E032:06 22 March 2006
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has today issued an information document to the owners of vertically opening powered rolling doors following a number of serious and fatal accidents to children riding on these doors.
Vertically opening powered rolling doors are found at industrial, commercial, larger residential apartments and office complexes. They are often used at the entrances to secure underground car parks and can be the first barrier to preventing people getting into the building.
Two fatalities which occurred in the UK involved the children being lifted up by the door and becoming fatally entangled.
The most recent prosecution was in October 2005, where the building owner pleaded guilty to health and safety breaches and was fined £50,000 with £50,000 costs.
Phil Gifford, Principal Inspector, of the HSE's Investigating Unit said: "This was a tragic loss of life that could have so easily been prevented. Car parks are not playgrounds and the owners of such doors should make sure all the foreseeable risks are considered in buildings where children are likely to be present."
The information document is being sent to commercial landlords and local authorities who are likely to operate premises with these kinds of doors.
All enquiries from journalists should be directed to the HSE Press Office
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