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Safety pallet gates

 

What is the difference between a pallet lock and a safety gate?

There is no difference between a pallet lock and a safety gate: these two terms are generally used interchangeably. They refer to a collective protection device designed to ensure the safe transfer of pallets between different levels whilst preventing the risk of people and/or loads falling over the edge of a void.

 

Why install a safety pallet lock on an industrial mezzanine?

Installing a safety pallet gate on an industrial mezzanine helps to ensure the safety of pallet loading and unloading operations by eliminating the risk of people falling from the edge of a drop. As an employer, you have a duty to ensure the safety and protect the health of your staff. The pallet lock is an effective collective protection solution that meets this requirement. See our page "First step: how do you choose the lock gate you need?"

 

Is a safety gate compulsory?

Current regulations do not specifically require the installation of a safety gate. However, the employer is obliged to protect operators from the risk of falls from height. When pallets are being moved at the edge of a drop, a safety gate is one of the most effective collective protection measures for ensuring people's safety.

 

Which standards apply?

Safety gate locks must comply with the requirements of the applicable standards for protection against falls from height and for collective protective equipment, in particular DIN EN 14122.3:2016 (NF EN 14122-3:20217). To ensure an installation's compliance and reliability, it is recommended to choose a safety gate certified by an independent body. AC2M pallet locks are distinguished by dual certification issued by TÜV SÜD Product Service and APAVE, offering a high level of assurance in terms of safety and compliance.

 

How can falls be prevented when moving pallets?

To effectively prevent falls when handling pallets, it is essential to secure loading areas at the edge of a drop-off with a safety gate. A simple net, chain or removable rail does not guarantee the operator's protection at all times. The pallet gate ensures continuous collective protection on both the drop-off side and the pallet reception side.

 

What are the most common safety hazards on logistic platforms?

The most common safety errors at logistics centres include a lack of edge protection, the use of inadequate chains or removable barriers, failure to follow handling procedures, and a lack of suitable collective protective equipment. Installing a safety gate can significantly reduce the risk of falls during pallet transfer operations.

 

How to choose a safety gate suited to my needs?

The choice of a safety gate depends on several factors: pallet dimensions, available space, type of handling, frequency of use and platform configuration. To quickly identify the solution best suited to your needs, consult our comprehensive guide: "First step: how do you choose the lock gate you need?"

 

Which type should I choose for a low ceiling?

For installations in a space with a low ceiling, we recommend choosing a pallet airlock suited to the space constraints, such as the SG5 folding tilting airlock or the SGCIR pallet gate. These types ensure the safe transfer of pallets whilst minimising the height required. To identify the solution best suited to your setup, consult our guide: "First step: how do you choose the lock gate you need?"

 

Which type should I choose for a load handled by a hoist?

For a load handled by a hoist, it is recommended that you choose a pallet gate that allows easy and safe access to the loading or unloading area. The SG3 types or the SGCIR circular airlock are particularly well-suited to this type of application. To identify the solution best suited to your installation, please consult our guide: "First step: how do you choose the lock gate you need?"

 

Safety gate or guardrail: what are the differences?

A guardrail provides permanent protection for an area bordering a drop, but it does not always allow for the safe passage of pallets. A safety gate is specifically designed for transfer operations: it creates a safe access point whilst maintaining protection against falls. It is therefore a collective protection solution suitable for platforms, mezzanines and handling areas. 

 

Are low-cost safety devices also low-quality ?

A low-cost device is not necessarily of poor quality, but it is essential to check its design, strength and certifications. A pallet airlock must provide reliable protection against falls from height and meet the requirements for collective protective equipment (CPE). Price considerations must therefore not be allowed to compromise operator safety. A certified and reliable AC2M-airlock safety gate offers an excellent balance between safety, quality and cost.

 

Why are industrial pallet gates usually painted in RAL 1003?

Industrial safety gates are generally painted in RAL 1003 (safety yellow) so that they can be immediately identified in goods handling areas, industrial mezzanines and logistics platforms. This color, commonly used for collective protective equipment (CPE), improves visibility in hig-risk areas. AC2M also offers the full range of RAL colours, as well as galvanised, anti-corrosion ar stainless steel/food-grade finishes, to meet the requirements of every industrial environment.

 

Does a safety pallet gate need to be CE-marked?

There is not yet a specific CE standard for safety lock gates. However, CE marking depends on the European regulations applicable to the product. A manual pallet lock is generally regarded as collective protective equipment (CPE) and does not require CE marking. Our co-manager is a membre of the UNM/50 committee - Industrial Installations - which is responsible for drawing up a standard concerning pallet safety gates and lock gates.

