What Is a Swing Gate Safety Restrainer? | Aremco Barriers

What Is a Safety Restrainer on a Swing Gate and Why Is It Important?

When choosing a manual swing gate, most people naturally concentrate on the obvious things: the width of the opening, the height of the gate, the finish and how it will be locked.

One important component can easily be overlooked – the safety restrainer.

A safety restrainer is designed to provide a secondary means of support should a gate's primary hinge system fail. On a large steel swing gate, this is an important safety consideration because the gate leaf can be substantial in both size and weight.

At Aremco Barriers, safety restrainers form part of our approach to manufacturing manual swing gates, with consideration given to the requirements of BS EN 12604.

In this guide, we'll explain what a gate safety restrainer is, why it is important and why it should be included in ongoing gate inspections and maintenance.

What Is a Swing Gate Safety Restrainer?

A safety restrainer is a secondary safety device fitted between the gate leaf and its supporting structure.

Its purpose is not to act as the gate's normal hinge or carry the gate during everyday operation.

Instead, it provides an additional means of restraint in the event of a failure within the primary supporting arrangement.

Think of it as a secondary safety measure.

During normal operation, the gate should continue to open and close using its hinges as designed. The restrainer is there to help prevent the gate leaf from simply becoming completely detached should a critical failure occur.

Why Is a Safety Restrainer Necessary?

Manual steel swing gates can be large and heavy.

A gate spanning several metres creates substantial loads around its hinges and supporting post.

If a critical component within the primary support system were to fail and there were no secondary restraint, the gate leaf could potentially fall.

This could create a serious risk to:

• People operating the gate
• Pedestrians
• Vehicles
• Nearby property
• Other equipment

A safety restrainer provides an additional level of protection against this type of foreseeable failure.

Is a Safety Restrainer the Same as a Hinge?

No.

The hinges and safety restrainer perform different functions.

The hinges support the gate during normal operation and allow it to swing open and closed.

The safety restrainer is a secondary safety component.

It shouldn't normally be carrying the operating load of the gate.

If a restrainer appears to be supporting the gate during everyday use, this could indicate a problem with the gate or hinge arrangement and should be investigated.

What Does BS EN 12604 Cover?

BS EN 12604 relates to the mechanical aspects and safety requirements of industrial, commercial and garage doors and gates.

Among the risks considered are those associated with unintended or uncontrolled movement and failure of components.

For a substantial manual gate, consideration needs to be given to what could happen if part of its primary supporting system fails.

This is why secondary safety measures such as restrainers are an important part of gate design and installation.

Are Safety Restrainers Only Needed on Automatic Gates?

No.

Gate safety isn't limited to electrically operated or automated gates.

Manual gates are still large moving structures and can present hazards if they aren't correctly designed, installed, operated and maintained.

Although an automatic gate introduces additional risks associated with powered movement, a manual swing gate can still cause injury if it falls or moves unexpectedly.

Safety therefore needs to be considered regardless of whether the gate is manual or powered.

Aremco Barriers specialises in manual swing gates and manual vehicle access-control products.

Where Is the Safety Restrainer Fitted?

The exact arrangement depends on the design of the gate.

Generally, the restrainer connects the moving gate leaf to the supporting post or structure in such a way that it can provide secondary restraint if required.

It needs to be positioned correctly so that it doesn't prevent the gate from operating normally.

It also shouldn't be:

• Removed
• Altered
• Used as a handle
• Allowed to become excessively worn
• Replaced with an unsuitable component

If a restrainer has been damaged, the correct replacement should be fitted.

Does a Safety Restrainer Stop the Gate Blowing in the Wind?

That isn't its primary purpose.

A safety restrainer shouldn't be confused with devices used to secure the gate in its open or closed position.

Wind loading is an important consideration with swing gates because a large gate leaf can effectively behave like a sail.

The gate should therefore have suitable arrangements for controlling and securing it during normal use.

The safety restrainer provides protection associated with the supporting arrangement rather than acting as the normal method of holding the gate open.

Should a Swing Gate Be Secured When Open?

Yes.

A manual swing gate shouldn't simply be left free to move when it is in the open position.

Wind or other forces can cause an unsecured gate leaf to move unexpectedly.

Depending on the gate and installation, an open-position post or suitable securing arrangement can be used to hold the gate safely when open.

This is especially important for larger gate leaves.

Why Correct Installation Matters

Even a well-manufactured gate can develop problems if it isn't installed correctly.

The hanging post needs to be correctly positioned and supported.

The gate needs to be aligned correctly.

Hinges, restrainers and locking components all need to be installed as intended.

The foundations also need to be suitable for the size and loading of the gate.

If the supporting post begins to move, the alignment of the gate can change. This can place additional loads on components and make the gate more difficult to operate.

Correct installation is therefore an important part of gate safety.

Does Gate Size Make a Difference?

Yes.

As a gate leaf becomes longer, the forces acting on the supporting post and hinge arrangement increase.

