Protecting your commercial facility is a key part of ensuring smooth and efficient operation but enhancing the security of your industrial site can also help improve the morale of your employees by letting them know they are protected from intrusion and vandalism.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the different safety features you can install with your industrial gates to make your property safer and boost your security. 

1. Access Control Systems

   Safety and security go beyond just locks and keys; installing access control systems into your gates allows you to closely manage and control who can enter and exit the facility. Ensuring only authorized personnel can access your facility is critical to maintaining the overall safety of your property and employees.

   Access control options include:

   • Keycards
   • Keypad entry
   • Biometric scanners
   • Remote-controlled systems
   • Smartphone integration

2. Vehicle Detection 

   Vehicles colliding with your gates can cause damage to your gates and pose a hazard to employees, security personnel, and visitors. Vehicle detection systems trigger the gates to open automatically which can help manage access more efficiently. These systems can be programmed to open for registered vehicles only, providing convenience and safety while also keeping a firm hold on the security of your commercial or industrial facility. 

3. Photoelectric Sensors

   One of the most important safety features of automatic sliding gates is the photoelectric sensor. These sensors detect objects in the gate’s path by shooting a beam of light across the opening. If something interrupts that beam, the sensor is triggered and the gate will stop and reverse automatically, drastically reducing the risk of injury or property damage.

   As photoelectric sensors must be precisely aligned to avoid malfunctions, we always recommend a professional installation by experts like those at Creative Door Services™.

4. Manual Releases

   A manual release is a mechanism that allows you to open or close the gate manually. Although this feature may not seem necessary if you have a powered gate, a manual release is an incredible fail-safe. If there’s a power outage or if the automatic opener is broken, a manual release will allow you to continue opening and closing your door as needed.

   No gate is complete without a manual release. Call a professional gate installation expert today to ensure you get a high-quality industrial gate with a manual release that you can rely on when you need it most. 

5. Backup Power

   Backup power is one of the most vital components in a good industrial gate system. Your gate is wired into your property’s electrical system, which means it is vulnerable in case of a power outage in your area. A backup power system is vital to avoid getting trapped on your property until power is restored.

   In the event of a blackout, it is also recommended to have your gates and electrically wired access points inspected to detect any short-circuit or other power-related damages. 
   

6. Warning Alarms

   A useful safety feature on any security gate is a warning alarm that lets people in the vicinity know when the gate is moving. An alarm can take the form of a beeping or buzzing noise that’s loud enough that it can’t be mistaken for anything else if you’re in the area.

   This kind of warning system is also very important if the gate is not in direct line of sight, such as around corners or behind bushes. A professional gate installation expert can ensure you have a functional alarm system for any gate you have on your property.

7. Auto-Close Features

   A big part of gate safety is also ensuring that the gate can properly enhance the safety of your property. An auto-close feature will close the gate automatically after a set time, preventing the gate from being left open accidentally. You’ll drastically reduce the risk of unauthorized access and security incidents, making auto-close a highly desirable feature for facilities of all kinds, but especially for those with unmanned gates.

8. Automatic Locking Mechanisms

   An auto-lock mechanism is a similar feature that can have a positive effect on the safety and security of your property. Gates that lock automatically help to counter potential human error and bring you peace of mind knowing that your facility is always under lock and key. Many options such as magnetic locks or deadbolts are available for better security and are especially sought-after in high-risk facilities. 
   

9. Adjustable Speed

   Industrial gate mechanisms have adjustable movement speeds as a safety measure. If your gate closes too fast, it can lead to injuries or damage to property as people and vehicles pass through. However, a gate that is too slow is a security risk as unauthorized persons may be able to sneak in behind authorized ones as the gate closes.

   A professional technician can adjust the speed of your industrial gate to ensure optimal operation—and therefore safety—at all times. 

10. Separate Pedestrian Walkthrough

    Most industrial gates are built for vehicle traffic and don’t accommodate pedestrian traffic. This sort of oversight can present a safety hazard for pedestrians visiting your property who must compete with vehicles for access to your facility. Consider having a separate walkthrough gate installed specifically for pedestrians to access your property without worrying about possible collisions with cars, heavy machinery, or trucks.

Routine Maintenance Ensures Safety

One of the most important safety features of any gate or door is not a feature at all, but a habit: routine maintenance. If you neglect routine maintenance, it can compromise the integrity of your gate, putting you, your employees, and your property at risk.

Things such as loose hardware, corrosion, or dirt and grime can lead to damaged gates, which causes malfunctions and increases the risk of accidents. Your gate may also end up not working at all, which can be a massive safety and security risk. Instead, it’s better to call a professional to inspect your gate regularly and avoid potential problems. 

Creative Door Services™ is Your Source for Industrial Gate Installation

When it comes to industrial gate installation and repair, no has the expertise and years in business like Creative Door Services™. We offer a wide range of security gate options, complete with many different safety features that protect your property and ensure the safety of occupants at the same time.

For more information on industrial gate installation and repair, contact us today. You can find us in Kelowna, British Columbia; Vancouver, British Columbia; Calgary, Alberta; Edmonton, Alberta; Fort McMurray, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; and Winnipeg, Manitoba.