Ajax understands safety in the workplace is of the upmost importance and the construction of pallet gates provide the necessary all-round edge protection to prevent injury. Recently, their Technical Sales Manager Mike Godbert shared his technical expertise on standards and guidance on pallet gates in the workplace:
“Our Ajax pallet gates are designed and fabricated here in Nottingham, we have been fabricating safe access pallet gates for around 30 years and have built a considerable archive of unique bespoke solutions for many blue chip retailers and manufacturers. We also produce a range of standard sizes for a single and double pallet gate with a load height of 1800mm high. These sizes are available in our very popular ‘Roll-Over’ design as well as the more traditional ‘Swing-Arm’ version.
“Our Roll-Over pallet gate is the more popular option as it takes up less space when closed and is ideal if you are unloading from the top or vacuuming powders for example as you can leave the load in position whilst unloading whereas with the swing arm you have to remove the pallet from the load area.
“Both design options offer compliant edge protection to all operators and workers as no matter if the gate is open or closed the operator is always protected from falls.
“Our pallet gates are designed in line with the following standards:
• BS EN 1991-11:2002 category (XII)
• BS EN 1993-1-1:2005
• BS EN 1990:2002
• BS EN ISO 14122-3 CLAUSE 8.2.1.2
“Chains, rope, tape, hinged gates, stacked pallets etc. should never be used as an edge protection, and yes some companies do use these methods to ‘protect’ there workers.
“If you have an existing space available where you require a pallet gate, all we need is the existing opening width and the position of any restrictions such as ceiling height or hanging service lines, or if you have a specific pallet/load size then confirmation of its dimensions and we can do the rest and advise on the gate that best suits your needs.
“We supply our units in polyester powder coated mild steel as standard but can offer any colour if you have a specific need. We also offer options in stainless steel grade 304 and 316 for the food and pharmaceutical industry as well as mesh or plate infills to guard against small items falling and steal floor plates.
“Some minor assembly is required, the gate is delivered to site in 3-4 parts and all assembly fixings are supplied. Assemble the unit and place in the required position at the floor edge as shown on our issued drawing. The unit sides must be parallel and square before fixing the feet to the floor. Floor fixings are not supplied due to the vast array of floor materials.
“As we design and fabricate here in Nottingham, we can offer a bespoke design service if needed. To find out more email: ajax@canalengineering.co.uk for more information.”