Safety is essential when installing or using a manual swing gate, particularly in car parks, industrial estates, and shared access areas. A properly designed and installed gate should minimise risks such as pinch points, entrapment, and pedestrian conflict.
Key safety considerations:
- Pinch points & hinges
- Keep hands and fingers clear of hinges and moving joints
- Where possible, use hinge guards or protective plates
- Install gates so gaps are minimised in line with UK HSE guidance (reducing risk of trapping)
- Entrapment risks
- Avoid large gaps between the gate leaf and fixed structures where someone could become trapped
- Maintain consistent clearances — typically 25–50mm near posts/walls, depending on design
- Ensure no areas where clothing, limbs, or objects could be caught during movement
- Pedestrian clearance & segregation
- Pedestrian routes should ideally be outside the swing arc of the gate
- Where this isn’t possible, clearly define safe zones using:
- Markings on the ground
- Bollards or barriers
- Ensure pedestrians are not forced to stand within the gate’s path while it opens
- Ground level & surface condition
- The surface should be smooth and level to prevent the gate catching or dragging
- Uneven ground can cause sudden stops, increasing the risk of injury or damage
- Controlled movement & handling
- Gates should open and close smoothly without excessive force
- Consider gate stops or hold-open devices to prevent uncontrolled movement in wind
- Visibility & awareness
- Use high-visibility finishes (e.g. yellow) or reflective strips to make the gate clearly visible
- Add warning signage where appropriate, especially in shared-use areas
- Secure locking & operation
- Ensure locks, drop bolts, and latches are easy to operate but secure
- Avoid designs that require users to place hands near pinch points during locking
Practical tip
If the gate is in a busy or shared environment, consider combining it with separate pedestrian access to reduce interaction between people and moving gates.
At Aremco Barriers, our UK-manufactured manual swing gates are designed with safety in mind, including robust construction, smooth operation, and compliant clearances. Built from galvanised and powder-coated steel, they provide a reliable and safe access solution for a wide range of commercial and public settings.
