Guide to Gate Safety Documentation

Required Documentation

In addition to the following guidance for product standards, the machinery directive requires several key documents to be created in a technical file. Parts of this technical file can then be handed over with the finished gate product. In addition the final product must also be CE marked and display a label or stamp from its manufacturer. The required documents include the following:

• Risk Assessment (This document is essential)
• Declaration of conformity (Handed over with gate)*
• Manufacturer's Indelibly marked CE plate (Applied to gate)*
• Force testing results
• Declarations of incorporation (conformity) from drive unit & safety device manufacturers
• Guide for safe use of gate (operational instructions) (Handed over with gate)*
• Details of the location of any emergency release devices
• Installation / Maintenance log (Handed over with gate)*

Documentation Explained

In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the product standards each manufacturer or installer should also create a technical file for the finished gate. This technical file should contain the following described documents and be kept by the manufacturer or installer for a minimum period of 10 years.

Risk Assessment - Key Requirements

• Should contain definitions of the risks associated with gate being installed
• Layout of design or images illustrating danger areas of that particular gate
• Definitions of the risk illustrated in the layout or image
• Definitions of the applied control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk
• Must I carry out a Risk Assessment?
• What can I do about unprotected risks or residual risks identified in my risk assessment that cannot be protected due to gate construction or design?

Declaration of Conformity - Key Requirements

• Should contain company name and address details of issuer of certificate
• Location of installed product and model & (optional) serial number
• Compliance statement to machinery directive (MD2006/42/EC)
• List of compliance to standards if used (i.e. BS-EN13241-1)
• What is a declaration of conformity?

Manufacturer's CE Marked Stamp - Key Requirements

• Should list company name and contact details of issuer of label/stamp
• Model & serial number (optional) of gate
• Date or year of manufacture
• CE mark Indelibly etched or stamped
• What is CE Marking?
• Who is responsible for the CE Marking of machinery?
• Where should the CE mark appear?

Installation / Maintenance Log Book - Key Requirements

• Should contain company name and address details of location of installed product
• Product model & (optional) serial number
• Installation details including settings of control board or any relevant settings effecting operation of gate
• Service log area for maintenance/repair of gate
• Signature of responsible person