Essential Commercial Garage Door Safety Tips

As a business owner or manager, you have a lot on your plate. From managing your employees to keeping your customers happy, there is always something to be done. However, one aspect of your business that you cannot afford to overlook is garage door safety. Commercial garage doors pose unique safety challenges that require specific attention to ensure the protection of your business and employees. In this article, we will provide you with essential commercial garage door safety tips to help you safeguard your property and people. By implementing these tips, you can minimize the risks of accidents and injuries in your workplace and provide a safe environment for everyone. So let's dive in and discover the essential commercial garage door safety tips that every business owner and manager should know.

One of the essential aspects of commercial garage door safety is conducting regular inspections and maintenance. Regular inspections can help identify potential issues with the garage door, which can then be addressed promptly to prevent accidents and injuries. To conduct regular inspections and maintenance, businesses should:

Inspect Garage Door Parts Regularly

Inspecting commercial garage door parts regularly is an essential safety practice that business owners can do themselves. To inspect the garage door parts, the following steps can be taken:

• Visually inspect the garage door: Observe the door for any signs of damage, such as dents or cracks.
• Check the springs: Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as rust or frayed cables.
• Check the cables and pulleys: Look for any signs of damage, such as frayed cables or worn-out pulleys.
• Lubricate moving parts: Apply lubricant to all moving parts, including hinges, rollers, and tracks.

Test Safety Features Monthly

Testing the safety features of commercial garage doors is an essential safety practice that business owners can perform themselves on a monthly basis. Here are the steps to follow when testing safety features:

• Test the auto-reverse feature: Place an object, such as a roll of paper towels, in the path of the door and press the close button. The door should immediately stop and reverse direction when it encounters the object.
• Test the photo-eye sensors: Wave an object, such as a broomstick, in front of the photo-eye sensors located on each side of the door. The door should not close when the object is in front of the sensors.
• Test the emergency release: Pull the emergency release cord to disengage the door opener. Attempt to open and close the door manually to ensure it moves smoothly and without any issues.

If any issues are identified during testing, it is crucial to address them promptly to prevent accidents and injuries.

Schedule Regular Maintenance with a Professional

Regular maintenance of commercial garage doors is critical to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. Here's how to perform regular maintenance and when to schedule maintenance with a professional:

How to Perform regular maintenance:

• Clean the door and tracks: Wipe down the door and tracks with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt and debris.
• Lubricate moving parts: Apply lubricant to all moving parts, including hinges, rollers, and tracks.
• Tighten hardware: Check all hardware, including bolts, nuts, and screws, and tighten as necessary.
• Check the balance: Test the door's balance by disconnecting the opener and lifting the door halfway. The door should stay in place, and if it doesn't, it may need to be adjusted.
• Inspect and replace worn parts: Inspect all parts, including springs, cables, rollers, and hinges, for signs of wear and tear. Replace any worn or damaged parts immediately.

When to schedule maintenance with a professional:

Business owners should schedule professional maintenance at least once a year, even if they perform regular maintenance themselves. Additionally, it's essential to schedule maintenance with a professional if:

• The garage door is making unusual noises or not operating smoothly.
• The door is unbalanced or difficult to lift manually.
• The safety features are not working correctly.
• There is visible damage to the door or any of its parts.
• A professional technician can identify potential problems and address them before they become major issues. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns, extend the life of the garage door, and ensure the safety of employees and customers.

Garage doors are a crucial part of any industrial or commercial setting. However, they can pose serious safety risks if not handled properly. Therefore, training your employees on garage door safety is of utmost importance. Here are a few key steps you can take to ensure your employees are knowledgeable and safe around garage doors:

Know the potential hazards of garage doors

• Pinch points and entrapment hazards are the most common types of garage door hazards. These occur when someone gets caught between the door and the frame, or the door and the ground. This can result in serious injuries or even death.
• Crushing and shearing hazards occur when someone's body or limbs come into contact with the door's moving parts. This can lead to severe injuries such as fractures, amputations, or even death.
• Electrical hazards are another potential risk associated with garage doors. These can occur if the door's electrical system is not installed or maintained properly. Faulty electrical systems can cause fires or electrical shocks, which can result in serious injuries or death.

Finally, fire hazards can also be associated with garage doors. This is particularly true for commercial and industrial settings where flammable materials may be stored. Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, or other electrical issues can lead to fires, which can cause significant damage to property and pose a threat to the safety of individuals in the vicinity.

It is essential to educate your employees on the potential hazards associated with garage doors. By understanding these risks, your employees will be better equipped to identify and avoid potentially dangerous situations. This will ensure a safe and productive work environment for all involved.

