Access Point Safety Gates
Protect Every Access Point in Your Facility with Safety Gates
Essential safety gates: protecting every access point from pedestrians to loading docks
For 13 consecutive years, OSHA’s Fall Protection Standard has been the most cited workplace health and safety violation in the U.S. At W.W. Cannon, we are committed to helping you mitigate fall risks by installing safety gates at every access point. These gates provide essential protection for ladder openings, mezzanine edges, loading docks, and other elevated areas, ensuring compliance with OSHA and ANSI regulations.
Guardrail Openings & Dock Doors:
- Prevent unintended egress through guardrail openings in accordance with OSHA 1910 Subpart D and ANSI 1264-2017.
- Dock door openings require pedestrian barrier gates to prevent personnel from accidental falls. These gates must withstand a 200 lb. concentrated load in any direction or a 50 lb. per foot distributed load per OSHA 1926.502(b)(11) and 1910.23(a)(2).
Fixed Ladder & Stairway Openings:
- OSHA 1910.23(a)(2) requires ladderway floor openings and platforms to be protected by a standard railing or a self-closing safety gate.
- This rule applies to ladders leading to another working surface, including runways and catwalks, to prevent workers from walking directly into an unprotected opening.
Mezzanines & Pallet Loading Areas:
- Safety gates at mezzanine and pallet loading access points protect workers from falls. Automatic self-closing gates ensure that openings are never left exposed.
- Selecting the right mezzanine or pallet loading gate depends on the equipment used for material transfer:
- Overhead (pivot) gates restrict access when open on one side, making them ideal for forklift access.
- Horizontal gates allow overhead cranes to operate while preventing workers from entering the loading zone.
- Impact gates (pallet loading gates) enhance safety in mezzanine pallet flow rack systems by automatically closing after use, reducing fall hazards without additional worker intervention.
OSHA Safety Gate Requirements:
To meet OSHA’s walking-working surfaces standards, access point safety gates must:
✔ Be self-closing
✔ Slide or swing away from the opening
✔ Include top rails and mid-rails to meet strength and height standards (1910.29(b)(13)(i))
Avoid Common Safety Gate Violations:
Chains or single bars at 42” are often mistaken as compliant fall protection solutions. However, OSHA mandates that safety barriers must provide a level of protection equivalent to a guardrail system (1910.29(b)(10)). Only properly designed and installed safety gates fulfill this requirement.
Ensure Compliance & Protect Your Workforce:
Access point safety gates are a critical investment in workplace safety. Whether protecting dock openings, mezzanines, ladderways, or pallet loading areas, our solutions help you meet OSHA standards while preventing costly accidents. Review our brochures in the Product Documents section, then Contact us today to discuss the best safety gate options for your facility!
Product Documents
Cogan Self-Closing Safety Gates for Pedestrian Barriers
Preferred Suppliers
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Schedule Your Consultation with Our Experts
W.W. Cannon’s Turnkey Service Solutions result in a strong return on your investment. Get in touch with one of our specialists today for a complimentary consultation. We’ll answer any questions you have and help you plan your next steps.