 hours ago, BlueDay said:

Thanks guys. Still discussing with my employer 

 

Is there also any specialist equipment require in service gates/barriers? One of the sites mentioned force measuring equipment?

 

Also how long does it realistically take to service these properly?

 

So I can pass the information back

Your employer should have barriers and gates down on his efficacy insurance otherwise you could be in trouble if you do make a mistake. Force measuring equipment is fairly important especially if the gate your servicing is on a gradient. though as a rule you should be testing force regardless.

 Servicing depends on the gate/barrier type of motor etc how many ground loops etc etc. You also need to take into account how many times you can operate the gate in short succession testing is all very well but on the same token you dont want to burn the motor out  so even small gates can take ten minutes.