Spring System Safety & Hazards
Torsion and extension spring hazards, containment cables, bottom bracket warnings, winding bar procedures, and spring failure modes.
- Identify the hazards associated with torsion and extension springs
- Explain containment cable requirements for extension springs
- Describe bottom bracket safety warnings and tamper-resistant hardware
- Recognize spring failure modes and inspection criteria
Lesson 1
Torsion Spring Hazards & Safe Handling
The Energy in Torsion Springs
Torsion springs are the most dangerous component of a garage door system. A standard residential torsion spring stores enough energy to cause serious injury or death if it releases uncontrollably. The spring is wound under extreme tension - a typical residential door requires the spring to be wound 7 to 8 full turns, each turn adding approximately 15 to 20 foot-pounds of torque.
Safe Handling Requirements
Canadian workplace safety regulations and industry best practices require:
- Only trained and qualified technicians adjust torsion springs
- Proper winding bars must be used - never screwdrivers, pipes, or improvised tools
- The technician must stand to the side of the winding cone, never in line with the spring
- Two winding bars must be used alternately - never insert or remove a bar while the other is not secured
- The door must be in the fully closed position before adjusting torsion springs
Winding Bar Safety
Never use screwdrivers, Allen keys, or metal pipes as substitutes for proper winding bars. Improvised tools can slip from the winding cone under tension, causing the spring to unwind violently. Use only solid steel winding bars of the correct diameter.
Torsion springs store lethal amounts of energy. Only trained technicians using proper winding bars should adjust springs. Stand to the side of the cone, never in line with the spring. The door must be fully closed before spring adjustment.