Rolling gates are commonly used for vehicle entrances in various venues, such as industrial or multifamily developments across the U.S. Typically, they are built of steel, about 7 feet high and can span 20 feet (to accommodate vehicles going both directions). Their size and weight pose a considerable and recognized hazard should the gate fall over. The gates are mounted on rollers, which mate with an inverted V-track, and can be single- or double-paneled.
AKE has been retained in several matters where a rolling gate fell and severely injured or killed a person. These failures can be divided into two primary categories: 1) failed stops and 2) missing stops. Without a stop, the gate can continue to roll, leaving its track, and any support provisions provided to prevent it from tipping over.
There are third-party consensus standards, such as ASTM F1184 and ASTM F2200, and UL 325, which provide requirements and evaluation methods, including the need for positive stops. In our investigations, we have observed stops that were readily defeated (i.e., not robust), stops that can be moved (e.g., using the swinging end of a gate as the stop), and stops that have failed during use, often when automatic gate openers fail, prompting in manual use of the gate.
Manual use allows for variable speed of the gate, with no inherent mechanism to slow the gate prior to contacting the stop. Heavy impacts can damage stops over time, resulting in their failure, leading to a gate tip-over.
Ultimately, the design and construction of rolling gates are paramount, including their positive stops and guides (i.e., tip-over prevention devices). It is also important that the gates are properly used and maintained, and that the potential severity of any deficiencies is understood. Any failures in the design, construction, use, or proper maintenance of these gates can result in serious injury or death.
We hope this information is helpful.
Stay safe,
The Team at AKE
Failure Examples
