So in the real world do we need all this protection? A lot
of it is just common sense, but the anxiety and stress being placed on the
individual are now enormous, too the sense that a person cannot cope with the weight
of information being piled up on top of them. ‘Stress is the biggest killer’
brought on by bureaucracy regulation and intimidation. Heath & Safety needs
to address these concerns.
Is it all about blame and prosecution and how does one re-address
the balance?
Looking at the gate automation industry, is it possible to
install a machine at any address commercial or private, in a location where
there are so many unknowns. For example: climate you cannot plan for this one
it’s just not possible, a strong gale force wind can rip trees out of the
ground and snap them like matchsticks, cold temperatures: ice and snow will
lock an automated gate solid, vandalism, and then there are children that
simply do not see the dangers, ‘but more importantly do not play by our rules’
So are the majority of automated gates keeping one safe, and
what do we mean by the word ‘safe’
·
The feeling of security
·
In the knowledge that children and our pets
cannot get out onto busy streets
·
That our possessions are protected
·
That we can now sleep soundly in our beds
·
Or that
they stop the unwanted callers
Or do we mean safe in the use off? For the most part
automated gates are a lot safer than manual gates because; there is no control
of safety on a manual gate, example in high winds or a gate being slammed into
a person. In reality you are more likely to have an accident involving a trip, fall
or a moving vehicle when leaving your property than getting entangled in the
automated gate, which you should in theory never come into contact with.
Safe; what do we mean by this word? Well, being respectful in
the design and making others aware, when they use the gate / door and alerting
them to the dangers in the use of. Information the “warning sign on the gate /
door” is the most important piece of information needed for all uses. The only time you should have to make contact
with an automated gate / door is when undertaking maintenance or repair.
Safe; children need to be educated with more information of
the dangers, and this program should include education in schools because these
labour saving machines now form part of everyday lives. ”So let’s make it a
safe in all aspects of the word”
John Birkett
Industry Assessor