| Andrew Whistle is the 30th Bolton Gate engineer to earn the diploma after attending recent 2-day DHF training course at Scunthorpe |
Bolton Gate, the nationwide industrial door and gate company, has seen its 30th powered gate engineer pass the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) powered gate safety diploma training course.
Andrew Whistle, who joined the company last year, earned his diploma after attending the recent two-day training course held at Scunthorpe.
Bolton Gate, a member of the DHF, believes training is the key to raising safety standards in the industry and expects more than 40 of its powered gate engineers to attain DHF diploma status by the end of 2016.
One of the most comprehensive powered gate training schemes in Europe
Since the DHF Powered Gate Group set up the diploma training course two years ago, almost 600 personnel involved in the safety of automatically controlled powered gates - including installation engineers, inspectors and those responsible for gate maintenance - have successfully gained their gate safety diplomas.
The two-day training course ensures they are trained to provide and install fully compliant gates in all environments. It is recognised as one of the most comprehensive powered gate training schemes in Europe.
During each course, delegates complete a number of training modules - covering all aspects of gate safety from initial risk assessment through to force testing - in order to obtain their coveted DHF gate safety diplomas. Topics covered include law and regulations, use of standards, risk assessment, testing and inspection, documentation, repair and maintenance.
Forthcoming diploma training course for industrial door engineers
Bolton Gate Group Health and Safety Manager Dave Brook said: "We're totally committed to training our engineers to the highest standard of knowledge and compliance to meet current regulations, so enhancing our reputation as a reputable repair and maintenance provider.
"We recognise the importance and high standard of the training that is delivered by the DHF. It was developed to give engineers a very good understanding of the levels of safety and quality of work required on powered gates."
He noted that the DHF has developed a diploma training course for industrial door engineers which is due to commence shortly.
"Our engineers are competent in a vast area - not only powered gates but also industrial doors, automatic doors and entrance systems. I anticipate this new training course will be of the same high standard as the powered gate course and our engineers will be undertaking this training also."
The powered gate training scheme is available to all individuals who are responsible for the installation, assessment and inspection of powered gates. The next training courses will be held on March 16 and 17 in Sutton in Ashfield; and April 13 and 14 in Stockport.