The osha standard requires that a physical barrier guard every wall opening that poses a drop of greater than 4 feet.
Osha dock door fall protection.
For dock platforms lower than 4 feet it s still recommended to have a visual barrier with a prominently.
When dock doors are open it s sometimes necessary to install a guardrail or a loading dock fall protection barrier.
Osha 26 cfr2 23 b states that for any wall openings with more than a four foot drop should be equipped with a fall protection barrier.
The osha fall protection specifics.
Osha fall protection requirements.
Or personal fall protection system.
If the dock door is open dock worker protection is required.
The osha 1910 28 standard requires the use of fall protection devices such as a guardrail system a safety net or personal fall protection systems if an employee could fall 4 feet or more from an open or exposed dock door or opening.
Since most docks are at least 44 tall to serve tractor trailers and flatbeds a majority will be subject to that requirement.
An overzealous osha inspector could take the same drive i did and rack up fines in the hundreds of thousands without leaving the comfort of his air conditioned prius.
Link door can help with fall protection as required by osha regulations.
Osha is clear that at this height or higher using only a visual barrier a yellow rope or chain for example won t suffice.
When the employer can demonstrate that it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard to use guardrail safety net or personal fall protection systems on residential roofs the employer must develop and implement a fall protection plan that meets the requirements of 29 cfr 1926 502 k and training that meets the requirements of 29 cfr 1926 503 a and c.
Osha regulations on loading dock safety require fall protection on any dock that is 48 inches or higher.
Air in and you ll add one more step in helping prevent falls off the loading dock.
So if the dock door is open when is it necessary to install a guardrail or actual fall protection barrier and when will a visual barrier suffice.
The employer must ensure each employee on a walking working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet 1 2m or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the following guardrail systems.
The current osha standard 29 cfr 1910 23 b relating to protection for wall openings and holes states that every wall opening from which there is a.
By my calculation 1 3 of the open dock doors were compliant 1 3 had inadequate fall protection and 1 3 had no fall protection at all.
1910 28 includes unprotected sides and edges.
Standards for loading dock safety.
1910 29 b 1 the top edge height of top rails or equivalent guardrail system members are 42 inches 107 cm plus or minus 3 inches 8 cm above the walking working surface the top edge height may exceed 45 inches 114 cm provided the guardrail system.
