Here we endeavour to answer our pallet gate buyers' most frequently asked questions. If you don't find an answer to your specific question, you can call us on 0161 223 1990 or email: mezzbarriers@dale-lifting.co.uk
Q - What type of safety pallet gate do I need?
A - For loading standard-size pallets onto a mezzanine floor, most models on the market will do. Although, not all types conform to the latest ISO 14122 standard. The standard (Updated in 2016) requires that the pallet loading gate MUST protect personnel from falling from the floor edge at all times. This means a double gate system that surrounds the landing area whether open or closed, is required. Swing gates, barrier chains or removable bars are not acceptable. And, to meet the standard the pallet gate must be fitted with a kick plate (Toe plate) to prevent the falling of objects from the edge and to prevent the passage of a body.
All of the Mezzbarriers pallet gates conformed to the ISO 14122-2 & 3: 2016 standard. and meet the safety requirements of the HSE and other safety advisers.
Q - At what height do I need a fall protection pallet gate?
A BS EN ISO 14122-2:2016 states that guard rails and safety fall protection gates shall be provided if there is a risk of falling from walkways, loading docks or working platforms from a height of 500 mm or more.
Q - Will a pallet gate protect workers when they need it most?
A - The goal is to protect workers from exposing themselves to an unprotected ledge during work operations. Swing gates are easy to operate but are often left open while workers receive, break down, and remove palletized materials. This creates a hazardous situation where workers are exposed to an unprotected ledge for periods of time when protection is needed most.
Q - Will it be used consistently?
A - Many safety devices rely on the workers to be effective. Workers are required to remove parts physically and must remember to replace them. The best safety devices work automatically. If the pallet gate requires less effort, it will be used more often. To ensure consistency of use, workers should not be able to circumvent the system, and a double pallet gate system meets this safety requirement.
Q - What if floor space is limited?
A- Landing areas with limited space can be a problem for standard up-and-over pallet gates. If you want to load in a confined space or where through traffic cannot be blocked by a full-depth double gate system then the best option is our Omega Model, which allows walk-under clearance for the inner gate when raised (Edge gate closed) or the Omega-Nu Model with an inner gate that folds up. If the headroom is limited, then our Sigma Model has a lower headroom. These models can be made in standard or custom sizes.
Q - What if the headroom is limited?
A - Working height can be a serious issue, The Delta Model low headroom gate, which has gate bars that fold together, can significantly increase loading height whilst operating within reduced headroom. Some mezzanines are supported by the building frame and consequently, there is often a low roof beam directly over the floor edge. However, you must comply with the latest standard, consider repositioning the gate opening to gain height, Also, consider moving any low hanging lights or other overhead obstructions.
Many mezzanine platforms are constructed using the existing building supporting steel structure, and in many cases, there is a low building support beam or truss directly over the platform edge. The beam can restrict the height of the pallet gate and consequently the headroom under the inner gate causing a head hazard for the gate operator. The Zeta low beam pallet gate can resolve this issue as it has twin pivots, one set for each gate. This design allows the edge gate to be lower to clear the low edge beam and the inner gate to be higher to allow the operator full working height. This innovative pallet gate design can also be reversed where an obstruction is over the inner gate allowing more loading clearance over the platform edge gate.
Q - Can I have an extra-wide pallet gate?
A - Many companies have wider loads or need to load multiple pallets with limited space. All Mezzbarriers pallet gates are available in widths to accommodate pallets or loads wider than standard. Whilst maintaining compliance with the ISO standard for load test requirements and ease of use within particular design capabilities for each model.
Internal gap widths:
For standard European pallets, the recommended internal width is 1.5m.
The maximum internal gap width in conformance with EN ISO 14122-3:2016 for Mezzbarrier models is::
Atlas Model Standard pallet gate 1.8 m maximum Internal gap.
Hi-gate (Open top) model special widths up to 2.0 m internal gap.
Omega (Ultra space-saving) model in special widths up to 3.0 m internal gap.
Omega-Nu (Ultra space-saving) model in special widths up to 3.0 m internal gap.
Sigma (Multi-purpose) model in special widths up to 3.0 m internal gap.
Delta Low headroom model in special widths up to 3.5 m internal gap.
Gamma extra-wide standard model in special widths up to 3.5 m internal gap.
Titan extra-large model in special widths up to 3.5 m internal gap.
Zeta low beam pallet gate in special widths up to 3.0 m in internal gap
In order to maintain conformance with the ISO standard any remedial repairs, when carried out by the user, MUST NOT exceed these dimensions.
Q - Can I have an extra-deep pallet gate?
A - Many companies have deeper loads or need to load multiple pallets with limited space. All Mezzbarriers pallet gates are available in depth to accommodate standard European pallets. Some special models can be provided for extra-deep loads whilst maintaining compliance with the ISO standard for load test requirements and ease of use within particular design capabilities for each model.
