No two industrial facilities are identical, even if they operate in the same industry. But they all share some common traits, like the fall hazards employees face that must be mitigated under OSHA fall protection regulations. Elevated walking and working surfaces, ladders, stairways and more need to be equipped with fall protection equipment. If your fall hazards include openings and spaces with non-standard sizes and shapes, you might think that you can make a standard adjustable safety gate work. In reality, though, custom safety gates are usually necessary in non-standard spaces to provide adequate fall protection and avoid OSHA fines.
OSHA Fall Protection Standards
According to CFR 1910.28, every employer has a duty to provide fall protection and falling object protection for their employees. Passive fall protection equipment such as a guardrail system and safety gate are the most common ways to fulfill this obligation. It is also a wise idea to familiarize yourself with the criteria set forth in CFR 1910.29 to ensure the equipment you buy from fall protection manufacturers is OSHA compliant.
OSHA Requirements for Guardrail Systems and Self-Closing Gates
OSHA fall protection guidelines include provisions for height, strength, and material for both guardrails and safety gates. These criteria include, but are certainly not limited to:
- The height of top guardrails must be 42 inches (107 cm), plus or minus 3 inches (8 cm), above the walking-working surface
- Top rails must be able to withstand 200 lbs. of downward or outward force without failing or deflecting to less than 39″
- Mid rails have to be able to handle 150 lbs. of force without failing
- A guardrail system must be made of smooth material that won’t cut, scratch or snag workers, clothing, or equipment
When guardrail systems are used around access points, the guardrail system opening must:
- Have a self-closing adjustable safety gate that slides or swings away from the hole
- If a safety gate is used, it must be equipped with a top rail and mid rail that meets the requirements for guardrails
- The guardrail must be offset to prevent someone from walking directly into the hole
What if My Openings and Entrances Aren’t Standard Sizes?
As you may suspect, fall protection manufacturers do make safety gates in a variety of standard sizes based on past customer requests and current regulations. You can find a self-closing safety gate in widths anywhere from 17 inches all the way up to 6 feet wide. It’s also possible to find safety gates for loading docks that are as wide as 10 feet. Even with the number of choices you have for size, you may not be able to find an adjustable safety gate in the proper size for your opening.
Why Choose Custom Made Safety Gates for Your Industrial Facility
Installing an industrial safety gate that’s ill-fitted is a bad idea for several reasons. First, it could result in an injury to a worker. Of course, fall protection that doesn’t meet OSHA standards can also lead to violations that result in huge fines and penalties. It’s simply not worth the risk. Custom gates ensure both compliance with OSHA and adequate fall protection for workers. Custom safety gates can be configured in a variety of ways such as
- Custom length with a standard mount
- Custom length with a custom mount
- Standard length with custom mount
- Swing open to the left or right
You can also choose a custom material and finish for your safety gates to coordinate with or stand out from your safety railings.
Advantages of custom safety gates also include:
- Versatile Application – Adjustable safety gates can be used in a variety of settings from stairways and ladders to mezzanines, loading docks, and anywhere there’s a fall hazard.
- Exceptional Strength – Fall protection safety gates must meet or exceed OSHA rules for fall protection devices and equipment.
- Long-lasting Durability – Industrial safety gates are often constructed of materials such as aluminum, carbon steel, and stainless steel for long life.
- Easy to Install – Custom safety gates generally don’t require any special tools and can be installed in a few moments with minimal employees.
Are Guardrails and Safety Gates Appropriate for Your Facility?
The fall hazards your employees face may be unique to your facility and processes and it’s vital that you evaluate your facility with the aid of a qualified safety expert. That said, a guardrail system and a self-closing safety gate are a flexible combination that can be applied to just about any setting including:
- Mezzanines
- Elevated walkways
- Fixed access points
- Stairway entrances
- Loading docks
- Anywhere there is an opening in the guardrail system
Guardrails and safety gates are also a highly customizable way to maintain a safe perimeter around dangerous equipment and to manage access to sensitive areas of your facility.
What Are the Benefits of Installing a Self-Closing Safety Gate?
The main benefit of installing an self-closing adjustable safety gate in addition to your guardrail system is that you’re providing a safer workplace for your employees. In fact, these forms of OSHA fall protection are ideal because:
- They can be used in nearly any setting
- OSHA-compliant safety gates are strong and durable
- Workers don’t have to take any action to close the gate
- There is no need to train employees on their use
- Openings remain closed unless in use
OSHA-Compliant Standard and Custom Self-Closing Safety Gates
When it comes to providing a safe workplace, you can’t cut corners. You can’t just install a standard piece of equipment on a non-standard corner (or other work area), either. Doing so will put your workers at risk of falls and your company at risk of OSHA fines and penalties as well as other financial burdens. Consult with a qualified safety expert to determine when custom made safety gates are the right solution for your facility. Then, contact Fabenco to discuss your facility’s fall hazards.
We are one of the leading fall protection manufacturers in the country and we provide a wide range of standard safety gate options. We’re also capable of producing custom safety gates that meet your unique specifications. Our highly trained fall protection experts will be happy to guide you through the process of choosing and installing custom safety equipment in your facility.
