In recent decades, the UK automated gate industry has faced a number of notable incidents, fatalities and serious injuries among both adults and children, that revealed consistent safety failings. From derailing sliding gates lacking travel stops to hinge gaps and unprotected closing edges, nearly all documented tragedies (apart from a single 2012 incident) could have been prevented by compliance with EN 12453:2000, the then-current standard.
Regulatory and industry responses
- 2011-2012: The UK Health and Safety Executive issued formal objections to EN 12453:2000, citing deficiencies in force testing and draw-in protection.
- 2013: DHF introduced powered-gate compliance training for industry professionals.
- 2016: DHF published TS 011 to explain the shortcomings of the 2000 standard.
- 2017: A revised standard (EN 12453:2017) was released, however, the European Commission declined to list it as a harmonised standard under the Machinery Directive. In late 2018, BSI published the 2017 version in the UK with a compliance warning in the foreword.
- 2019: DHF issued TS 013, addressing gaps in the published 2017 version.
- 2021-2023: The standard was amended to EN 12453:2017+A1:2021, and listed as harmonised by the European Commission and designated in the UK under relevant machinery safety regulations.
Current compliance context
EN 12453:2017+A1:2021 now legally defines the minimum safety threshold for powered gates. It supports conformity for CE and UKCA marking. However, this is only the baseline. As DHF highlights, most higher-risk environments like schools or public premises will require additional site-specific safeguards beyond compliance with the standard.
Residual risk and remaining issues
Despite advancements, non-compliance is still widespread across the UK. Common failures include structural inadequacies, missing travel stops, absence of hinge protection, and insufficient force limitation on closing edges. Installation and maintenance firms must conduct residual risk assessments to identify and manage all site-specific risks. DHF standards such as DHF TS 013-1 and the Level 2 Award in Automated Gate & Traffic Barrier Safety are essential tools for achieving compliance and enhancing safety.
