Child Safety Features: Protecting Your Family
February 18, 2024 6 min read
Garage doors are the largest moving objects in most homes, and safety should always be a top priority, especially for families with children. Modern garage doors include numerous safety features, but understanding and maintaining them is essential.
Mandatory Safety Features
, federal law requires all garage door openers to include auto-reverse mechanisms. These safety features include:
Photoelectric Eyes: These sensors create an invisible beam across the door opening. If anything breaks the beam while the door is closing, it automatically reverses. Sensors should be mounted 4-6 inches above the floor.
Pressure Sensitivity: If the door contacts an object while closing, it reverses immediately. This mechanical feature provides backup protection if sensors fail.
Testing Your Safety Features
Test your safety features monthly:
- Place a roll of paper towels in the door's path and close it. The door should reverse upon contact.
- Wave an object (like a broom handle) through the sensor beam while closing. The door should reverse immediately.
- Check that sensor lights are lit and aligned.
Additional Safety Measures
Keep Remotes Secure: Store remote controls out of children's reach. Wall-mounted buttons should be at least 5 feet high.
Teach Door Safety: Educate children that garage doors are not toys. Never allow running under a moving door.
Emergency Release: Ensure the emergency release rope is working but inaccessible to small children.
Pinch-Resistant Panels: Modern door designs eliminate gaps between panels where fingers could get caught.
Upgrading Older Openers
If your garage door opener was manufactured before 1993, it may lack essential safety features. We strongly recommend upgrading to a modern system with full safety compliance.
Contact Garage Door Sixes for a free safety inspection. We'll ensure your garage door meets all safety standards and protects your family.