Position and fix manual gates and barriers

This standard describes how to position and fix manual gates and barriers.

The standard covers positioning and fixing gates and barriers to posts, in accordance with specifications. It covers the full range of manual gates and barriers used by the fencing industry.

If you are using equipment or machinery you need to be trained, and hold current certification where required, in line with relevant legislation.

This standard is suitable for fence installers. It can be applied to support any fence installation operation.

1. carry out your work in accordance with relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements and company policies and procedures
2. wear suitable clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. carry out your work in accordance with instructions and specifications
4. select and prepare the required tools and equipment
5. check to confirm that a safe working environment has been established
6. check that posts are of the correct specification for the weight of the gate or barrier
7. obtain gate or barrier components and fixings of specified type, material, quality and grade
8. use industry-recommended working practices to prepare and assemble manual gate or barrier components to meet the instructions and specifications
9. identify and assess the weight and centre of balance of the gate or barrier
10. use industry-recommended working practices to position and fix the manual gate or barrier securely
11. confirm that the gate or barrier is properly aligned and opens, closes and fastens correctly and make any adjustments where required
12. maintain the integrity of protective finishes during fixing
13. use, maintain and store tools and equipment safely and in a clean and serviceable condition
14. dispose of waste and excess materials safely to minimise environmental risk, in accordance with the relevant legal requirements
15. carry out your work in a manner that causes minimal impact to the surrounding area, other users of the site and anyone else who may be affected

1. the relevant environmental and health and safety requirements associated with preparing, positioning and fixing gates and barriers
2. the additional hazards and risks involved in the installation of gates and barriers over two metres in height
3. the type of clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) suitable for the task
4. the relevant requirements and procedures for gaining access to the site
5. the specific requirements for permit-to-work schemes
6. the types of signs and protective barriers used within the fencing industry
7. the reasons for traffic management when working adjacent to highways and other transport systems
8. where to obtain the instructions and specifications required to carry out the work
9. the types of tools and equipment used for positioning and fixing gates or barriers and how to prepare, use and maintain these safely and correctly
10. the relevant legal requirements for the use of powered tools and equipment
11. the importance of checking that the posts are the correct specification for the weight of the gate or barrier
12. the components and fixings required for the type of manual gate or barrier being installed and their purpose
13. the methods used for assembling gate or barrier components
14. how to identify and assess the weight and centre of balance of gates or barriers
15. the methods used for fixing manual gates or barriers to posts
16. the methods used for aligning gates and barriers so that they open, close and fasten correctly
17. the different types of protective finishes, why they are used and the methods of maintaining their integrity during fixing
18. the limits of your responsibility when dealing with difficulties that arise during the work
19. the relevant legal requirements controlling the disposal of waste and excess materials
20. the storage requirements for tools and equipment
21. how to minimise the impact of your work on the surrounding area, other users of the site and anyone else who may be affected

Gate or barrier components could include:

• posts
• gate
• barrier
• braces
• hinges
• running systems (sliding gates)
• locking/fastening system

Instructions and specifications could include:

• plans/drawings
• schedules
• method statements
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• manufacturer's guidelines
• customer requirements
• quality standards e.g. BSI, CE
• verbal instructions

LANFe24 Position and fix powered gates and barriers