 

Can a safety gate be automated?

Yes. AC2M safety pallet gates can be automated and linked to a conveyor or goods lifted to ensure the safe transfer of pallets. This automation ensures that the gate's movements are synchronised with the handling equipment, thereby safeguarding operators whilst optimising the flow of logistic operations.

 

How can I find an affordable yet certified and reliable device?

To find an affordable, certified and reliable safety device, it is important to opt for equipement designed to last and which meets safety requirements. AC2M's standard SG1 range offers an excellent balance between price, quality and safety: a robust, certified pallet gate, and, above all, manufactured in France. It is a reliable and cost-effective solution for securing logistic platforms, industrial mezzanines and pallet transfer areas.

 

What is the difference between a standard mezzanine gate and a bespoke safety pallet gate?

A standard pallet gate meets the everyday needs of warehouses, logistics centres and industrial sites, with fixed dimensions and optimised delivery times. A tailor-made lock gate is designed specifically for your facility, taking into account dimensions, clearance height, finish, automation options and operational requirements. We at AC2M, a French manufacturer of industrial safety pallet gates, will help you choose the safest, most compliant solution best suited to your workflow. 

 

How do I know if a safety gate is compliant??

A compliant safety gate ensures that no operator is exposed to the void during handling operations. It must meet the requirements of the applicable standards, in particular NF EN 14122-3:20217, and provide continuous protection through interlocked operations. Thus, a compliant industrial pallet gate must not have a skirting board on the platform side (risk of foot entrapment), the distance between the guardrails is regulated, etc. AC2M safety pallet gates are conceived according to the relevant requirements and have been certified by independent bodies such as APAVE and TÜV SÜD Product Service.

 

How do I determine which pallet gate model is best suited to my needs?

The choice of a safety gate depends on several criteria: load dimensions, pallet type, lifting height and ceiling height, frequency of us, working environment and site layout. AC2M carries out a bespoke assessment to propose a collective protection equipment (CPE) that is perfectly suited to your facility, whilst ensuring safety, ergonomics and compliance.

 

If I install the safety gate myself, or have it installed by a subcontractor, will it remain compliant?

Yes, provided that the installation is carried out strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. A compliant safety gate can lose its compliance if it is installed or secured incorrectly. AC2M provides comprehensive installation documentation and can also assist with commissioning to ensure that the installation meets all relevant safety requirements.

 

How is the safety gate delivered?

Most AC2M safety gates are supplied pre-assembled, complete with assembly instructions, assembly drawings, and all the components required for installation. Installation tools and fixing hardware are to be provided by the customer (fixing kits are available as an option). This helps minimise installation time on site and enables quick commissioning.

 

Is the equipment tested before dispatch?

Yes. Every AC2M safety gate undergoes a quality inspection before dispatch. Its correct functionning is checked to ensure that the mechanism functions smoothly, that all components comply with the required specifications, and that the equipment is ready for installation under the best possible conditions.

 

How much effort is required to operate a safety gate?

AC2M pallet lock gates are designed to offer simple and ergonomic handling. Thanks to their optimised balance, the effort required of the user is reduced, thereby improving user comfort whilst encouraging the adoption of good safety practices.

 

What should I do if I realise that the safety gate I have purchased does not comply with regulations? Who is liable?

A non-compliant pallet lock gate may render the employer liable if it does not effectively protect operators. If in doubt, it is advisable to have an assessment carried out and not to wait for an accident to happen before taking action. AC2M can analyse your installation and propose a solution that complies with regulatory requirements and is tailored to your specific circumstances.

 

Are there any regulatory checks that need to be carried out?

Regulations require employers to keep collective protective equipment (CPE) in good working order. Lock gates must be included in periodic inspections of the facility to check their condition, operation and that there is no damage. Regular checks help to ensure the safety of operators and your site's compliance.

 

As the owner of an SME, I don't have the financial ressources to purchase a pallet safety gate. Is financial assistance available?

Yes. Many European countries offer financial support to help businesses invest in workplace health and safety equipment. Funding schemes vary from one country to another. We recommend contacting your local workplace safety authority or occupational accident insurance provider to find out which programmes are currently available.

 

Why is it better to shot-blast a safety pallet gate before painting it rather than simply degreasing it?

Many manufacturers of pallet locks prefer to carry out a simple degreasing process, as this is less expensive. However, shot-blasting creates a mechanical bond and removes scale, ensuring that the paint does not flake off over time.

Degreasing removes oil but leaves rust and scale behind. Shot blasting strips everything away, leaving the metal clean and bare. AC2M pallet airlocks are shot-blasted. Find out more before you purchase a safety gate!