Mezzanine areas provide valuable staging and storage space in warehouses and distribution centers, where space is at a premium. However, mezzanines are often located nine feet or more above the ground floor, which can also present a serious hazard to workers that must access freight delivered or stored at this level. OSHA standard 1910 Subpart D requires employers to provide protection for personnel on walking-working surfaces—which include any surface higher than four feet above the ground floor. Many mezzanine areas are surrounded almost entirely by railing; however, in order for loads to be successfully delivered, this railing must include a gap wide enough to permit freight onto the platform—and this section cannot contain a permanent guardrail.

Contributed By:

Benko Products Inc