Slide gate requirements

Only install the operator on gates used for vehicular traffic. Be sure to direct pedestrians to a separate entry and exit. Refer to the illustrations. The gate site must be designed so persons do not come in contact with the vehicular gate while it is moving. Signs must be posted to warn pedestrians to stay clear of the gate’s entire travel path. A separate pedestrian entry/exit must be clearly visible and promote pedestrian usage

Perspective diagram showing slide gate installation and safety components
Detailed diagram of a slide gate system. Key components shown include entrapment zones (highlighted in red), guide posts, interior posts with non-pinch rollers, V-track gate rail, physical stops, photo eyes for open and close directions, edge sensors on leading and trailing edges, photo beams, and access control devices mounted at least 6 ft (1.8 m) from the gate. It also depicts a separate pedestrian gate with a clearly designated walk-through path.
Top view diagram of slide gate safety zones
Top-down view of the gate installation highlighting entrapment zones. Text indicates that per ASTM F2200, any gap greater than 2-1/4 inches (57 mm) between a gate and fixed object must be protected. Per UL325, any gap less than 16 inches (406 mm) between gate and fixed objects must be protected.

Compliant openings:

Picket spacing

Gap between vertical bars must be less than 2-¼ inches (57 mm) up to a height of 6 ft (1.8 m) above grade.

Diagram of compliant picket spacing
Close-up diagram of gate pickets showing a maximum gap of less than 2-1/4 inches between vertical bars in the gate frame and adjacent fence area.

Screened mesh

In the illustration below, the gap between vertical bars is non-compliant. It poses a safety hazard if it is 2-¼ inches (57 mm) or wider. A screened mesh has been added to comply with ASTM F2200 and UL325 gate standards.

Diagram showing gate with screened mesh
Diagram showing the addition of a screened mesh to a gate frame. Labels specify that the screened mesh extends to the top of the gate or to a minimum height of 6 ft (1.8 m), with mesh openings less than 2-1/4 inches (57 mm).

All openings of a horizontal slide gate are guarded or screened from the bottom of the gate to the top of the gate or to a minimum of 6 ft (1.8 m) above the ground to prevent a 2-¼ inches (57 mm) diameter sphere from passing through the openings anywhere in the gate and in that portion of the adjacent fence that the gate covers in the open position.