2024-01-01 5 min read Mike Thompson
Garage doors are among the heaviest moving objects in a home, typically weighing between 150 to 400 pounds or more. While modern garage doors come equipped with safety features, accidents can still happen, especially when children are present. Understanding potential hazards and taking preventive measures can help keep your family safe.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, thousands of people are injured by garage doors each year. The most common injuries include:
- Crushing injuries from doors closing on fingers, hands, or bodies - Entrapment under a descending door - Cuts and pinching from moving parts or sharp edges - Falls from climbing on doors or playing near the opener mechanism
Children are particularly vulnerable because they may not understand the dangers and are more likely to play near or with garage doors.
Since 1993, all garage door openers sold in the United States are required to have an auto-reverse feature. This system automatically reverses the door's direction if it encounters an obstacle while closing. Test this feature monthly by placing a 2x4 board flat on the floor under the door. When the door touches the board, it should immediately reverse.
Photo-eye sensors create an invisible beam across the garage door opening about 6 inches off the ground. If anything breaks this beam while the door is closing, the door will automatically stop and reverse. These sensors should be tested monthly and kept clean and properly aligned.
Every garage door opener should have a manual release that allows you to open the door manually if the power goes out or the opener malfunctions. Make sure all family members know where this release is located and how to use it.
1. Never play under or near a moving garage door, Make this an absolute rule in your household 2. Never touch the door while it's moving, Fingers can get caught in the sections 3. Never run under a closing door, Even a few seconds can result in injury 4. Never play with the wall button or remotes, Keep remotes out of reach of young children 5. Never try to beat the door, Racing under a closing door is extremely dangerous
For young children (ages 3-5), keep it simple: "The garage door is not a toy. We never touch it when it's moving." Use clear, direct language and repeat the message often.
For older children (ages 6-10), you can explain how the door works and why it's dangerous. Show them the springs and cables and explain how much weight the door carries.
For teenagers, discuss their responsibility to set a good example for younger siblings and to follow safety rules even when parents aren't watching.
Regular maintenance isn't just about keeping your door working smoothly, it's also about safety. Include these items in your maintenance routine:
- Check and tighten all hardware, Test the balance of the door (disconnect the opener and lift manually, it should stay in place when lifted halfway)
Mount the wall button at least 5 feet off the ground, out of reach of young children. This prevents curious little ones from playing with the door.
Treat garage door remotes like house keys. Keep them in a secure location and teach children that they are not toys. Consider using a keychain remote that stays with your car keys.
Ensure your garage is well-lit so you can see if anyone is in the path of the door before operating it. Motion-activated lights are a good option.
Don't store items near the garage door opening. Clutter can create hiding spots for children and may interfere with the door's sensors.
A partially open door invites children to duck under it. Always open the door fully or close it completely.
Some repairs should never be attempted without professional help. This includes:
- Spring replacement, Springs are under extreme tension and can cause serious injury - Cable repair, Cables work with springs and are equally dangerous - Track realignment, Improper adjustment can affect the safety features - Sensor problems, Malfunctioning sensors create serious safety hazards
At Garage Door Malden, we take safety seriously. Our technicians are trained to identify and address potential hazards during every service call. We're happy to perform a safety inspection of your garage door system and make recommendations for improvements.
If you have concerns about your garage door's safety or want to schedule a professional inspection, call us at 857-371-3690. Protecting your family is always our top priority.