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Overhead doors weigh hundreds of pounds and can fall unexpectedly, causing crush injuries or death
A standard sectional door weighs 150–400 lbs; commercial doors can exceed 1,000 lbs. If a spring breaks, a cable snaps, or the door is improperly supported, it can free-fall with enough force to kill. Technicians working beneath an unsupported door face the highest risk. Rolling steel doors with failed governors can also drop at uncontrolled speeds.
Never stand or work under an unsupported door
Treat every overhead door like an unsupported load. Unless the door is fully closed on the floor, resting on mechanical stops, or secured with rated supports, do not position any part of your body beneath it.
Use locking pliers or C-clamps on the track
Clamp the door to the vertical track below the bottom roller bracket before starting work. Use at least one clamp per side. Verify the clamps are tight and properly seated before relying on them.
Use door prop bars for extended work
When working with the door partially open for extended periods, use rated prop bars or adjustable door jacks to mechanically support the weight. Do not rely solely on the operator or springs to hold the door.
Inspect cables and hardware before disconnecting springs
Before removing spring tension, verify that both cables are on the drums and that all rollers are seated in the track. A door with a cable off the drum can shift or fall when spring tension is released.
Control rolling steel door descent
When testing or servicing rolling steel doors, ensure the governor/speed regulator is functional before allowing the door to drop. Clear the area below the door before any drop test.