Educate How to use the garage door correctly

Now that you've explained the potential hazards of garage doors, it's important to teach your employees how to use them correctly to avoid those risks. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

• Pre-operational Checks - Before operating the garage door, employees should perform pre-operational checks. This includes inspecting the door for any damage or wear and ensuring that all components are in good working condition. Additionally, employees should check that the area around the garage door is clear of any obstructions or debris.
• Proper Positioning of People and Equipment - Employees should be trained to stand clear of the garage door while it's in motion. They should also be mindful of the position of any equipment or vehicles in the area, ensuring they are not in the way of the door's path.
• How to Operate the Garage Door Safely - Employees should be shown how to operate the garage door safely. This includes using the controls correctly and understanding how to stop the door if necessary. It's also crucial to teach employees to never walk or stand under a moving garage door, as this can lead to serious injury.

It's important to note that training employees on garage door safety should be an ongoing process. Regular refresher courses and reminders can help ensure that employees continue to use the garage door safely and correctly.

Establishing safety protocols and procedures

And lastly, in addition to educating employees on how to use a garage door safely, it's also essential to establish safety protocols and procedures to ensure that everyone is aware of how to operate the garage door safely. Here are some key steps to take:

• Conducting a Risk Assessment - The first step in establishing safety protocols and procedures is to conduct a risk assessment. This involves identifying potential hazards and assessing the level of risk associated with each. By understanding the potential risks, you can develop appropriate protocols and procedures to mitigate those risks.
• Developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) - Once you've conducted a risk assessment, the next step is to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for garage door use. SOPs should include detailed instructions for how to operate the garage door safely, including pre-operational checks, proper positioning of people and equipment, and how to stop the door in an emergency.
• Training Employees on SOPs - Finally, it's essential to train employees on the SOPs for garage door use. This includes providing detailed instructions on how to operate the garage door safely, as well as demonstrating the correct procedures in action. Employees should also be encouraged to ask questions and seek clarification on any aspects of the SOPs that they don't understand.

Regular refresher courses and reminders can help ensure that employees continue to follow the SOPs and use the garage door safely over time.

Installing safety equipment and accessories is important because it helps prevent accidents and injuries related to garage door use. Garage doors can pose a variety of hazards, including pinch points, entrapment, crushing, and shearing hazards. In addition, electrical and fire hazards can also be a concern.

Installing safety equipment and accessories can help mitigate these risks by providing additional layers of protection. Here are three key safety equipment and accessories to consider:

• Photo Eye Sensors - Photo eye sensors are a type of safety sensor that can detect objects in the path of a closing garage door. They work by emitting a beam of light that is interrupted when an object enters the path of the door. This triggers the door to stop closing and reverse direction, preventing the object (or person) from being crushed. Photo eye sensors are a crucial safety feature for any garage door, and they should be installed and tested regularly to ensure they are functioning properly.
• High-Quality Garage Door Openers - High-quality garage door openers are essential for ensuring that garage doors operate smoothly and safely. Here is a list of some of the safest commercial garage door openers:
• LiftMaster 8500W
• Genie SilentMax 1200
• Chamberlain B970
• Craftsman 1.25 HP Smart Garage Door Opener
• Sommer Direct Drive 1042V001
• Skylink ATOMS ATR-1612C

These openers are designed with safety in mind, with features such as automatic reversing systems and force settings that can be adjusted to prevent the door from closing too forcefully. 

• Safety Cables and Springs - Garage door cables and springs can be under a significant amount of tension, and if they break, they can cause serious injury or damage to property. Installing safety cables and springs can help prevent accidents by containing the broken parts and preventing them from flying off and causing harm. 

Installing safety equipment and accessories such as photo eye sensors, high-quality garage door openers, and safety cables and springs can help prevent accidents and ensure that garage doors are used safely. 

By following these essential commercial garage door safety tips, you can help protect your business and employees from potential accidents and injuries. Remember that garage door safety is not a one-time effort, but a continuous process that requires regular inspections, training, and maintenance. Investing in garage door safety is a wise decision that can save you from costly lawsuits, property damages, and personal injuries.

At Mojo Garage Doors Repair, we understand the importance of garage door safety, and our team of experts is dedicated to helping you ensure a safe working environment for your employees. Whether you need help with garage door repairs or installations, our team is here to provide you with top-notch service and guidance on best safety practices.

With our expertise, you can rest assured that your garage doors are operating safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of accidents and increasing productivity. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your garage door needs and ensure a safe working environment for your employees.

How often should I inspect my commercial garage door?

You should inspect your commercial garage door at least once a year, preferably twice. This will make sure that it's in good condition and ready for any weather conditions.

What are the most common garage door safety hazards?

The most common garage door safety hazards are electrical hazards, crushing and shearing hazards, and entrapment.

Can I install safety equipment on my existing garage door?

Yes, you can install safety equipment on your existing garage door. There are two ways to go about it: you can either replace the safety components, or you can add them to your existing garage door.

What should I do in case of an emergency involving the garage door?

If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation involving your garage door, the first thing to do is to call a professional. Don't try to fix it yourself—your safety is more important than saving money on a repair.

Do I need to follow specific safety regulations and codes for commercial garage doors?

Yes, you absolutely need to follow specific safety regulations and codes for commercial garage doors.