A long steel gate also has a significant surface area, making wind loading an important consideration.

Aremco standard single-leaf manual swing gates are generally available for openings from approximately 3 metres up to 6 metres.

For wider entrances, a double-leaf arrangement may be more appropriate.

The size and configuration of the gate should be considered alongside its supporting structure, foundations and safety components.

Should Safety Restrainers Be Inspected?

Yes.

A safety device isn't much use if it is fitted when the gate is installed and then ignored for years.

Safety restrainers should form part of the gate's regular inspection and maintenance.

Checks should look for signs such as:

• Damage
• Excessive wear
• Corrosion
• Loose fixings
• Distortion
• Missing components
• Evidence that the restrainer has been subjected to unusual loading

If there is any doubt about its condition, the gate should be assessed and the appropriate action taken.

What Else Should Be Checked on a Manual Swing Gate?

The safety restrainer is only one component.

Periodic inspections should also include:

• Hinges
• Hinge pins
• Posts
• Foundations
• Fixings
• Gate alignment
• Locks
• Drop bolts where fitted
• Open-position securing arrangements
• Welds
• General steelwork condition
• Protective finish
• Signs of vehicle impact or other damage

The gate should open and close smoothly without needing excessive force.

A noticeable change in the way a gate operates can be an indication that something requires attention.

What If a Gate Has Been Hit by a Vehicle?

A gate that has suffered a significant impact should be inspected before continuing to use it normally.

Damage isn't always limited to the area that has visibly been struck.

An impact can potentially affect:

• Hinges
• Posts
• Welds
• Foundations
• Alignment
• Safety restrainers
• Locking arrangements

If the gate no longer operates as it did before the impact, don't simply force it open or closed.

The cause should be identified.

Can I Remove the Safety Restrainer?

A safety component shouldn't be removed simply because it appears unnecessary or inconvenient.

It forms part of the safety arrangement of the gate.

If a restrainer is interfering with normal operation, this could indicate incorrect installation, adjustment or damage.

The correct solution is to establish why the problem is occurring rather than remove the safety device.

What About Older Gates?

Older gates deserve particular attention.

A gate may have operated successfully for many years, but components can wear, corrode or become damaged over time.

Older installations should therefore be periodically assessed for:

• Hinge condition
• Structural condition
• Post movement
• Corrosion
• Safety arrangements
• Changes to the surrounding site

If you're responsible for an older manual gate and are unsure about its condition, obtaining appropriate professional advice is sensible.

Safety Starts With Choosing the Correct Gate

Gate safety doesn't begin after installation.

It starts when the gate is specified.

Before ordering a manual swing gate, consider:

• Required opening width
• Single or double-leaf arrangement
• Vehicle movements
• Pedestrian movements
• Available opening space
• Ground conditions
• Foundations
• Wind exposure
• How the gate will be secured open
• How the gate will be secured closed
• Who will operate it

Looking at the complete application rather than simply the width of the entrance can help produce a much better installation.

Why Aremco Includes Safety Considerations in Its Gate Design

At Aremco Barriers, we've been manufacturing manual barriers and gates for more than 40 years.

During that time, gate safety requirements and industry standards have continued to develop.

Our approach isn't simply to manufacture a steel frame that fits across an entrance.

We consider how the gate will operate, how it will be supported and the safety measures required for the particular design.

Safety restrainers are one part of that approach.

Need Help With a Manual Swing Gate?

If you're considering a manual swing gate and aren't sure what size or configuration you require, speak to Aremco Barriers.

Providing us with the opening dimensions, photographs of the entrance and information about how the gate will be used can help us understand the application.

We manufacture manual steel swing gates for commercial, industrial and other vehicle access-control applications throughout the UK, with standard and bespoke options available.

Please note: Gate safety depends on appropriate specification, installation, operation, inspection and maintenance. Site-specific requirements should always be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gate safety restrainer?

A safety restrainer provides a secondary means of restraint between a swing gate leaf and its supporting structure should a failure occur within the primary supporting arrangement.

Is a safety restrainer the same as a gate hinge?

No. The hinges support and allow movement of the gate during normal operation. The restrainer is a secondary safety component.

Do manual swing gates need safety considerations?

Yes. Manual gates can be substantial moving structures and should be correctly designed, installed, operated and maintained.

Should a safety restrainer normally carry the weight of the gate?

No. It is a secondary safety device rather than the gate's normal means of support.

Should gate safety restrainers be inspected?

Yes. They should be included in routine gate inspections and checked for wear, damage, corrosion, loose fixings or other deterioration.

Should a manual swing gate be secured when open?

Yes. A manual gate should have an appropriate means of preventing uncontrolled movement when it is in its open position.

What should I do if my swing gate has been hit by a vehicle?

The gate and its supporting components should be inspected. Damage to the posts, hinges, foundations, restrainers or alignment may not always be immediately obvious.