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News
June 29, 2023
ULSE Releases Report Piloting Assessment of Standards’ Impact on Mitigating Injuries and Deaths
Report assesses UL 325, which covers residential garage door openers and other, similar products
The threat of injury or death from crushing, pinching, and other hazards surrounding electronically operated residential garage door systems has diminished significantly over time due to a variety of factors; particularly technology improvements and more stringent safety requirements added to the standards governing these devices.
First published in April 1973, UL 325, Standard for Door, Drapery, Gate, Louver, and Window Operators and Systems helps mitigate the risks and hazards related to garage door operation. Recently, a Pilot Impact Assessment was conducted to assess the impact of UL 325 on public health and safety, specifically the influence of the dual entrapment protection requirement after its inclusion in the Standard in a 1991 revision.
Although National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) data shows an increase in the entrapment injury count, this increase is more likely due to a rise in the number of electronic residential garage door operating systems used by consumers as opposed to increased risk of entrapment from these devices during this time. However, by examining the Consumer Product Safety Risk Management System (CPSRMS) data, a decrease of more than 50% can be noted in incidents, fatalities, and entrapments as a percentage of all garage door injuries, showing that UL 325 has had a positive impact on public health and safety.
The Pilot Impact Assessment studies NEISS and other safety data to look at trends occurring after 1991 and then evaluates the methodology to determine its effectiveness and applicability to assess other standards.
UL Standards & Engagement thanks the seven members of the Stakeholder Working Group for their dedication and for sharing their knowledge in guiding the assessment and evaluating the results.