The safety of powered and manual school gates has become an increasingly urgent topic across the UK, and we at ECA (Electrical Contractors’ Association) are reinforcing our commitment to supporting improved standards.
I represented ECA at a recent Westminster roundtable event organised by Gate Safe, hosted by Sojan Joseph MP, The Kent-based charity dedicated to improving gate safety escalated its national Safe School Gates campaign at Portcullis House.
For ECA Members, this collaboration represents an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in safety and competence. Powered gate systems require expertise in installation, inspection, and ongoing maintenance—areas in which ECA Members already excel. By aligning with Gate Safe guidance, Members can strengthen their technical offering while improving safety outcomes.
I was joined by key stakeholders from safety bodies, insurers, regulators, and industry organisations at the Westminster roundtable. The session was chaired by Gate Safe founder Richard Jackson OBE and brought together representatives from the HSE, Secured by Design, Zurich Insurance, SAFed, and senior personnel from manufacturers and installation companies.
The discussion focused on identifying practical, realistic solutions to address the high number of unsafe gates currently installed in schools. Gate Safe’s recent survey work highlights the large scale of the issue and the potential risk to children, staff, and visitors, particularly when automated gates (legally classified as machines) are installed or maintained incorrectly.
Several key themes emerged from the roundtable discussions:
- Ensuring all new installations comply with the law requiring all gates and machines to be safe, while bringing historic installations up to required standards.
- Mandating that all swing gates be supplied with three hinges, as required by British Standards, with retrofitting for non-compliant gates.
- Recognising the legal requirement that all automated gates be maintained at least every six months by a trained and competent professional.
- Improving regulatory oversight, including potential application of building regulations and enhanced Ofsted inspection criteria.
- Improving understanding across schools, insurers, and inspection bodies regarding what constitutes a safe and legally compliant gate.
Delegates expressed a strong commitment to supporting Gate Safe in delivering a sustained campaign to address these issues. A formal approach will be made to the Department for Education to secure further government support.
I will continue to work closely with Gate Safe to ensure ECA Members have access to clear guidance and resources.
