To Lift or To Swing, That Is the Question

When planning a hockey rink, or looking to refurbish or update one, it is always advisable to do the research and carefully weigh the pros and cons before signing off on the final design. The gates are no exception when it comes to what would work best while keeping cost and safety in mind. The liftgate is a common preference, but is it the best choice? Perhaps a swing gate is the better way to go, or maybe the rink being designed will require a liftgate due to space restrictions. While it may seem a minor component for some, it is one that requires as much consideration as any other part of a rink.
 
Liftgates are:

• highly effective for large openings in dasher boards, especially when there is limited space between the dasher board system.
• easy to use and offer a quick and effective passage for maintenance to work around.
• aesthetically pleasing to the eye with their modern look.

 
Multiple designs for liftgates are also available with either counterbalance or torsion spring loaded systems, and modern designs have brought many safety devices for liftgate operations into play, such as:

• photometric eyes
• safety stops
• sensors
• lasers, and more

 
Of course, as with anything, there are a few cons that come with the liftgate option:

• The initial installation can be more expensive than the traditional swing gate.
• Regular inspections are required for liftgates.
• If a liftgate breaks down, repairs can be costly and can take more time than with a swing gate.

 
Liftgates come with a host of safety considerations as well, because it is a large system designed to lift anywhere from 800 to 1500 pounds depending on the unit and size. In fact, Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) in Canada considers these gates to be lifting and hoisting devices that cross over into the realm of cranes. As a result, more safety measures must be in place to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of this equipment. Some requirements for the use and maintenance of liftgates include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Regular inspections are required, either daily, weekly, monthly, etc., depending on the frequency of use, just as any other motorized equipment, such as skid-steer loaders (bobcats), forklifts, Zambonis (Ice Resurfacers), etc. 
• Cables should be changed out at least once a year to ensure they do not wear and become a safety hazard.
• Remotes for the operation of liftgates should never be used. As part of any engineered design, there should be a safety interlock that is manually put in place, which then requires the operator to focus their attention on the operation of the equipment to reduce preventable incidents.
• A liftgate should never be passed through by an individual or equipment without first engaging the interlock device.
• A liftgate should be designed and certified by an engineer to ensure it is safe to use.

 
When considering the additional safety concerns, expense and maintenance required for installing and operating a liftgate, it may not always be the best choice for every rink out there; however, not all rinks are the same and some may find the liftgate the best option to go with.
 
Do you think the benefit is worth the cost of the liftgate, or do you think swing gates should be the standard? Tell us why you think the liftgate or swing gate is the better one.
 
Global Sport Resources strives to assist communities in acquiring the most current and relevant products and information as possible. Any feedback from the community is greatly appreciated, as it assists us in providing a better experience and ensuring communities get what they need. 
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