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When you’re working at height or around moving equipment, even a single lapse in physical protection can lead to serious injury. Openings at ladders, platforms or mezzanines present real risks unless properly controlled. That’s where self-closing safety gates come in. But how do you know if the gate you choose is actually compliant?
This blog explains what makes a self-closing safety gate compliant under UK and European legislation. It also outlines how Kee Safety’s self-closing gate systems meet the essential standards for safety and performance.
Kee Gate installed at a ladder opening to maintain continuous edge protection in line with BS EN 14122-3.
Gate safety is not just about having a barrier in place. A gate that doesn’t close reliably or can’t withstand the environment it’s installed in can become a hazard in itself. To be effective, a gate needs to do more than meet the basic strength and installation requirements. It needs to meet relevant standards under UK law and the European Machinery Directive, particularly where it is part of a wider access system or safety barrier.
In most cases, a self-closing gate is a primary means of controlling access and preventing falls. It works without requiring the user to operate latches or locks, which reduces the potential for human error. But the effectiveness of this kind of safety device still depends on design, materials and correct installation.
The most relevant standard for industrial and rooftop access gates is BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016, which covers fixed means of access to machinery. This standard is harmonised under the EU Machinery Directive (Directive 2006/42/EC), and it sets clear safety requirements for openings in guardrails and rail systems. Self-closing gates fitted to these openings must maintain the same level of protection as a fixed guardrail.
Where gates are used at ladder openings, BS 4211 also applies. It ensures that the gate prevents access to hazard zones and provides fall protection in line with fixed ladder specifications.
In environments where temporary edge protection is in place, such as construction sites or short-term work areas, BS EN 13374 may be relevant. While this typically applies to barriers rather than gates, any system used in conjunction must maintain consistent protection across all sections.
To meet these standards, manufacturers must follow accepted test methods to verify strength, movement cycles, corrosion resistance and safety distances. CE marking is the formal process by which a product shows compliance with applicable directives and harmonised standards.
Powder-coated Kee Gate in RAL 1021 yellow enhances visibility and complies with site safety standards.
The Kee Gate system is a self-closing gate solution designed and manufactured by Kee Safety. It is built for use in industrial, commercial and garage environments, whether indoor or outdoor, where consistent access control is needed.
Unlike powered gates or power operated doors, Kee Gate is a non-powered version. It uses a spring-loaded hinge to automatically return the gate to a closed position, even after repeated use. Each model is life-cycle tested to 50,000 open-close movements and can withstand forces of up to 225 kg without failure. This helps ensure it continues to meet safety requirements even in high-use areas.
The EN 14122-compliant safety gate is compliant with:
BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016, relating to fixed guardrails and openings
BS 4211, for permanent ladders with guardrail protection
OSHA requirements, for international project needs
CE marking, which confirms conformity with the European Machinery Directive
Its corrosion-resistant, hot-dip galvanised construction has been salt-spray tested for over 200 hours (some models up to 672 hours), suitable for rooftop and exposed locations. It can be cut to fit during installation and works with both round and square support posts. Powder-coated models are available in RAL 1021 (safety yellow) to improve visibility and enhance presence detection.
Kee Gate integrates seamlessly with Kee Guard and other Kee Safety systems for full rooftop compliance.
A compliant safety gate is one part of a wider fall protection strategy. It works alongside collective protection systems such as guardrails, walkways, step-overs and platform solutions. In these integrated systems, each component must protect against upper and lower limb entrapment, maintain safe spacing, and avoid creating new hazard zones.
When conducting a risk assessment for working at height, the choice of gate should reflect not only the size of the opening, but also the direction of movement, the control system in place, and whether the gate leaf allows for predictable and safe user movement.
Gate selection should also account for mechanical aspects such as force limitation, safety edges and the need for minimal moving parts. Kee Gate, for instance, uses no pressure sensitive bars or powered doors, which reduces electrical installation requirements and simplifies maintenance.
Chains, sliding gate panels and temporary bars are often used as quick solutions to access control. However, they rarely comply with harmonised standards or provide consistent protection. They also rely on user behaviour, which introduces additional risk. Safety legislation places the responsibility on employers and duty holders to ensure systems are secure, tested and reliable.
Non-compliant barriers primarily present impact hazards or fail to close reliably. In separate incidents reviewed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), inconsistent access control has been identified as a root cause of injury. Choosing a CE-marked, tested system such as Kee Gate helps reduce these risks.
Manufactured in the UK, each Kee Gate is built to exacting standards using high-quality galvanised steel for long-term safety and reliability.
When choosing a safety gate, it’s essential to look beyond basic functionality. A compliant gate must satisfy the technical file requirements under the Machinery Safety Regulations 2008, align with relevant standards like BS EN 14122-3, and be suitable for your site’s specific needs.
Kee Safety’s range of gates has been independently tested and built in line with recognised safety standards, giving you confidence in both compliance and performance. Whether you are installing new barriers or reviewing older systems, choosing a gate that truly meets the standards is a major step forward in delivering safety.
Explore the full specifications of our galvanised safety gate for access points for more details.
Powered gates, often found in vehicular or access control settings, use motors and control systems to open and close. They are typically classified as power operated doors under the Machinery Directive and must include safety edges, presence detection, and pressure sensitive protective devices to reduce risk. Kee Safety’s modular self-closing gate is a manually operated design and requires no electrical installations, simplifying maintenance and reducing failure points.
Yes. Even non-powered versions like Kee Gate must meet the essential health and safety requirements laid out in Directive 2006/42/EC, commonly known as the European Machinery Directive. This includes compliance with BS EN standards, force limitation, and proper design of safety related parts.
Compliant safety gates undergo multiple test methods to confirm durability and performance. Kee Gate, for example, is life cycle tested to 50,000 movements in accordance with BS 6375-2:2009, clause 6.5. Corrosion resistance is verified using salt spray tests (ASTM B117-11), and dimensional checks confirm they meet safety distances and mechanical requirements for hazard zone protection.
Yes. The industrial safety gate solution is suitable for use near loading bays, mezzanines, rooftop access points and around garage doors and gates. These gates provide edge protection in commercial and garage environments without requiring powered doors or control systems. They are ideal for environments where safety legislation demands passive fall protection.
CE marking indicates that a product complies with relevant standards and directives, including the supply of machinery safety regulations 2008. For safety gates, it confirms that the gate meets minimum safety requirements relating to force, stability and user protection, and that the manufacturer has retained a technical file and carried out a proper risk assessment.
Yes. Kee Gates are designed to integrate with Kee Klamp®, Kee Lite® and other barrier systems. This flexibility allows them to be installed as part of protective measures on walkways, traffic barriers or guardrail systems, helping to prevent hazard zones and ensure a consistent safety standard across your site.