ROLF LAURIN

SAFETY & HEALTH CHAIR, LOCAL 338

 

JANUARY 2012

 

 

 

Garage Door Safety

Residential garage doors are massive, spring-loaded devices that can operate with just the touch of a button. These doors can weigh as much as 600 pounds and are the largest moving objects in our homes. Each year homeowners, children and pets are maimed or killed by these doors. With the advent of key pads and remote controllers these doors are often used more than any other entrance. Garage doors that were installed after 1993 are required to have an electric eye that scans the bottom six inches of the door opening for objects in its path, thus reducing thousands of injuries and deaths each year. Garage door auto-reversing systems should be tested for proper operation at least once per month. Always refer to the owner's manual for instructions on how to test and maintain your door and opener. If  your door needs repair or adjustment contact a qualified garage door specialist. It's money well-spent in making sure your door will continue to operate safely. Adults should never allow children to play with automatic door opener controllers, or allow them to play games such as "beat the door." Key pads and wall mounted controls should be located at least five feet from the floor and out of the reach of smaller children. These controllers should also be mounted in an area where users can clearly see the door as it is closing. If someone were to be pinned under your garage door, would you know how to operate the emergency release? Generally, you would simply pull down on the short rope hanging from the actuator track, disconnecting the power unit from the door so that it could be lifted by hand. Thinking about safety is important to do at home as well as at work.

 

Best wishes in 2012,

 

 

Rolf Laurin, H&S

 

   

 

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