Internal Depth:
For standard European pallets, the recommended internal depth is 1.5m.
The maximum internal depth in conformance with EN ISO 14122-3:2016 for Mezzbarrier models is::
Atlas Model Standard pallet gate 1.5 m maximum Internal depth.
Gamma extra-wide standard model in standard depth 1.5 m.
Delta Low headroom model in special depth.up to 2.0 m
Omega (Ultra space-saving) model in special depth up to 2.0 m.
Omega-Nu (Ultra space-saving) model in special depth up to 2.0 m.
Sigma (Multi-purpose) model in special depth subject to application up to 4.0 m
Hi-gate (Open top) model in special depth up to 4.0 m
Titan extra-large model in special depth up to 4.0 m
In order to maintain conformance with the ISO standard any remedial repairs, when carried out by the user, MUST NOT exceed these dimensions.
Q - Can I have an extra-high pallet gate?
A -Mezzbarriers pallet gates are available for tall pallets to accommodate very high pallet loads. Many companies have very high loads. Some special models can be provided for tall loads whilst maintaining compliance with the ISO standard for load test requirements and ease of use within particular design capabilities for each model below:
Load Height:
The maximum load heights in conformance with EN ISO 14122-3:2016 for Mezzbarrier models is::
Atlas Model Standard pallet gate 1.65 m maximum load height
Gamma extra-wide standard model 1.8 m standard load height (Special height 2.2 m)
Delta Low headroom model 2.0 m standard load height (Special heights up to 2.5 m
Omega (Ultra space-saving) model 2.0 m standard load height (Special heights up to 2.5 m)
Omega-Nu (Ultra space-saving) model 2.0 m standard load height (Special heights up to 2.5 m)
Sigma (Multi-purpose) model 2.0 m standard load height (Special heights up to 2.25 m)
Hi-gate (Open top) model with UNLIMITED Load height
Titan extra-large model 1.8 m or 2.2 m standard load heights
In order to maintain conformance with the ISO standard, any remedial repairs, when carried out by the user, MUST NOT exceed these dimensions.
Q - Can I have a safety gate for loading by hoist or an overhead crane?
A - Practically all pallet gates on the market are unsuitable for hoist loading. However, DLHonline are experts in lifting and handling, our Mezzbarriers division has developed gate systems which can be loaded by hoist.
The Hi-gate (Open top) model is ideal for hoist platforms and can allow the load to be landed safely within an enclosed landing zone or with the load suspended to continue through the gate system. Ideal for Big-bag handling or machine maintenance application in plant rooms.
Where the headroom is a particular problem the Sigma (Multi-purpose) model can be utilised, although the load will require uncoupling from the hoist for removal from the landing zone as the raised inner gate will restrict further travel of the hoist.
Q - Can I have a safety gate for loading through a doorway?
A - Most pallet gates on the market are unsuitable for openings with doors. as the distance from the inside face of the door to the outer ledge is too far for pallets to landed and allow the edge gate to close over the load. Standard gates are also impossible to be used with inward opening doors.
The Sigma (Multi-purpose) model can be adapted for use with inward opening or roller shutter doors by drilling through the wall on either side of the door frame and fixing the edge gate outboard of the opening. See the Sigma doorway questionnaire.
The Hi-gate (Open top) model can also be used for openings including sliding doors, again with through-wall mounting.
Both models can also be used in a plant room opening with cantilever hoist runway loading.
Q - Can I have a pallet gate for use with a swing jib vacuum crane for unloading sacks etc.?
A - Very few pallet gates are suitable as the inner gate, when raised will foul the crane and prohibit unloading.
The unique design of the Sigma (Multi-purpose) model can be adapted to have the inner gate fold-up over the edge gate. This allows the crane arm unrestricted coverage over the entire pallet.
Q - What pallet gate finish can I have?
A - All Mezzbarriers pallet gates are supplied in standard steel tubes and tube clamps galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461. Special steel fabricated components where used are zinc sprayed. All fixings are hot-dipped galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461. All cast clamps grub screws are stainless steel to ensure minimal maintenance. Pivot bushes are nylon with galvanised bolt sets. Anti-slam dampers, where fitted, are in a powder coat finish.
Optional thermoplastic tube coating: Plas Coat PPA 571 ES. RAL 1021 ALERT SAFETY YELLOW. This finish is warm to the touch and suitable for internal and external use. Tube clamps are supplied in hot-dipped galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461
Special RAL colours in powder coat may be available to special order. However, we strongly advise against this finish as pallet gates are subject to heavy use, and a powder coat finish is easily chipped.
