Effective fall protection is a critical component of warehouse and industrial safety. Mezzanine Safeti-Gates, Inc. designs mezzanine safety gates and related systems to help facilities protect workers at elevated pallet drop areas, mezzanines, and loading zones. If you have a question about pallet drop systems or loading dock safety gates not listed below, give us a call at 978-768-3000.

Are there regulations for providing fall protection for employees?

Yes, there are several regulations designed to protect employees working at heights. OSHA fall protection requirements are outlined in OSHA’s Walking-Working Surfaces Regulation, 1910 Subpart D. Additional guidance is provided by ANSI Standard MH 28.3-2009 section 6.4.3 and the International Building Code (IBC). These standards directly impact the design of OSHA-compliant mezzanines and elevated work areas.

What is the OSHA fall protection regulation?

OSHA’s fall protection regulations are found under OSHA Standard 1910 Subpart D, Walking-Working Surfaces. This standard establishes the duty to provide fall protection and falling object protection, which applies to OSHA-compliant safety gates used at exposed edges and pallet handling locations.

At what height do I need fall protection in my facility?

OSHA’s Walking-Working Surfaces Standard 1910.28 requires protective measures on any exposed ledge of an elevated working surface that is four feet or higher. ANSI standards require protection at three feet or higher. These requirements frequently drive the need for OSHA-compliant barrier gates at mezzanine and pallet transfer points.

How do pallet drop safety gates work?

Pallet safety gates operate using a dual gate system designed to provide continuous protection. The interconnected steel gate design uses counterbalanced gates to create a controlled-access area. When the ledge gate is lifted, the rear gate lowers to secure the elevated edge while materials are loaded. When the ledge gate is lowered, the rear gate raises, allowing access while preventing exposure to an open drop.

Are kick plates standard on safety gates?

Our line of mezzanine pallet safety gates includes solid, four-inch kick plates on the sides of the unit, as well as on both the ledge and rear gates. These features help prevent materials from sliding off elevated platforms.

Will the safety gate fit in a custom-sized area?

Yes. Our industrial mezzanine gate systems can be engineered to fit a wide range of widths and heights. Standard stock sizes include single 64-inch and double 104-inch pallet widths, with a clearance height of 82 inches. Custom configurations are available to meet unique facility requirements.

Can industrial safety gates be power-operated?

Yes. Many industrial safety gates can be equipped with commercial motors, sensors, and power stations for remote operation. Pneumatic options are also available for Pivot and Open Top designs, providing flexibility for high-cycle or automated environments.

Can mezzanine safety gates be equipped to communicate with AGVs or other technology?

Yes. Mezzanine safety gates can be integrated with radio frequency and other communication technologies to interact with AGVs and material handling equipment. This allows operators to control the gate from ground level while maintaining a secure ledge during pallet transfer operations.

Can pallet drop safety gates connect to rack systems?

Yes. Our gates can be designed as rack-supported pallet safety gates to integrate directly with most manufacturer rack systems. The Roly®, Pivot, and Tri-Side models can all be configured for rack-supported applications.

What kind of fall protection for pallet drop areas is best in pick modules?

Rack-supported designs are often ideal for pick modules because they open and close flush with rack uprights. This approach supports pallet flow safety gate applications without extending into aisles or interfering with material handling equipment.

Are mezzanine safety gates easy to operate?

Yes. We engineer our safety gate systems for ergonomic operation and consistent use. Gates require no manual lifting and can be equipped with powered operation for minimal physical effort.

Will industrial safety gates really protect workers when they need it most?

Yes, when properly selected and installed, industrial safety gates are highly effective. The goal is to maintain uninterrupted protection so workers are never exposed to an unguarded edge during normal operations.

Will the safety gates be used consistently?

Safety systems that operate automatically are used more consistently. Powered or counterbalanced pallet safety gates reduce effort and discourage circumvention, ensuring protection remains in place at all times.