What is the minimum mounting distance for an opening control device to avoid users reaching through the gate?

• A. 6 feet from the gate
• B. 2 feet from the gate
• C. 1 foot from the gate
• D. 10 feet from the gate

Answer: (A)

Six feet from the gate. This distance keeps the opening control device out of reach so someone can’t reach through the gate opening to operate it while the gate is moving, reducing the risk of crush or entrapment. Placing it closer—two feet or even one foot—would allow a hand or arm to reach through the gap, defeating the safety purpose. A ten-foot distance is unnecessarily large and doesn’t better address the reach-through hazard.