The 10 biggest safety risks with garage and industrial doors – and how to avoid them
A gate is heavy, moves powerfully and is one of the most used components in houses and industrial buildings. Safety is paramount here. Yet many hazards are underestimated: crush hazards, broken springs, missing sensors, or inadequate maintenance. In this expert article, we explain the 10 biggest risks with garage and industrial doors – and how you can prevent them with modern technology, CE-compliant products and regular maintenance reliably avoid.
Introduction – why safety is crucial for gates
Whether in a private home or an industrial building, gates are moved dozens of times a day. A technical error can have serious consequences: Injuries, production downtime, or expensive repairs. Modern doors must therefore comply with EN 13241 and be CE-marked. and checked regularly. With safety technology such as light barriers , Optosensors or slack wire switches most risks can be avoided.
Risk 1: Risk of crushing due to missing closing edge protection
The greatest danger with gates is the risk of crushing at the bottom edge. Children, pets, or vehicles can become trapped. Without a closing edge safety device, the gate will not stop in time.
Solution: Modern optosensors in the closing edge detect obstacles immediately and stop the gate automatically.
Risk 2: Inadequate light barriers or sensors
If there are no light barriers , the gate does not detect any obstacles in the passage area. This is particularly dangerous for industrial doors with forklift traffic.
Solution: Installation of light barriers or light grids for maximum security.
Risk 3: Spring breakage in old sectional doors
Broken torsion or tension springs can cause the gate to fall down uncontrollably.
Solution: Regular maintenance and replacement by specialist companies. We provide you with tested, industrial-quality springs.
Risk 4: Defective or missing gap seals
Open gaps not only allow cold air into the building, but also dirt and moisture. This can cause damage to electronics or goods.
Solution: Gap sealing Retrofit for the bottom edge, sides and top of the door.
Risk 5: Lack of maintenance of industrial doors
In industry, gates must be inspected annually according to the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). Lack of maintenance leads to accidents and legal problems.
Solution: Regular inspections by specialist companies such as Schweighöfer Tortechnik in the Rhine-Main area.
Risk 6: Slack wire ropes without slack rope switches
Wire ropes support the weight of the gate. If they break or sag, the gate can move uncontrollably.
Solution: Slack rope switches immediately detect when a rope is slack – the drive stops.
Risk 7: Burglary due to weak drives without delay protection
A gate drive without a push-open protection device can easily be lifted by burglars.
Solution: Use modern garage door openers with integrated anti-lift protection.
Risk 8: Power failure without emergency release
If the power fails, a gate will remain closed without an emergency release. This can be dangerous in an emergency.
Solution: Installation of an emergency release – mandatory for garage doors.
Risk 9: Improper installation by laypersons
DIY installations without specialist knowledge often result in unsafe gates.
Solution: Installation and maintenance by professionals such as Schweighöfer Tortechnik .
Risk 10: Gates without CE marking
A gate without a CE mark is not legally permitted and unsafe.
Solution: Only buy and install CE-certified doors. Read more in the article. CE marking for gate systems .
Overview table: Risk – Cause – Solution
| risk | Caused | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Danger of crushing | Missing closing edge safety device | Installing optosensors |
| Spring breakage | Old or defective springs | Regular maintenance & replacement |
| Burglary | Drive without anti-lift device | Modern drives with safety technology |
Practical examples from the Rhine-Main area
In Frankfurt, a new light grid system stopped a near-accident involving a forklift. In Mainz, an old garage door with defective springs was replaced with a modern Satin Plano sectional door. In Wiesbaden, we installed slack rope switches on an industrial gate – since then, zero malfunctions.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about gate security
Does every gate have to be CE marked?
Yes, CE is mandatory – whether it is a garage door or an industrial door.
How often do I need to have a gate inspected?
Private: Annual maintenance recommended. Industrial: DGUV inspection required.
Can I retrofit light barriers?
Yes, all common systems can be retrofitted – more information can be found in our light barriers category .
Conclusion – Security begins with knowledge & technology
Garage and industrial doors are in use every day – and pose risks if technology is missing or maintenance is neglected. With CE-compliant products, modern safety technology, and regular maintenance, you're on the safe side. Tormeister24 offers you tested products, Schweighöfer Tortechnik provides specialist service in the Rhine-Main area.
