Installed on higher levels within warehouses and distribution centres (typically on a mezzanine floor), pallet gates are a particular type of safety gate that prevent workers or pallets from falling off the ledge whilst loading and unloading. Surrounded by guardrails, ‘up and over’ pallet gates (also known as a double pallet gate) are a must-have accessory for all industrial workplaces.
How do pallet gates work?
Within your industrial workspace, an up and over pallet gate will sit at the edge of your higher level and is surrounded by guardrails and safety barriers which help to eliminate the hazard of falls from height – that’s one of the most common causes of injury in the workplace, you know? Pallet gates provide continuous protection while in use and subsequently constant reassurance for business owners as they know their workers are always protected.
But how exactly does a pallet gate work? We thought you’d never ask! Imagine you’re working within a warehouse and you and your colleagues need to move a number of pallets from the ground floor to the first floor; you’ll begin by loading your pallets onto the open side of the gate and, once raised to the next level, the pallet gate will swing open to allow access to the new, higher level. As the gate lifts up it will simultaneously close off the back section of the gate to stop workers or materials from getting too close to the edge and potentially falling from a dangerous height. Once the goods are safely loaded onto the higher level, the gate is closed, blocking off the hazardous edge.
This enclosed gated system protects the ‘open’ edge throughout the entire loading and unloading process and it’s this continuous protection that offers constant reassurance to employers and employees alike as the risk of any work-related accidents is significantly reduced – that’d be a weight off your mind, surely?
Do I really need a double gate system?
So you know what an up and over pallet gate is, but how do you know if you really need one? Aside from the undeniable safety aspect they bring to the workplace which we’ve already covered, double pallet gates are also very versatile making them suitable for a variety of industrial businesses. You already know they’re typically installed on mezzanine floors, but pallet gates can also be installed on other higher-level floors too including:
- High level boarding platforms
- Hoisting platforms
- Temporary landing stages
- Entrances and doorways
- Loading bays and docking stations
Moving oversized pallets within a busy industrial workspace is no mean feat and it can soon become a safety risk if not done correctly. To secure the areas where materials are loaded and unloaded in your facility, a double pallet gate system is vital for your employee’s safety. Of course, there are similar products on the market such as swing gates, trombone gates, removable bars or chains, but none of them offer the safety reassurance of an up and over pallet gate (instead they only guard the edge when shut and they rely on your employees actually remembering to close them – it’s an accident waiting to happen!)
Up and over pallet gates are designed to fit in conjunction with your existing mezzanine floor and railings (that’s handy) and whilst there are many designs to choose from, it’s important that you find the one that works best in your industrial warehouse with the welfare of your employees at the forefront of your mind. You don’t need us to tell you that there are numerous Health and Safety precautions that need to be adhered to, particularly within an industrial working environment, but we can tell you that double pallet gates meet the safety working standards and best practices to make them a perfect fit for the modern-day industrial warehouse. In fact, it’s the only enclosed gate system that ensures all employees are safely protected from moving loads and falling objects during the loading process (and at all other times too!).
Making space for business to grow
At Cubex Contracts we’re passionate about making space for business to grow whether that be in a commercial office, retail store or industrial warehouse. And when it comes to warehouses, a double pallet gate (pictured) has a lightweight steel structure, is quick to install and is easy to maintain with galvanized paint to protect against harsh working conditions – ultimately increasing employee protection without sacrificing the layout or space of a workplace… win, win – right?
Pallet gates have been designed for the ever-increasing demand in pallet movement and can accommodate either single or double width pallet sizes. The construction of the gates provides a secure locking system to prevent any spring-back injuries and they’re designed for easy manual operation…
It’s a thumbs up from us
With the undeniable safety features, versatility to suit different businesses and ease of installation and maintenance, double pallet gates certainly get the thumbs up from Cubex. But if you’re still not convinced on whether up and over pallet gates are the right solution for your business, he’s a little more information we think you might want to know:
- They’re excellent value for money
- They can be delivered and installed fast
- There are a minimal number of moving parts for lower maintenance
- You can get space-saving side frames
- They accommodate all standard pallets
- They offer better than average load height clearance
- All parts are replaceable
- Aluminium kick plate comes as standard
- They’re CE marked
Whatever your workspace needs Cubex can help to find the right solution that is tailored to your requirements and budget. We do everything from mezzanine floors and warehouse design to office refurbishments and complete fit outs – including office and industrial accessories such as access stairways, goods lifts, flooring systems and yes, you guessed it, pallet gate installations! If you’re looking to adapt your industrial workplace and improve efficiency and safety for your employees with an up and over pallet gate, give Cubex Contracts a call on 01933 460422 or email us at sales@cubexcontracts.com.