Is fall protection required near an active loading dock area?
The current ANSI A12.1, Section 1.2.1 states that loading docks are an exception for requiring fall protection. Height limitations are not specified in the ANSI Standard. Reply: To be in compliance with paragraph 1910.32 Special surfaces of the Proposed Rulemaking on Walking and Working Surfaces (55 FR 13407; April 10, 1990), employers would not be required to install guardrail systems on the working side of platforms, such as loading docks, where the employer can demonstrate that the presence of guardrails would prevent the performance of work. All other sides of the loading docks must be guarded. Employers must ensure that employees who may be exposed to fall hazards, are trained to recognize and avoid the hazards associated with work on loading docks. Scenario 2: Qualified employees climb conductor support equipment, such as boxed lattice structures in substations. According to paragraph 1910.269(g), these employees are able to free climb and are not normally required to wear fall p
