The American Fence Association today announced its Gate Operator Installer School, a program to teach correct installation of gate controls, mechanisms and machinery. The course is scheduled for Oct. 21-26, 2007, and will be held at the Tulsa Technology Center in Tulsa, Ok.

The program will be taught by Buck Buchanan of B&B Controls, a veteran of the gate industry and B&B's field training school master instructor. Buchanan will focus on new standards for gate design and operation, including UL 325 standards and the ASTM F-2200 safe gate design standards. Also covered will be basics like gate safety, design parameters, installation of gates, accessories and hardware.

"With specifications and regulations continually being updated, gate operator installers need to remain informed on the latest changes, to ensure machinery is properly and safely installed," Buchanan said. "This also helps reduce the number of costly call backs from incorrectly installed operators," he said.

According to the AFA, the course is appropriate for both new and experienced installers. The number of students will be limited, and the AFA is requiring registration by Aug. 10, 2007. Registration can be handled online at the American Fence Association website or by call (800) 822-4342.