Safety inspections on barriers and gates should be carried out by a competent person — someone with the training, knowledge, and experience to assess condition, safety, and legal compliance.
👷 Who counts as a “competent person”?
- Qualified engineers or technicians experienced in barrier or gate systems
- Professional installers or maintenance providers familiar with inspection standards
- Individuals who understand relevant regulations, including:
- PUWER (1998)
- BS EN 12453 (safety in use of powered gates)
- BS EN 13241 (industrial/commercial doors and gates)
- Contractors with recognised H&S credentials (e.g. CHAS, SafeContractor)
🕒 When inspections should be carried out
- Every 6 months – typical for manual or low-use systems
- Every 3 months – for powered, automated, or high-traffic sites
- Immediately after:
- Impact or collision
- Damage or suspected fault
- Any safety-related incident
🔍 What a proper inspection includes
- Checking structural integrity (posts, fixings, foundations)
- Inspecting hinges, locks, and moving parts for wear or failure
- Verifying safe operation and alignment
- Confirming signage, markings, and visibility are compliant
- Recording findings in a maintenance log (with actions if needed)
✅ Practical takeaway
It’s not just about ticking a box — inspections must be done by someone who can identify risks and take action. Using a qualified professional helps ensure your site remains safe, compliant, and protected from liability.
At Aremco Barriers, we support customers with clear maintenance guidance and inspection recommendations, helping ensure all barriers and gates remain safe, compliant, and fully operational over time.
