Are Your Automated Safety Gates Compliant with UK and EU Law?

If your site uses automated or powered safety gates, you must ensure they meet strict safety and legal requirements. These gates are legally classed as machinery, meaning they require CE (EU) or UKCA (UK) marking, documented risk assessments, and certified emergency release systems. 

At WSS, every gate we install is designed and certified for compliance, so your people stay safe and your business stays protected. 

Powered Gates Are “Machinery” Under the Law 

Any motorised or sensor-operated gate falls under: 

• UK: Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 
• EU: Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC (to be replaced by Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 in 2027) 

This means all powered gates must: 

• Be CE/UKCA marked 
• Have a Declaration of Conformity 
• Undergo a risk assessment 
• Include fail-safe systems for power loss or fire alarms 
• Be supported by a technical file, held by the installer

WSS takes full responsibility as the “manufacturer” of the system, ensuring every gate meets these obligations.

Emergency Release: What’s Required 

If a powered gate is part of an escape route, it must allow immediate manual release without keys, codes, or specialist knowledge. 

Compliant options include: 

• Break glass units 
• Push-to-exit pads or levers 
• Manual override handles 

Non-compliant: hold-to-release buttons, keypads only, or sensor-only exits.

At WSS, compliant emergency release hardware is included by default on all relevant installations. 

Why Sensors Alone Aren’t Enough 

Sensors such as PIR, radar, or AI, enhance safety in day-to-day operations by detecting movement and reducing collision risks. But they are not a substitute for emergency hardware: 

• They may fail in a power outage. 
• They do not meet BS EN 1125, BS EN 179, or BS EN 12453. 
• They cannot provide the required manual override. 

Our systems always include physical fail-safes, not just sensors. 

Compliance Responsibilities: Shared Between Installer and Client 

If a powered gate is part of an escape route, it must allow immediate manual release without keys, codes, or specialist knowledge. 

• CE/UKCA certification and Declaration of Conformity 
• Documented risk assessments 
• Standardised break-glass units and fail-safes 
• O&M manuals for ongoing compliance 

Clients must: 

• Maintain and inspect gates regularly
• Keep compliance documentation updated 
• Avoid bypassing or disabling safety features 

Think of it as a partnership: WSS delivers a compliant installation, and you keep it compliant through proper maintenance. 

What You Can Expect from WSS

Every powered gate installation includes:

• Certified CE/UKCA marking 
• Full risk assessment & documentation 
• Emergency release hardware as standard 
• Fail-safe integration with fire alarms and power systems 
• A clear O&M manual for your team

The Bottom Line: Safety and Compliance Go Hand in Hand 

Automated gates are critical for safe, efficient sites – but only if they’re installed to legal standards. Non-compliance risks safety, insurance, and liability. 

With WSS, you get more than an installer – you get a safety partner who ensures every gate is compliant, documented, and future-proof. 

Need Advice on Your Site’s Gates? 

Contact WSS today for clear guidance on keeping your gates safe, compliant, and legally sound. 

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