Jun. 05, 2025
Your loading dock has some of the most important traffic for the success of your business. This much traffic means a lot of exposure to hazards, falling off the loading dock.
Goto DACHU to know more.
Preventing someone from falling off the loading dock is as simple as installing a guardrail.
Here are 4 questions that will help you know that you’re picking the right option.
OSHA details the requirements for guardrails in more detail since the update. However, OSHA .29 repeats itself a lot and it can be a little confusing to sort through.
Here is a summary to make it easy for you:
We built a guide for OSHA compliant guardrails If you’d like to dig deeper into this.
The ADA will want to make sure those with disabilities have safe means of accessing the work zone, if applicable. We put a guide together to help you navigate the ADA code and determine if and how it applies to you.
Also, check with your local building code if you’re doing anything that requires a permit and inspections.
A Kee Klamp mounted guardrail will meet OSHA standards and can be designed to meet ADA requirements and local building codes. It can even be modified after installation to meet new requirements that come up.
Not every loading dock is made equal. You may have long ramps that slope down towards your dock. Or maybe you have a long exterior dock with multiple load points and access stairs.
No matter how simple or complicated your loading dock is, you want a guardrail that can easily conform to the layout and your work needs. Pre-welded panels can pigeonhole you into specific configurations or potential leave blank spaces that someone or something could fall through.
You should be able to design the guardrail yourself, if you choose, and still know that it's compliant with any applicable standards.
Being able to DIY the guardrail will give you a lot of freedom around the time that the railing gets installed. How many times have projects been delayed because a contractor was behind on a project?
You want a guardrail that is so easy that the new guy can install it. Here are a few questions that you can answer to see how much complication the guardrail will add to your project:
This could add days and weeks to your project as you wait for the permit to be approved and for the inspections to happen. This also adds money as you may have to pay for these inspections and for the expertise of a welder.
This could be as simple as needing a torque wrench, Sawzall, and hammer drill, which is all that is needed for a Kee Klamp railing. Or you may need large diamond core bits with an appropriately large drill to core into the concrete.
Sometimes you have to move the location of the guardrail during installation. Maybe someone forgot to work around a support beam for the dock canopy. Or it could be that a process has changed overnight, and the layout now needs to change.
Our component-based guardrail will allow you to make these changes on the fly. You don’t have to worry about sending huge panels of guardrail back by freight and waiting for the replacements to arrive. Kee Klamps are small and can be easily shipped overnight to help you finish your project on time.
The answers to these questions could determine if you have removed stress induced headaches or added them.
A very common question is what to do with the empty space in the guardrail where the trucks are being loaded. After all, it’s not efficient or safe to try to unload a truck by handing product over a mounted handrail. I’m picturing that now. So much can go wrong.
Here are the 3 options you can use.
A safety gate is the most effective option for protection because it requires the least amount of work with the strongest protection. You can also build one yourself if you use the correct swivel fittings. Any gate that you use must provide safety equivalent to a guardrail.
A chain can be used, but like with safety gates, needs to be able to provide the same level of safety as a guardrail. Most of the time, I don’t see this happening. The top rail (or chain) must not deflect to a height lower than 39 inches. Most chains I’ve seen sag 5+ inches. Also, as shown above, multiple chains will need to be used so no opening is greater than 19 inches. This is the option with the greatest margin of error.
Removable rails do not have the sag issues of chains. They also don’t have the ease of safety gates. This will depend on how the removable rail was designed. It should include some form of locking mechanism, like a set screw, so that it doesn’t slide or fall out, exposing the hazard.
Grabbing some lumber from your local shop to slap a railing together can be very tempting. However, how long will that last before you have to replace it again? What happens if a forklift, pallet jack, or truck bumps into it?
Contact us to discuss your requirements of guardrail accessories. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Galvanized steel or aluminum systems will last much longer. After all, we’re trying to get things off your plate, not snooze the problem like your morning alarm.
If something happens to damage the guardrail beyond normal wear and tear, then you want a guardrail that can be spliced into quickly. Wood can do this very easily, but do you really want to do this over and over...and over again?
Our component-based guardrail systems will be easier to repair if something happens. Just cut the pipe and attach the new fittings and voila, you have a fixed guardrail. Also, you don’t have to wait for the store to open because you can buy the pipe and fittings you need online.
Getting your people home at the end of the day in good health is important. It’s one important thing of many on your plate...today. You don’t have to take all of this on by yourself.
Let us help you relieve some of your stress by getting the loading dock railing that you need.
Cable railings are tensioned cables, typically stainless steel, attached to wood, vinyl or steel posts with a top guard rail for safety and support. They’re used on patios, decks, stairs, balconies and porches. Their sleek, modern look and minimalist design provide unobstructed views that you can’t get with traditional railing. This has led to their rise in popularity.
Shop Now
Shop Now
Shop Now
A cable railing system consists of many parts that make up the finished product, each playing a vital role.
When you're stepping up your railing game from one level to the next, the cable railing system on the U-shaped stairs with a landing between levels is a study in contemporary living with clean, modern lines.
This attractive black stainless steel railing with black steel posts seamlessly enclose this deck and makes the space feel cozy yet comfortable. The vertical cables add a sense of visual height and, when compared to horizontal cable railing, vertical cable railing is less prone to sagging.
The clean, modern lines of this gray steel cable railing add to your home’s curb appeal and welcomes guests to your front door in style. Get a cohesive look when you match railing and its surroundings in similar colors, as shown here with the steps, porch floor and pillars all sharing similar hues.
It’s all about getting cozy on this deck when you gather with friends on a chilly evening. Stainless steel cable railing with wood railing and posts has a rustic yet modern vibe and sets the right tone as it blends in with the wood deck and faux-concrete fire table.
The wonderful thing about cable railing is that it can be the star of the show while fading into the background, because that’s what it does. This black stainless steel cable railing effortlessly blends in with the surroundings and looks as if it’s been a part of the design scheme from day one.
As with any other type of railing system you use, the cost of a cable railing system — consisting of cable, posts, handrails and hardware — varies greatly and depends on various factors, including:
A complete stainless steel cable railing system is estimated to be about $150-$285 per linear foot, including installation. That estimate is reduced if you opt for wood posts and framing. Compare that to the cost of other railings.
Studies by the National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) have shown the risk of children climbing and falling off cable railings is minimal.
However, the wider the gap between cables, the higher the risk of an accident. This can be mitigated by increasing the cable density; however, this may increase the cost as well as obstruct the view slightly.
To mitigate the risk of injury, always monitor small children and pets around cable railing.
Cable railing works well in both residential and commercial spaces, making it a popular choice for many. However, as with any other type of railing, it has advantages and disadvantages.
Cable Railing Pros:
Cable Railing Cons:
Some jurisdictions may have restrictions on the use of cable railings. Check with local building codes to ensure you’re in compliance before installing.
Not all deck railing systems are the same and not all installation processes are the same. There are, however, general steps that may apply for each installation. If you’re installing cable railing yourself, you likely purchased a cable railing kit which should walk you through the installation process. Below is a summary of DIY installation steps. Your installation process may vary so ensure that you read and follow your instruction manual.
Are you interested in learning more about bridge guardrails? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
Previous: None
Next: Choosing Wisely: Your Guide to the Best W Beam Guardrail Suppliers for Safety and Savings
If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!
All Comments ( 0 )