Garage doors and garage door openers are designed to provide safe and reliable service when installed correctly, operated safely following the manufacturer’s recommendations, and maintained regularly. Because the garage door is the largest mechanical appliance in the home, care must be taken to prevent injury when operating both the door and opener. Garage door safety awareness is key.
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
It is imperative that the user reads all instructions and warning labels associated with the garage door and garage door opener to ensure safe operation at all times. Furthermore, it is important to inform all members of the household of the potential hazards, emphasizing the importance of safety precautions and preventative measures.
Watch this helpful video from GarageDoorCare.com with your child today to explain that garage door systems are not to be played with or near.
proximity
moving parts
mechanical hazards that could result in serious injury or death
4 SIMPLE RULES FOR GARAGE DOOR SAFETY
1. USE CAUTION
Keep hands and fingers clear from door parts. Do not stand, walk, or run under a moving door. Make certain that no adults, children or animals try to enter or exit while the door is closing. Remote controls or push button wall controls for garage door opener systems should be kept out of reach of children.
2. VISUAL INSPECTION & SAFETY TESTS
While a trained technician should make any maintenance, repairs or adjustments as needed, there are a few steps you can perform:
- Visually inspect garage door and opener. Look for signs of wear in cables, springs, rollers. Check for loose brackets on the garage door, but do not attempt to make any adjustments to these parts or any parts near them as they are under extreme tension.
- Test garage door opener’s reversing mechanism. Place a 2×4 or paper towel roll in the door’s path and close the door. If the system is working properly it will stop and reverse, if not call us for repair.
- Periodically test the balance of the door. With the door closed, if you have a garage door opener, release the mechanism to open the door manually. You should be able to lift the door with one hand relatively smoothly, with little resistance. The door should stay open around 3-4 feet above the floor. If not, it’s a good indication that it is not properly balanced, and your torsion spring may need to be adjusted. Again, do not attempt this on your own. Instead call Upright Door Service Inc. and schedule an appointment.
3. MAINTAIN IT
A garage door is like any other mechanical device: It must be regularly maintained. If it is not kept in proper repair and balance, it can become unsafe and cause premature wear on other parts including the garage door opener. Learn what steps you can take on your own to maintain your garage door. (See section WHAT CAN YOU DO in our blog 10 Things You Need To Know About Garage Door Safety).
4. LEAVE REPAIRS FOR THE PROFESSIONALS
Call us to take care of any adjustments and repairs, so you can avoid potential injuries to you and your family. Our technicians are highly qualified. They have the expertise to spot and correct potentially dangerous situations, and can quickly get your garage door and opener system in working order, allowing you safe and convenient access.
Remember, over time, garage door parts experience wear, and breakage can occur. Improperly adjusted garage doors or automatic openers exert a lot of force when closing, and can therefore pose a potential safety hazard for your family and pets. Regular service and garage door safety awareness are essential to protect you and your family from potential harm.
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