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5 Safety Precautions to Consider When Installing Commercial Overhead Doors

5 Safety Precautions to Consider When Installing Commercial Overhead Doors

July 06, 2014

In the modern world, it seems as though there is a gadget for just about everything. One of the best new gadgets to come out in recent years has to be the electric door. If you want to keep your premises safe, you need to get a proper door to do so. While there are many options available to you, you need to make sure that you choose one which suits your unit. Over the past ten years, electronic or mechanical overhead doors have become increasingly popular. Recent advancements in technology mean that this system is more accessible than ever. That means that thousands of businesses across the country have these types of installations. There is no doubt that the doors themselves are convenient and look suave. That in itself is one of the main reasons that they are in such high-demand. Another reason you might want to install an overhead door like this one is because it will protect your stock. You might not think about it all the time, but the things you keep in your unit are worth thousands. People invest thousands and thousands in their companies, which means that they are priceless. When you make an investment of this nature, you need to make sure that you do everything you can to take care of it. If you are considering getting one of these systems for your overhead, you need to think about the safety precautions. The biggest mistake you can ever make is not considering your personal safety and the safety of the people around you. When you deal with a large piece of equipment like an overhead door, it has the power to do an awful lot of damage – both to you and your property. Before you do anything, you need to make sure that you have considered every eventuality. So, what can you do to protect yourself? Well, there are a few ways in which you can make sure that you are safe. Of course, your welfare should always be your top priority, which is why it is so crucial that you pay attention to these tips. #1 Never attempt an installation without the right skills The first thing you have to know is that only professionals can install these doors. These days, it seems as though everybody wants to save money by doing projects themselves. While you might be able to complete minor projects with ease, you need to be aware that this project will be too much for you to handle. People train for years so that they can install mechanical doors in a safe and straightforward manner. If you get even the tiniest aspect of this chore wrong, you could put your health or even your life at risk. For example, if you don’t line the tracking up well, the door will slide off it. That could cause the entire structure to collapse, which would be terrifying and devastating. If you try to install a door yourself, it might look okay at the start. It may even work for a few months with no major problems. Don’t let that deceive you, though, because it will not last. If you have not fitted the door according to industry guidelines, you will find that it breaks. There is no telling the catastrophes it will cause when it breaks, which is why you should avoid this issue. The best course of action is to find an expert who you know you can trust. You can call up an agency and get a quote from them in a matter of minutes. If you choose this avenue, you get the bonus of having a maintenance team at your beck and call. #2 Tend to your mechanical door on a regular basis Once the installation project is complete, you might think that you don’t need to do anything else. Nothing could be further from the truth. The reality of the situation is that you still have a duty to check up on the overhead door on a regular basis. If you have chosen a reputable company, you will find that they offer you a maintenance package. That means that, should you have any issues, you can call someone from the company to come and help you. This level of support is integral when it comes to making sure that your overhead door system is always top notch. Most overhead doors consist of polypropylene and heavy duty steel. That means that they are powerful and dense. If your door begins to break, you need to notice as soon as possible. If you miss the vital signs, you could endanger everybody around you. One of the things you need to watch out for is your door becoming stiff. If you have a particularly old system, you will find that it begins to seize up for no reason. You might also notice a few dents and bends in the door itself. When you start to see these signs, you must not ignore them. You might think that the problem will go away, but it won’t. You need to do everything you can to make sure that you keep up with the maintenance of your system. Only then, can you be sure that it is 100% safe to use. #3 Get an expert to repair it after an accident Sometimes, there is no telling when an accident will happen. If you are unfortunate enough to have something crash into your unit, you need to take action as soon as possible. Often, people tend to ignore the dents that these situations cause. Once a car has damaged your overhead door, it will not be as resilient as it once was. The moment the accident happens, your entire system turns into a ticking time bomb. It is only a matter of time before your system stops working altogether. The sooner you take action, the better your chances will be of restoring it to its former glory. In the days following a collision, you need to call up your original installation company. As we have already mentioned, you may have a maintenance package, which means that you have access to expert engineers. Once you speak to a professional, they will give you advice on what you need to do next. If they say you need an engineer, it is vital that you get one fast. The last thing you want is your mechanical door to break or, worse, hurt someone. The sooner you get a repairman to fix it, the better. That way, you can rest assured that your system is in the best possible condition. #4 Make sure that you have the latest system In general terms, when technology advances, it tends to get safer and safer. When you are choosing a new system to install, you need to make sure that it is brand new. Sure, it might cost a little more money to get a super high-tech door. The point is that if you’re going to bother getting a system, you have to get one that you can trust. Don’t think of your overhead door as an extra expense – think of it as an investment. When you choose an excellent system, you are choosing to do the best thing for your business. Before you make any massive decisions, you have to speak to an expert. When you call up to get a quote, you will have the opportunity to ask about the wide variety of systems that are available to you. If you explain what your needs are, you will find that the professional can give you all the advice you need. Remember, you need to make an informed choice. Don’t rush this part of the process or you will regret it. In the same respect, you need to avoid scrimping on this vital technology. Set aside a reasonable budget for your installation. #5 Beware of the door when it’s moving As we already mentioned, most overhead doors are steel. That means that they are excessively heavy. A piece of equipment like this one is not a toy. If you want to keep yourself safe, you ought to give the mechanical door the respect it deserves. When the door begins to move, you need to give it a wide berth. You don’t want to end up in the way of the door itself, or you could cause yourself immense amounts of harm. You should also make your staff aware of how they need to act around the electronic door. As an employer, you have a duty to look out for the well-being of your employees. You could be subject to court cases if you fail in this role. When you get a new system, you must go through the proper procedures with your staff. That way, you will know that they are free from any danger. Getting a brand new door system is one of the most intelligent things you can do. If you want to ensure the security of your premises, you need to find a system that works for you. If you keep these precautions in mind, you should have no problem with your installation.

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