Stuck gates and the missing key
It’s a scene many property managers will recognise. The gates have failed in the closed position, the clock is ticking, and somebody is hunting for the one small item that can get everyone moving again.
The fix itself is simple. Put the gates into manual and push them open. But you can’t do that without the manual release key.
On larger manned developments, the key is normally held by the site manager, so a failure is an inconvenience rather than a crisis. Unmanned sites are another matter. The key may be in a drawer at the managing agent’s office, with a contractor, or nowhere anyone can name. Ideally it would be kept in a key safe or with a nominated resident, but that is often not the case. When the gates fail, chaos follows: gates get forced, damage is done and tempers fray.
Practise before you need it. We strongly recommend that property managers rehearse the manual release procedure in advance. Know where the key is, who can access it, and that everyone involved knows how to use it. Ten minutes of preparation can save a very stressful morning (and an expensive repair bill).
If you need further advice, please contact Anchor Group.
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