Loading Dock Gates: A Buyer’s Guide

From a legal perspective, unprotected dock edges are a liability. Fall protection violations account for a large percentage of the most common OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) violations, and loading docks are particularly prone to serious fall risks.

The statistics don’t lie: According to Industrial Safety & Hygiene News, about 25% of all industrial accidents occur at the loading docks. And for every accident, there are about 600 near-misses. 

Here’s where loading dock gates become crucial equipment: They protect workers, lift trucks, and infrastructure through a simple design. Ideally, they’re also capable of operating efficiently without sacrificing reliability — faster gates mean more throughput — and durable enough to withstand multiple strikes from lift trucks.

In this article, we’ll discuss the key factors to consider when purchasing a gate for standard and non-standard dock door openings. We’ll also explain how the BHS Powered Dock Gate (PDG) was engineered to provide a simple solution — and how you can customize the PDG for the needs of your facility. 

Protecting Workers and Infrastructure with Loading Dock Gates

When choosing safety barriers for a loading dock, it’s helpful to consider relevant OSHA guidelines:

• 1910.23(c)(1) - Every open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level shall be guarded by a standard railing (or the equivalent). As indicated by interpretation letters, this also applies when dock doors or bays are open.
• 1910.176(a) - Sufficient clearance shall be allowed for aisles and passageways where powered industrial trucks or hand trucks are used.
• 1910.178(m)(6) - A safe distance shall be maintained from the edge of ramps or platforms while on any elevated dock, or platform, or freight car. 

OSHA also recommends controlling access to areas that may have forklift traffic. Essentially, if you’re able to limit environmental hazards through engineering controls — and forklifts certainly create such hazards for pedestrians — you must do so.

Past those basic requirements, you’ll want to choose gates that maximize your return on investment. Consider these factors when choosing equipment: 

1. Durability

Your loading dock gates will sustain vehicle strikes, even if you have robust policies to minimize the chances of an impact. If you’re forced to replace barriers when they take a hit, that’s not ideal — and if your gate fails to stand up to a single strike, it’s not doing its job. 

A rule of thumb: Guardrails should be able to sustain about 8,000 joules of force. This is usually expressed as an impact rating in pounds. For example, a 10,000 pound impact rating means that the barrier can sustain a straightforward hit from a 10,000 pound forklift moving at a moderate speed of 4 miles per hour (mph). That’s roughly equivalent to 8,000 joules of force.  

The impact rating shows the force that the barrier can withstand while maintaining its integrity. In other words, the barrier will remain usable after the strike.

2. Lifting Mechanism

Manual dock gates are becoming less common for good reason: Workers might not use them consistently. A straightforward lifting mechanism supports a solid traffic control policy. 

The BHS Powered Dock Gate has three clearly labeled buttons: Open, Close, and Stop. An electric motor provides the lift, and the motor is compatible with 115V and 230V circuits. 

While powered gates are generally preferable, manually operated models are also available. You might consider a manual dock gate if you have limited electrical infrastructure, or if your operation has low dock traffic. 

3. Lift/Lower Cycles Per Hour

Ideally, you won’t be lifting and lowering the dock gate constantly; if that’s the case, you may need to implement more controls on vehicle traffic. However, your dock gate’s power unit should support a decent number of cycles per hour. Otherwise, the motor could fail when you need it the most. 

The BHS Powered Dock Gate is rated for 15 cycles per hour. It’s fast enough to keep traffic moving, and provides reliable operation even during sustained periods of peak demand. 

4. Visibility

As we’ve discussed, strikes are practically inevitable — but if your impact barriers blend into the background, strikes are far more likely. 

Look for products with powder coating, which will maintain its visibility after impacts and normal weathering. Bright “OSHA yellow" is generally recommended, since it’s highly visible in most facilities. You can also brand your gate with custom colors, provided that they have enough contrast. 

BHS Powered Dock Gate: Engineered for Protection

The BHS Powered Dock Gate lowers a single, high-visibility barrier to guard dock edges against impacts. It’s engineered to meet the needs of high-traffic loading docks, with simple features that support safety and throughput: 

• Two steel uprights support a horizontal barrier with a reinforced structural channel.
• Capable of stopping 10,000 pounds of force at 4 miles per hour.
• Simple push-button controls with an emergency stop feature.
• High-visibility yellow finish.
• The 115V/230V motor is rated for 15 cycles per hour. 

Custom Powered and Manual Dock Gates are available. Whether you need a custom size, great impact resistance, or a branded color scheme, we’re here to help. Contact the Solus Group Sales Team at 314-696-0200 to learn more.

Build a More Efficient Loading Dock with Safety Barriers from Solus Group

The Powered Loading Dock Gate is an excellent tool for limiting vehicle access on the loading dock, which makes your operation safer — and ultimately, much more efficient.

For OSHA compliance, you’ll also need to invest in appropriate safety barriers for other travel areas. Products to consider:

Structural Barrier Rail (SBR)

The BHS Structural Barrier Rail (SBR) is a heavy-duty guardrail system designed to withstand significant impacts, particularly from forklifts and other industrial vehicles. Its all-steel construction boasts an impressive 10,000-pound impact rating at 4 miles per hour, making it a reliable safeguard for critical areas and personnel. Available in single-rail (18" high) or double-rail (42" high) configurations, the SBR has a modular design and is available with rail lengths from 4 to 8 feet.

Structural Bollards (SB)

BHS Structural Bollards are constructed from welded steel for maximum durability. A durable powder coat finish provides high visibility (custom colors are available on request). After installation, they provide consistent impact resistance from multiple angles without impeding foot traffic.

Stationary Dock Ramps (DR)

BHS Dock Ramps streamline operations by creating additional access points to the receiving area, expediting loading and unloading tasks. 
With weight capacities ranging from 16,000 to 40,000 pounds, BHS Dock Ramps are available in 20- or 30-foot lengths, ensuring a gentle slope for lift trucks. Solid steel approach plates at the base absorb impact, while open steel grating provides superior traction throughout the ramp's length. 

Eight-inch-high steel curbs along the sides prevent accidental rollovers, and optional handrails can be added for pedestrian safety.

Related Content: Choosing a Dock Safety Barrier: Rails, Gates, or Bollards?

Streamline Loading Dock Operations with Solus Group

Our sales team can help you find efficient, safe, and ergonomic solutions for any type of facility. Whether you’re outfitting a loading dock or building a battery room, we’ll guide you through available options (including custom equipment) and make cost-effective, mission-specific recommendations.   

Call the Solus Group Sales Team at 314-696-0200 to learn more or to find a vendor near you.