Special Topics in Safety Management

More Questions and Answers about Material Handling Rules

Yesterday, we presented a number of questions about material handling requirements with answers courtesy of Safety.BLR.com. Today, we conclude with some more questions and answers. What are the fall protection regulations for shipping docks at 48 inches tall?

The current general industry regulations under 1910 subpart D are not very specific.

  • 1910.23(c) “Protection of open-sided floors, platforms, and runways.”
  • 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 specified in paragraph (e)(3) of this section) on all open sides except where there is entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder. The railing shall be provided with a toeboard wherever, beneath the open sides.

What is the maximum height that I can stack pallets in a warehouse with a 28′ high ceiling?

Federal OSHA does not indicate a maximum height for stacking pallets. However, pallets and other material stored in tiers must be stacked in such a manner as to provide stability against sliding and collapse.


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Is a conveyor equipped with hinged gates considered an obstruction to egress/path of travel? If opened, is the gated section an acceptable path of travel when determining travel distance limits?

If the conveyor gate when opened reduces exit access to less than 28 inches it would be considered an obstruction to the path of travel and distance limits.

Your local building and fire codes may have additional requirements.

Excerpts from OSHA regulations follow:

  • 1910.36(g)(2). An exit access must be at least 28 inches (71.1 cm) wide at all points. Where there is only one exit access leading to an exit or exit discharge, the width of the exit and exit discharge must be at least equal to the width of the exit access.
  • 1910.36(g)(4), Objects that project into the exit route must not reduce the width of the exit route to less than the minimum width requirements for exit  
  • 1910.37(a)(3). Exit routes must be free and unobstructed. No materials or equipment may be placed, either permanently or temporarily, within the exit route. The exit access must not go through a room that can be locked, such as a bathroom, to reach an exit or exit discharge, nor may it lead into a dead-end corridor. Stairs or a ramp must be provided where the exit route is not substantially.

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