Automatic Gate Safety Regulations: What They Are and Why They Matter

Automatic gate safety regulations might not be something that first springs to mind when you consider adding a new gate outside your residential or commercial property. However, the importance of these regulations shouldn’t be dismissed.

Due to the array of moving parts, automatic or electric gates carry a degree of risk, especially if poorly maintained or installed incorrectly. Whilst the addition of such gates can help increase property value, the kerb appeal and provide added security, the risk of injury or even death is something to be aware of.

Understanding the law, whether you are a home or business owner, is essential, and in this blog, we explain the UK regulations for automatic and electric gates.

It should be noted that legislation is always subject to change. You should always verify the current laws with your chosen gate installer before proceeding with a new installation.

Why electric gate safety regulation matters

An automated gate is a machine, and as with most machines, a lack of care and attention could see it causing users serious harm.

Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that gate safety relies on how all the parts, such as motors, sensors, controls and safety devices, work together. It isn’t just about the gate itself.

If someone gets injured by a gate, the owner could be liable. This applies to both residential and commercial properties.

What are the UK automatic gate safety regulations?

A wide range of legislation and standards apply to powered gates in the UK. Each covers specific areas of gate installation and use. We’ve highlighted some of the most important below:

The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008

Automated gates are classed as machinery under these regulations. They set out essential health and safety requirements that must be met before a gate can be sold or used.

This means that:

• The gate must be designed and built to be safe for its intended use
• Manufacturers must carry out a risk assessment and provide a technical file
• A Declaration of Conformity must be supplied with every new powered gate
• Gate operators AND installers must comply with these requirements

Anyone maintaining, repairing or modifying an automatic gate is also required under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure all works result in a safe gate.

BS EN12453:2017 + A1:2021 – Safety in Use of Power Operated Doors and Gates

This is the primary British and European standard for the safety of powered gates. A safe gate is defined as one that conforms to or exceeds BS EN 12453 requirements.

The standard does not prescribe a single fixed checklist of safety devices. Instead, it requires the installer to carry out a risk assessment and then apply appropriate safeguarding measures based on that assessment. However, the measures based on that assessment. However, the measures typically required include:

• Touch-sensitive protection on leading edges: Rubber safety edges or intelligent drive units that cause the gate to retract when it makes contact with any obstacle
• Lower edge protection on swing gates: Either a safety edge or an intelligent drive system
• Light beams: Across the entrance as a backup safety measure
• Hinge protection: Flexible guards, rubber safety edges or constant-gap hinges at pinch points
• Force testing: A calibrated force test meter must be used to confirm that contact forces are within safe limits

A minimum performance level for all safety-related control systems is also required.

A single light beam is not seen as sufficient protection, as it can be easily defeated by someone standing astride or leaning over it. Multi-beam curtain systems offer a higher level of protection but are not commonly found in the domestic market due to costs. It is also worth noting that the HSE has stated that compliance with BS EN 12453 alone may not be sufficient to satisfy all applicable regulatory requirements under the UK's machinery safety legislation, and installers should ensure their risk assessment reflects this.

BS EN 13241:2003+A2:2016 – Product Standard for Industrial, Commercial and Garage Doors and Gates

This standard covers the construction and performance of industrial, commercial, garage and residential gates or barriers. It addresses the gate itself rather than the safety in-use requirements covered by BS EN 12453.

It specifies requirements for:

• Structural integrity and mechanical performance
• Wind load resistance
• Thermal resistance (where relevant)
• Marking and labelling of the finished product

This particular legislation works alongside BS EN 12453. The product must be built to the right specification before safety devices and force tests can be applied. BS EN 13241 is the harmonised standard that formally references BS EN 12453, giving the safety-in-use requirements their legal standing under the Machinery Directive.

BS EN 12635:2002+A1:2009 – Installation of power-operated doors and gates

This standard relates specifically to the installation, operation and maintenance of your electric gate or doors. It will include:

• Documented maintenance schedules
• Detailed records for installed systems
• Ongoing obligations on owners and operators to maintain safety

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

If your gates are being used on commercial or industrial premises, these regulations state that powered gates must be:

• Properly maintained and in good working order
• Not a source of safety risk to employees or visitors

These obligations sit alongside the duties under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

This act places a duty of care on employers, property owners and others to ensure that any powered gates on the property do not pose a risk to users. Regular inspections, risk assessments and maintenance records all support compliance with this regulation.

