Dock door safety
Dose OSHA allow expandable gates on wheels for dock doors?
Comments (12)
Got this on something called Google:
https://www.intrepidindustries.com/osha-current-regulation/#
:~:text=%E2%80%93%20Gates%20should%20have%20both%20a,150%20lb%20load%20(midrail)
And:
https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/16472-osha-loading-dock-requirements
Although in the above they mention 1910.23(b). I think they mean 1910.28(b).
In my long career I have seen yellow chains uses a lot. The second article seem to say for non-refrigerated truck docks, those with a height not in excess of 48", awareness chains are acceptable. In my opinion expandable gates are a much safer option, than plastic chain.
To be really correct, I would call your local OSHA Office, if you can get someone on the phone, which seems to be a problem at our local office sometimes, they will give you direction on how your office enforces this. This is recommended on one of these articles as how it is enforced can vary by OSHA Region and Local Office.
My best guess dealing with OSHA is that if you were using chains you might pass a general audit by most OSHA CHSOs as long as the drop is 48" or less. At most if your are cited it would be de-minimis. If the dock was designed for "reefers" you may have a problem, sometimes the drop is well over "48".
I would tell a customer that expandable gates would be a great solution for dock heights of 48" or less. I like it much better than awareness chains. However, over 48" you better go with requirements per 1910.28(b) and 1910.28(b)(i)(A-C).
I must also add from my experience as a former facility "Safety "Guy", trying to get supervisors and employees to comply with what ever system you come up with, especially in the summer time, in a facility with no air conditioning is like "pulling teeth" and "herding cats!" Add to the list keeping fire doors closed! In winter we never had a problem with keeping dock and fire doors closed, in northern WI!
I'll be honest I've never seen never seen a regular loading dock with fall protection. Not to say it's a bad idea by any means
Good Morning, I come across this everyday. The folding gates will not work because they are not rated for this. Here is a link to an example that is easy to install and manipulate.
https://www.grainger.com/product/PS-INDUSTRIES-Single-Opening-Loading-Dock-422L35
Chains and belts are not typically recommended any longer. I can only attach one picture to this post but will add in both before and after pictures.
After pictures ....
after picture
I had luck with these (just make sure you choose the correct one that has the appropriate height and weight ratings, specifically from a top-force): https://www.ritehite.com/en/am/products/barrier-safety-systems/loading-dock-safety-barriers/dok-guardian# :~:text=The%20Dok%2DGuardian%20is%20a,into%20one%20of%20the%20Wardens.
Look under NFPA 80 for docks and door guidelines