The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on just about every aspect of the worldwide economy – especially the manufacturing sector. As the pandemic spread around the globe, the steel industry actually saw an increased demand for some consumer goods, resulting in significant price fluctuations on this critical raw material, across the board. Now, as the economy continues to reopen, demand has soared in many steel-heavy industries (ex. oil and gas) further exacerbating the situation. With all of this uncertainty, other safety options may seem appealing as short-term or stopgap solutions for getting your facility on the path toward OSHA compliance. For informed decision-makers, however, the fact of the matter remains: metal safety gates continue to be one of the standards for industrial safety. Here’s why:
OSHA Fall Protection Requirements
You’re already well aware of your obligation to provide fall protection for your employees whenever they’re working at heights of 4′ or more. This includes elevated work surfaces inside the building as well as your facility’s rooftop. You also know that it’s up to you to decide what fall protection devices are best for your application. For most industrial settings, the first choice for fall protection is a guard rail system. Areas they can be installed include:
- Edges of Mezzanines
- Along Catwalks and Elevated Walkways
- Surrounding Dangerous Equipment
- Around Restricted Areas
- At the Leading Edge of a Rooftop
- Encircling Rooftop Equipment
- Around Roof Openings and Hatches
A Metal Swing Gate Provides Safe Access
In addition to safety railings to keep employees safe from fall hazards, you also need to be concerned with access to these areas. OSHA regulations state that you must either provide an offset entrance into the area or that you have a metal gate installed. Some areas you’ll want to consider a metal safety gate or swing gate include:
- Mezzanines and Elevated Surface Entrances — A steel guardrail is the perfect way to keep workers safe at these heights, but you also need an access point. A self-closing gate made of steel will allow authorized workers safe passage, and it can withstand a substantial amount of use without failure.
- Sensitive or Restricted Areas — Some areas of your facility need to be off limits to all but a few. A safety gate is the perfect way to limit access to areas of your facility, which improves security and safety for workers.
- Loading Docks — This is likely one of the busiest places in your building. Trucks picking up and delivering loads, forklifts moving about, and people walking around can make for a dangerous situation. Industrial swing gates help control the flow of traffic and steel gates are strong enough to hold back people and equipment.
- Areas With Machinery and Equipment — Dangerous machinery and equipment pose a threat to workers. Restricting access to areas where machines are housed and operated is imperative. Surrounding the area with a strong, steel guardrail system and safety gate improves safety and security.
Is a Safety Gate Required by OSHA?
There is no specific rule or guideline that requires the use of a steel self-closing gate. In fact, you could choose to provide an offset entrance to a given area rather than installing a gate. If you do choose to install a safety gate, you’ll need to make sure that it meets the same criteria as your OSHA-compliant guardrails. A few of the criteria include:
- Your metal swing gate must be at least 42″ tall (+ or – 3″).
- The top rails of your safety gate must be able to withstand 200 lbs of downward force.
- Mid-rails of a metal swing gate must be able to handle 150 lbs of downward force.
- Your industrial swing gate has to be made of smooth materials.
- It must be installed so that it opens away from any hole or opening.
What’s the Benefit of Using Metal Gates?
Metals, especially steel, are used in a variety of industrial applications, so it makes perfect sense that it would be a good choice for a safety gate. While steel prices may go up and down over time, the appeal of this metal for safety equipment is as strong as ever. Some reasons for this include:
- Steel is Strong — OSHA standards require your safety gate to handle a substantial amount of force without failing. A self-closing gate made of steel has no problem meeting or even exceeding the OSHA minimum requirements.
- Steel is Long-Lasting — Metals like steel are known for their long life and minimal maintenance needs. In fact, metals are among the longest lasting materials used in industrial facilities.
- Metal Gates are Versatile — Steel safety gates can be used in just about any scenario both inside and outside your facility. What’s more, metal gates are appropriate for nearly every industry.
- Metal Gates are Available in Custom Colors and Finishes — Steel and other metal safety gates can be finished with a powder-coating, enamel, or paints to either stand out or to coordinate with your brand colors.
- They Require Minimal Maintenance — Metal gates require very little maintenance. All you really need to do is perform regular inspections, and occasionally you may need to refinish the gate to prevent corrosion.
Is a Metal Safety Gate Worth the Price?
It’s your job to make sure that your facility is as safe as possible for your employees. But you also need to keep a close eye on your organization’s finances, expenses, and long-term profits. Investing in steel safety gates may be a bit expensive to begin with, but they’ll pay for themselves over time. Safety gates and other fall protection equipment help to reduce slip and fall accidents, which can be costly for you. In addition, metal gates can help ensure you stay in compliance with OSHA, so you avoid costly fines and penalties.
OSHA-Compliant Metal Safety Gates from Fabenco
If a worker falls and gets hurt in your facility, it can have a devastating impact on your organization. Besides the financial ding, falls also contribute to lower employee morale, lost productivity, and higher employee turnover. When it comes to workplace safety, don’t leave anything to chance. Contact Fabenco today to learn more about how steel safety gates can help keep your facility safe and OSHA-compliant. One of our qualified safety experts will be happy to discuss your needs and to advise you on the right swing gate for your application.
