Garage Door Safety Regulations Sydney: What You Need to Know

garage door safety regulations sydney
January 14, 2025

Garage door safety is a pressing concern amongst Australians. Recent statistics have highlighted the risks associated with malfunctioning garage doors.

Between July 2020 and June 2021, there were 3,068 garage-related accidents resulting in hospitalisations nationwide. Alarmingly, over 130 garage and driveway accidents lead to hospitalisation every week, many involving children and pets. On average, more than five children are fatally injured, and 47 sustained serious injuries annually on driveways, with a significant number of these incidents linked to garage-related accidents.

To combat these dangers, Sydney has implemented stringent garage door safety regulations. For one, installing safety beams has become mandatory for all new smart door openers. Let’s take a closer look.

Garage Door Safety: Key Regulatory Bodies

In Sydney, the safety of garage doors isn’t left to chance—it’s upheld by key regulatory bodies dedicated to protecting families and properties. Organisations like SafeWork NSW and Standards Australia establish and enforce rules that prioritise advanced safety features.

SafeWork NSW is the state’s workplace health and safety regulator. Their role involves enforcing safety laws, conducting inspections, and providing guidance to ensure that garage door motors are installed in compliance with safety regulations. They also investigate workplace incidents related to garage doors to prevent future occurrences

Standards Australia is the nation’s leading independent, non-governmental standards organisation that develops and publishes the Australian Standards (AS). These standards include specifications and guidelines for garage door design, installation, and maintenance. For instance, AS/NZS 4505:1998 specifies design, construction, performance, and installation requirements. This ensures that they meet safety and performance criteria.

Mandatory Safety Features: What Makes an Ideal Garage Door?

Property owners in Sydney must adhere to AS/NZS 2215-09: Automatic Door for Buildings – Safety Requirements for Power-Operated Pedestrian Doors. These regulations are designed to enhance safety by requiring the installation of particular safety features, which include:

Automatic Reversal System

This garage door security feature enables the door to reverse if it detects an obstacle while closing automatically. Sensors will detect obstructions, prevent injuries and protect children as well as pets. This makes it a crucial component that ensures safe operation and significantly reduces the risk of accidents.

Photoelectric Safety Beams

Commonly referred to as safety beams, these emit an invisible beam across the entry point of the garage door system. If the beam is interrupted while the door is closing, it triggers the door to stop and reverse direction. This essential safety feature reduces entrapment risks and accidents, making it a standard for automatic garage doors.

Emergency Release Mechanism

This mechanism allows the door to be manually disengaged from the automatic garage door opener, enabling manual operation. It is beneficial during power outages or system malfunctions. This allows the door to still be operated safely. Regular checks and proper maintenance keep this feature functional.

Additional Safety Recommendations

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Homeowners can further enhance the safety and performance of their automatic garage doors by adopting additional measures. Here’s how you can go beyond compliance to ensure the overall safety of your garage:

Regular Maintenance and Inspection

It’s really important to schedule regular maintenance and visual inspections with a qualified technician. This helps spot any problems with garage door motors, safety beams, and moving parts before they become major issues.

We at The Garage Guys specialise in thorough inspections and proper maintenance. This ensures your door operates safely and efficiently. Regular servicing also preserves the manufacturer’s warranty and helps avoid costly repairs.

Keep the Garage Door Clear of Obstructions

To prevent accidents, make sure that the entry point and the area around the automatic garage door opener are free from obstructions. Things like toys, tools, or other rubbish can block safety beams or damage the door’s parts, affecting its ability to operate safely. Before operating the door, always check that the path is clear for smooth functioning.

Educate Children on Garage Door Safety

Teaching children that a garage door is not a toy is important. Take some time to explain the risks associated with playing near or under the door, and gently demonstrate how to use the garage door remotes safely and responsibly. Encourage them to feel comfortable alerting an adult if they notice any unusual noises or issues with the door. By nurturing this awareness, we can help reduce the risk of accidents and promote a safer environment for everyone.

Garage Door Security Features: Who's Responsible for Compliance?

Ensuring the safety and security of a garage door requires more than just compliance with regulations—it demands proactive care and accountability from property owners.

For homeowners, this means taking a hands-on approach to safety. Regular visual inspections and professional servicing can identify and address potential issues like faulty garage door motors or worn safety features before they escalate into serious hazards. Experts recommend scheduling maintenance annually to keep the garage door system operating safely and to extend its lifespan. Neglecting these tasks not only puts the family at risk but can also lead to expensive repairs or voided warranties.

Landlords, on the other hand, have a legal and ethical duty to provide safe living conditions for tenants. This includes equipping rental properties with advanced security features such as safety beams and automatic reversal systems.

The Garage Guys' Commitment to Safety

At The Garage Guys, safety is at the core of everything we do. We understand the importance of compliant, secure, and well-maintained garage doors. This is why we go above and beyond to provide exceptional service.

We only use certified and compliant garage door openers, ensuring every installation meets the highest safety standards. Our expert technicians are extensively trained not just in terms of installation but also in working on essential safety features like safety beams and automatic reversal systems. This commitment guarantees that your garage door system operates reliably and securely.

We also offer free safety inspections as an optional service for added peace of mind. Here, our team conducts thorough visual inspections, identifies potential risks, and provides valuable tips to enhance the safety and performance of your garage door. Rest assured that your family, property, and loved ones are in safe hands with The Garage Guys.

Protect Your Loved Ones with a Safer Garage Door – Contact Us Today!

Sydney’s updated garage door safety regulations highlight the growing focus on protecting families and properties. At The Garage Guys, we prioritise safety by using certified automatic garage door openers and advanced safety features like safety beams and emergency release mechanisms. Regular inspections and expert servicing are essential to keep your garage door system compliant and operating reliably. Trust our trained technicians to help your garage door meet the highest safety standards. Contact us today for a free safety check!

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