Are you looking to invest in fall protection measures for your worksite but aren’t sure what solution is right for you? In this post, we’ll explain why you should trade in chains and manual swing gates for a safer, more effective fall protection solution: self-closing safety gates. Keep reading to learn more!
The Problem with Chains and Manual Swing Gates
Safety chains are commonly used to block off ladder openings or restricted areas. However, they are not OSHA or OH&Scompliant and are generally considered unsafe. Workers have to manually reattach the chain after passing through. This step is easy to forget, especially when carrying tools or moving quickly. Chains are also flimsy and can’t provide reliable fall protection. Over time, they tend to sag, rust, or even break, especially in harsh weather conditions. This makes chains a poor choice for any environment where safety matters.
Another standard fall protection measure used in industrial environments is manual swing gates. While these solutions are sturdier than chains, they still depend on workers to close them every time. In busy workplaces, it’s common for gates to be left open by mistake, creating a dangerous gap in your fall protection system.
Safety Swing Gates
Self-closing safety swing gates are engineered to eliminate human error while providing robust physical barriers in high-risk areas. Unlike chains or manual gates, which rely on workers to secure them, these gates use spring-loaded mechanisms to automatically close after someone passes through. Drastically improve the safety of your site by installing YellowGate’s safety swing gates today.
Key Advantages Over Alternatives
- Automatic Safety: YellowGate’s gates close on their own, removing the risk of workers forgetting to secure a chain or manual gate. This is critical when employees are dealing with tools, tight timelines, or other demands.
- One Gate Fits All: A single SKU can adjust from 24″ to 36″ (61–94 cm), fitting nearly any opening in your warehouse. The swing direction and mounting orientation are flexible, making installation simple on stairs, ladders, and more.
- Regulatory Compliance: While chains and manual gates often violate regulatory standards, YellowGate’s safety swing gates comply with these regulations by having self-closing mechanisms, 42″ rail heights, and load-bearing capacity.
- Durability: Constructed from powder-coated aluminum, these gates resist rust, corrosion, and extreme temperatures. Invest in a solution that lasts!
Common Uses for Safety Swing Gates
- Ladder Openings: A self-closing gate prevents workers from accidentally stepping into an open ladder shaft, a common cause of falls.
- Rooftops & Platforms: Gates paired with guardrails create secure barriers around rooftop fans or other HVAC units
- Gangways & Mobile Platforms: Looking for a truck loading operation that is 100% and 100% efficient? Contact Northern Platforms to have YellowGate products installed on your existing loading rack.
Self-Closing Safety Gates vs Alternatives
| Self-Closing Safety Swing Gates (e.g., YellowGate) | Safety Chains | Manual Safety Gates | |
| Fall Protection Reliability | High: Closes automatically every time, minimizing user error. | Low: Relies on users to reattach and can be left open. | Moderate: Must be closed by the user, can easily be left open. |
| User Error Risk | Very Low | High | Moderate |
| Compliance with Regulations | The self-closing design is fully compliant and meets OSHA and OH&S requirements. | Does not meet OSHA and OH&S standards for guardrail openings. | May meet standards if always closed, but user-dependent. |
| Durability & Longevity | Built for industrial use, withstands harsh conditions. | Chains wear, sag, or corrode quickly. | Hinges and latches can wear out over time. |
| Ease of Use | Easy to use, hands-free closing. | Extremely difficult to use. | Requires manual opening/closing. |
Northern Platforms: Your Trusted YellowGate Supplier
Northern Platforms is the exclusive supplier of YellowGate safety solutions, providing businesses province-wide with compliant, easy-to-install fall protection systems. Choose us for:
- Full Product Range: From adjustable safety gates to modular platforms and portable stairs, our Leduc warehouse has everything you need in stock today.
- Regulatory Expertise: With over 20 years of experience in the safe access industry, our team knows the ins and outs of all Alberta rules and regulations. Contact us today to find out which ones affect you.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Need a gate for an unusual opening? Or do you have an urgent request that requires fast installation? The Northern Platforms team is ready to help! We can schedule a site visit within 24 hours, with designs and full installation completed within the week.
Beyond Gates
Northern Platforms also supplies YellowGate’s aluminum railing systems for rooftops and barrier gates to protect large openings or control access to your site. All products are designed for quick assembly and can easily be reconfigured if the needs of your worksite change.
Contact Us Today!
With self-closing safety swing gates, you protect workers, avoid fines, and build a culture of safety. Explore our YellowGate products and contact Northern Platforms to get started today!