6 min read
Garage doors are the largest moving objects in most homes, weighing anywhere from 150 to over 400 pounds. While modern safety features have made them much safer than older models, garage door-related injuries still send thousands of people to the emergency room each year. Understanding potential hazards and following safety practices can protect your family from accidents.
Garage door accidents typically fall into several categories:
Crushing injuries: The most serious risk, occurring when a person or pet is caught under a closing door. Modern doors with auto-reverse features have greatly reduced these incidents, but only if the safety systems are functioning properly.
Spring-related injuries: Garage door springs are under extreme tension. Attempting DIY spring replacement has caused serious injuries and even deaths. This work should only be performed by trained professionals.
Falls and pinch points: Fingers can be caught in the sections between door panels. Children climbing on doors can fall. Hardware can cause cuts if not properly maintained.
Entrapment: Old doors with outdated openers may not have auto-reverse features, creating entrapment risks.
Modern garage door openers include important safety features mandated by federal law since 1993. Make sure your system includes:
This feature causes the door to automatically reverse direction if it contacts an object while closing. It can be triggered by physical contact or by breaking the photo-eye beam. Test this feature monthly by placing a roll of paper towels in the door's path.
Mounted about six inches from the ground on either side of the door, these sensors project an invisible beam. If anything breaks the beam while the door is closing, it automatically reverses. Keep these sensors clean and properly aligned.
In case of power outage or opener failure, a manual release allows you to operate the door by hand. Familiarize yourself and family members with how to use this feature before an emergency occurs.
The main control button should be mounted at least five feet from the floor, out of reach of small children. Never let children play with the controls.
Establish and enforce these safety rules with all family members, especially children:
Never stand or walk under a moving door. Wait for the door to stop completely before entering or exiting. Even with safety features, it's best not to test them unnecessarily.
Keep hands and fingers away from door sections. The spaces between panels can pinch when the door moves. Never put fingers near these joints.
Never leave the door partially open. A partially open door can be difficult to stop and may not trigger safety features properly if it moves unexpectedly.
Don't try to race under a closing door. This is a common cause of injuries, especially among children and teenagers.
Never allow children to play with remotes. Store remotes out of children's reach. Don't leave them in accessible locations.
Watch for recalls and updates. Occasionally, manufacturers issue safety recalls on openers or components. Register your products and respond promptly to any recall notices.
Regular maintenance isn't just about preventing breakdowns.it's also about safety:
Test the auto-reverse monthly. Place a 2x4 flat on the ground in the door's path. When the door contacts the board, it should immediately reverse. If it doesn't, stop using the door and call a professional.
Test the photo-eyes monthly. Wave an object (like a broom) in front of the sensors while the door is closing. The door should stop and reverse immediately.
Check the manual release. Pull the manual release handle and verify you can operate the door manually. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to power outages.
Inspect cables and springs visually. Look for fraying, rust, or wear. Don't attempt to touch or adjust these components.just observe and call a professional if you see problems.
Keep the door balanced. Disconnect the opener and lift the door manually halfway. It should stay in place. If it falls or rises, the springs need adjustment by a professional.
Some garage door work is simply too dangerous for DIY:
- Spring replacement or adjustment, Cable replacement, Track realignment, Any work on doors that are extremely heavy, Opener motor replacement, Any repair you're not confident about
Professional technicians have the tools, training, and experience to perform these repairs safely. The cost of professional service is minimal compared to the risk of serious injury.
If your garage door system was installed before 1993, it likely lacks the safety features now required by federal law. Upgrading to a modern opener is one of the best safety investments you can make for your home. New openers include:
- Multiple safety systems (photo-eyes and pressure-sensitive auto-reverse) - Rolling code technology to prevent remote signal theft, Timer-to-close features, Battery backup for power outages, Smartphone monitoring and control
At Garage Door Malabar, we prioritize safety in every installation and repair we perform. We can assess your current system's safety features and recommend upgrades if needed. Contact us for a free safety inspection and keep your family protected from garage door hazards.