DHF urges caution: Powered Garage Doors are not an 'off the shelf' product

DHF urges caution: Powered Garage Doors are not an ‘off the shelf’ product

The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) is urging homeowners and installers to recognise that powered domestic garage doors should never be treated as simple ‘off the shelf’ products.  Rather, they require careful assessment, correct documentation and appropriate safety measures tailored to each installation.

DHF’s Senior Training & Compliance Officer, Steve Hill, has raised concerns that too many powered garage doors are being sold and installed without the detailed discussions needed to ensure they are legally compliant and safe for long-term use.

“Many companies present powered garage doors as an ‘off the shelf’ product,” he says.   “The customer chooses a colour, the installer measures the opening and the door is fitted.  But this approach overlooks the essential steps needed to ensure that the door is both safe and compliant.  A more detailed conversation is required between the customer and their chosen supplier.”

As a minimum, manufacturers must meet all legal requirements before placing a powered garage door on the market.  This includes compliance with the Construction Products Regulations 2013 (CPR) using the relevant standard EN 13241:2003+A2:2016.

“To comply, manufacturers must test their doors with an approved testing body, demonstrate performance against all essential requirements, and provide a Declaration of Performance,” continues Steve.  “A CE or UKCA conformity label must also be applied.  In addition, they must meet the legal minimum safety standard under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 and support this with a Declaration of Conformity.”

Only once these steps are taken can a powered garage door be legally sold.  However, legal compliance alone does not guarantee that the door is suitable or safe for the customer’s home environment.

“To ensure a garage door is safe for the location in which it is installed, far more information is needed,” he says.  “How the client wants to operate the door, whether the door opens onto a public highway, and what extra safety features may be required all need to be considered from the outset.”

DHF has highlighted several examples that should be included in both manufacturer considerations and installer risk assessments:

• Whether vulnerable people will be using or passing through the doorway,
• Whether vehicles may stop beneath the door during operation,
• Whether pets could be in the vicinity,
• Any additional risks arising from how the garage is used, such as storage or workshop activity.

The law provides a minimum level of protection for pedestrians, but in many real-life situations additional safety measures will be needed.  Installers should always carry out a residual risk assessment and advise householders accordingly.  If recommendations are declined, the installer must record this to protect themselves from future legal claims.  DHF warns that installers who fail to consider or communicate these additional risks may face civil action if an accident occurs.

“In short, a garage door is not simply an ‘off the shelf’ product,” concludes Steve.  “A proper safety assessment is essential if we are to protect end users and prevent avoidable incidents.”

DHF continues to encourage manufacturers, installers and homeowners to follow best practice and ensure all powered garage doors are supplied and installed with safety up-front-and-centre.

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