Different Ways A Garage Door Can Injure You If Not Handled Properly

Many people don't realize the potential dangers posed by their automatic garage door. They're the heaviest and largest piece of moving equipment in the home. It's important to not let children operate your garage doors at all or at least under supervision as they can lead to injury and risk of deadly consequences. Children can easily get trapped beneath a door when they try to duck under it and could easily get their small hands or arms stuck in the mechanism. They could also lower the door accidentally on themselves or someone else if they happen to push the wrong buttons. Make sure you know how to keep and your family safe. Here are some helpful tips to consider:

Keep Doors Fully Closed Or Open

Automatic garage doors should be should be left only in the fully open or fully closed positions. Keep pets and people away from the door when moving or partially open/closed. Whenever they are partially closed or open this creates an entrapment hazard. "Garage doors weigh as much as 600 pounds and can cause serious injury or even death if they're not used with care," according to Barbara Guthrie, Consumer Affairs UL Vice President. "Although UL listed residential garage door openers manufactured since 1993 have been enhanced with anti-entrapment features, homeowners should not take safety for granted," Guthrie adds.

Test Your Garage Door Monthly

The garage door must reverse on contact. Lay a 1-1/2 inch high object on the floor which could be a 2 by 4 piece of lumber laid flat. If the door doesn't stop and reverse after contact with the object, disconnect the operator and use the door manually until the operator is replaced or repaired by a qualified technician. There could be something wrong with the opener or springs of the garage door that could cause harm or injury.

Use Of The Emergency Release

Weak or broken springs are capable of increasing the rate of door closure. Use caution when using the emergency release with the door open. This is one of the major causes of injury if not treated properly.

Keep The Garage Door Balanced

An improperly balanced door could be the cause of frayed cables or worn spring assemblies and other hardware. Make sure your garage door is balanced. You can use level to check periodically to avoid risks. Be preventative in your approach to garage door maintenance. Check garage door parts on a regular basis and if you see a potential problem contact a local expert technician to check and repair or replace parts before they become a hazard.