Garage door safety

The monthly reverse test

Federal rules have required automatic reversing on residential openers sold in the US since the early 1990s, and current openers also use photo-eye sensors. Both need checking.

• Lay a 2x4 flat on the floor under the center of the door. Close the door with the opener. It should reverse when it touches the board.
• Start closing the door and wave something across the path of the sensors near the floor. The door should stop and reverse.
• If either test fails, stop using the opener for closing until it is adjusted or repaired.

Springs and cables

A torsion spring above the door, or extension springs along the tracks, hold enough energy to lift the door. The cables and bottom brackets are loaded by that same force. Leave all of them alone. Why spring work is not DIY.

Extension springs should have a safety cable running through each spring. Without one, a spring that breaks can whip across the garage.

Around the house

• Mount the wall button at least five feet up, out of children's reach.
• Keep remotes away from kids, and teach them not to run under a closing door.
• Keep fingers out of the joints between sections. Pull-handles on the inside and outside are there for a reason.
• Don't stand or walk under a door that is moving.
• Pull the emergency release only with the door closed. With a broken spring, an open door can fall when released.

Security

• Use an opener with rolling codes, and change the keypad code if it has been shared.
• Don't leave a remote in a car parked in the driveway.
• Lock the door from the garage into the house.