A recent tragedy in Marin County, California, where a heavy, falling gate crushed a seven-year-old boy, has sparked significant legislative changes. The 30-foot-long, 400-pound gate’s collapse underscores the critical need for stringent safety protocols.
In response to this heartbreaking incident, the county’s Community Development Agency (CDA) has proposed an important amendment to the building code. This new directive will require the installation of safety devices on gates over 4 feet wide or 84 inches tall to prevent them from falling and causing injuries.
Gates of these dimensions must include wire restraints or vertical posts to ensure controlled movement. This rule, once approved, will be enforced during routine final inspections associated with building permits.
Gate Safe, a UK charity advocating for improved gate safety standards since 2010, applauds this rapid and decisive action. Despite years of campaigning and efforts in the UK to bring automated gate installations under local building control scrutiny, change has been slow. This swift response in the US, achieved in under a year, highlights a significant advancement in safety regulation.
Gate Safe hopes this development will serve as a model for similar improvements worldwide, emphasising the need for proactive safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