The Building Regulations 2010 (Approved Documents M and K)

• Approved Document M addresses the accessibility of powered doors or gates for disabled users.
• Approved Document K covers protection from impact and falling hazards

What documentation should my gate installer give me?

Once a qualified contractor has installed your automatic gates, you should receive the following from them:

Document	What it’s for
Declaration of Conformity	Confirms the gate complies with the Machinery Directive/Supply of Machinery Regulations
Risk Assessment	Identifies and records risks specific to your installation
Force Test Results	Confirms contact forces are within safe limits
Installation and Maintenance Log	Records all work carried out on the gate
User instructions	Guidance on how to use the gate safely

Does my automatic gate need a CE mark?

This has more recently been an area of some confusion. The CE mark has widely been accepted as an indication of safety. However, since Brexit, changes were planned that would see the UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) replace it. This was met with some feedback from the industry, and in August 2023, it was confirmed that the CE mark would remain in place in Great Britain. It came into force on 1 October 2024, so what does this mean for your gate installation?

• CE marking remains valid for automated gate products
• UKCA marking is accepted but is NOT mandatory
• Either mark demonstrates that the product has undergone the required conformity assessment

If you have seen information stating that the CE is no longer valid in the UK, this information is incorrect. However, regulations can change, so you should always speak with your gate installer to get the most up-to-date information.

What tests should a gate installer do when installing a new gate?

When your automatic gate is installed, two separate tests must be completed.

• Risk assessment: A site-specific risk assessment will identify all hazards associated with the type of gate, its location, and its use. This would include whether it's being used by children, whether it swings or slides and more.
• Force testing: Force testing will check that the gate has been installed to the manufacturer's specifications and that increasing force applied to the gate triggers the safety mechanism to stop and reverse. The results of this test must be recorded.

Both sets of results should be provided, and any risks that cannot be removed must be highlighted, along with guidance on safe operation.

How can I keep compliant after my gate has been installed?

Safety compliance doesn’t end the moment your gate has been installed. The HSE states that it is inconceivable that an automated gate does not require maintenance at least once a year. Some gate systems require quarterly or even monthly checks, depending on the systems involved and how the gate functions.

As a general rule, to help yourself remain compliant with gate safety regulations. You should:

• Book, at least, an annual service with a qualified engineer
• Ensure safety devices are working correctly with each inspection
• Have all maintenance, repairs or modifications logged in the installation log
• Only allow trained professionals to modify or work on the controls
• Keep children away from moving gates

Will I need planning permission to install an automatic gate?

Planning permission for electric gates is another regulation many people are unsure of. In most cases, installing an automatic gate or automating an existing gate will not require planning permission as long as:

• The gate does not exceed more than 1 metre in height if adjacent to a highway
• The gate does not exceed 2 metres elsewhere
• The property is not a listed building
• The gate does not form a boundary with a listed building
• A planning condition has not removed the right to install gates

How do I know my gate installer will comply with safety regulations?

Unfortunately, it can become all too easy to hire an unqualified gate installer. Gates that are badly installed or not built to comply with regulations can lead to injury or even death. When you look for a trusted gate installation company, look for:

• Gate Safe registration: This is the industry-recognised scheme for gate safety compliance
• Insurance: Whether referenced on the website or communicated via email, ask for proof of insurance
• Documentation: A reputable gate installer will be willing to hand over the required documentation at handover
• Clear explanations: From use to safety features, you should feel confident and safe in using your gate once it is installed
• Ongoing service or maintenance: Many companies will help you keep your gate in good condition and provide expert advice.

Working with a trusted, reliable and compliant gate installer like Harrier Gates is the most effective way to ensure you remain legally compliant and stay safe both now and in the future.

If you are considering adding electric gates to your home or business, working with a Gate Safe contractor like Harrier Gates means you can remain confident that every aspect of installation, documentation and compliance is handled correctly from day one.

We serve West Sussex and Surrey, ensuring residential and commercial properties benefit from our expertise. To learn more about our services or book a visit from our team, contact us today.