Entrapment zones are areas near automated vehicular gate systems where people may be seriously injured if they are caught between a moving barrier gate and a fixed object such as a fence, post, wall or even where two gates meet. This is regardless of whether a barrier gate is moving to an open or closed position.
Safety is our utmost concern, so devices such as photo-electric beams, contacts, edge sensors, etc. are installed to stop and/or reverse the movement if someone or something is detected in the area. I have previously written in general about entrapment zones, Underwriter’s Laboratory (U.L.) regulations (i.e. 325) and gate operator classifications in “Checking Entrapment Zones | Part of Vehicle Gate Maintenance“.
Other blog articles focused on particular types of barrier gate entrapment applications. These articles included information on Vertical Pivot Gates, the public side of Sliding Gates, as well as the interior side of Sliding Gates and Double Swing Gates
I found the above video from Liftmaster, an ECI supplier, to be helpful in identifying potential entrapment zones and how to protect some of them. The video covers such common sense factors as the need to provide separate entrances for pedestrians as well as posting warning signage. In the video you can visually see opening and closing cycles and their associated potential entrapment zones for both swing gates and slide gates.
Entrapment zone protection includes type A protection which is built into the gate operator to stop and/or reverse movement when a device is activated. Type B1 is a non-contact sensor such as a photo-electric beam. A type B2 is a contact device such as an edge sensor. A fixed three-button manually operated emergency stop button is designated as a type D device.
If an obstruction is detected and the gate operation is stopped or reversed, the person or object must be removed from the path before the operation can proceed.
Entrapment protection and gate operation must be inspected and tested regularly to prevent harm or damage to equipment and vehicles. Call ECI today at 847.949.0134 to schedule your inspection on these devices or other vehicle parking and control system components. Or click below for direct contact information.
