On a recent site visit, one of our clients asked if OSHA’s 1910 four foot rule applies to loading docks. The short answer is usually, yes. Most loading docks are 48-52” tall, but we do see instances of docks a few inches shy of four feet–say 46”. By strict letter of the law, a 46” dock does not require fall protection under the provisions of OSHA 1910. That said, even docks coming in under 4 feet should utilize some sort of fall protection system…
OSHA Requirements for Guardrail and Safety Railing Compliance
One of the more popular fall protection questions we receive relates to OSHA requirements for safety railing and guardrail systems. Determined inquiring minds can consult OSHA’s revised Walking Working Surfaces ruling for general industry, but this can be a laborious process. In the interest of time, here is OSHA’s official stance on guardrail for general industry applications….
HVAC Fall Protection Systems
Commercial and industrial grade HVAC units keep personnel and sensitive electronic equipment cool, but maintenance on units taller than 4 feet requires fall protection per OSHA 1910. Our recent installation of HVAC guardrail systems at a local airport illustrates the benefits of partnering with a fall protection company that can provide custom, application specific solutions.
Custom Color Rooftop Guardrail
Henry Ford once said “You can buy a Model T in any color as long as it is black.” If you have spent time searching online or consulting catalogs, you may assume Ford’s rule applies to guardrail too because most of the guardrail you’ll see is safety yellow. Don’t get us wrong–yellow guardrail is highly visible and a good way to remind folks that a leading edge is near. That said, there are times when a perimeter railing system needs to blend with a building. Whether you prefer guardrail that matches company colors or the goal is concealing the fall protection system from the ground level, we can help.
Do OSHA Regulations Require Fall Protection for 46″ Loading Docks?
On a recent site visit, one of our clients asked if OSHA’s 1910 four foot rule applies to loading docks. The short answer is usually, yes. Most loading docks are 48-52” tall, but we do see instances of docks a few inches shy of four feet–say 46”. By strict letter of the law, a 46” dock does not require fall protection under the provisions of OSHA 1910. That said, even docks coming in under 4 feet should utilize some sort of fall protection system and here is why…
Non-Penetrating Rooftop Guardrail Installation
When it comes to rooftop fall protection installations, we hear common concerns. Clients want reassurances that the proposed solution is in alignment with available budgets and meets or exceeds OSHA requirements. We also field questions and concerns over roof modifications. Drilling holes or cutting to expose structural members beneath the roof’s surface is an especially sensitive subject because many of our clients have hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars invested in their roofs. Fortunately, we have a wide variety of rooftop fall protection solutions to address these pains.