Q - Are floor-fixing bolts supplied with a pallet gate?
A - Floor fixing bolts are not included with the gate as floor material and thickness vary greatly. The base feet have 14 mm dia holes. You will need M12 bolt sets for wood or steel floors. For concrete floors, anchor bolts should be used. Thin wooden floors may need extra large washers underneath to relieve stress around the hole. Check the number of bolts required in the pdf layout which can be downloaded on the product page.
If the underside of a wooden floor is blocked off, you may have to use coach screw bolts. Rubber nuts fixing can also be used for a better grip. The rubber nut for an M12 bolt will require an M24 hole. The nut is a synthetic rubber sleeve with a flange head and a threaded brass insert at the opposite end. Used in hollow base materials where the anchor can expand in the cavity.
Q - How long does it take to install a pallet gate?
A - It takes about two hours for two semi-skilled operatives to install a pallet gate on a mezzanine floor. If an existing handrail has to be removed, it may take longer.
A risk assessment should be carried out prior to installation to include fall protection. Drilling into the floor (Concrete) or through the floor, which will require safe access to the underside of the floor to fit nuts and washers to fixing bolts. No welding is required.
If you have to make a gap it should be no more than 160 mm (80 mm per side) wider than the overall width of the chosen gate. You can download a pdf layout showing the dimensions on the product page.
Before you commence installation, please read the installation instructions supplied with your pallet gate. If you can't find the instructions, please get in touch with us for another copy. Ensure the area of installation is clear and that all the gate sections are accounted for, as shown in the installation instructions.
Q - Can you supply additional handrails for my project?
A - Yes, we supply ready-made posts and handrails for mezzanines and platforms in conformance with BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016. See our handrails here. some pallet gate models can be adapted for the connection of handrails either side. A layout of your proposed project would be useful for quotation purposes.
A - All Mezzbarriers pallet gate systems comply with BS EN ISO 14122-3:2016 in design and test criteria for mezzanine gates.
The HSE and other experts say that these approved types of safety gate must always be used to secure the loading area as they safely protect all employees from moving loads and falling injuries during the loading process. And, at all other times too!
Q - Can you install my pallet gate?
A - Unfortunately, no, but don’t worry, we include installation and safe use instructions.
Our pallet gates are very simple to install with just a few tools. Our pallet gates as shipped with all the main sections pre-assembled, and installation usually takes about two hours for two semi-skilled operatives.
As platform surface materials vary, we don’t include fixings. You will need to drill holes for M12 bolt sets or anchors, depending on the floor construction.
Q - Do you provide a pallet gate site survey?
A - No, but we have successfully supplied pallet gates all around the UK and as far as North America and Australia without us visiting the site. Just a few dimensions are needed. To get started download our Pallet gates at-a-glance (PDF).
Q - How will the pallet gate be delivered?
A - Pallet gates are generally shipped flat-packed on a long pallet. The main sections are pre-assembled for easy assembly on site (Pallet gate instructions are provided).
The delivery location should be accessible to a truck/long trailer. If access restrictions exist for these kinds of trucks,
there could be additional costs due to the necessity of transferring the merchandise to a smaller vehicle. If you have any restrictions, please get in touch with us. Alternatively, pallet gates can be collected from our Manchester works by prior arrangement on completion.
The customer should take responsibility for the merchandise unloading process. That unloading should be made from the lateral sides of the truck (this kind of truck does not have back liftgate).
We deliver the product packed on a pallet, so its unloading should be made preferably with a forklift. (Except the Atlas model, which, if ordered alone, is shipped by parcel carrier)
Q - If the pallet gate is damaged in use, can it be repaired?
A - The Mezzbarriers range differs from most other pallet gate systems and methods of construction, various advanced features are incorporated into the design, production and finish with the clear aim of optimising the high quality and long life of the product.
Vibration-resistant Interclamp® fittings with stainless steel screws for increased corrosion resistance have been subjected to stringent vibration endurance resistance tests by an accredited independent test laboratory. In high-quality galvanised finish – Interclamp components and tubes are hot-dipped galvanised to BS EN ISO 1461:2009, giving a corrosion-resistant finish for extended life.
Special high-strength fabricated bolted components, where needed to protect excessive leverage weak points, are zinc sprayed finish. Pivot points have no-maintenance nylon bushes.
Kick plates are in aluminium material. 6063T6.- Alloy tube is used in some wider models to reduce operator fatigue.
No Welding - All parts are replaceable in the event of damage. Usually, forklift impact damage to the gates can easily be repaired by the user on-site. However, some pallet gate models incorporate side frames with a complex mechanism that may require specialist repairs by us and will need to be returned to our works or totally replaced. Photos of the damage will allow us to assess any remedial work required.
Contact us
We are always available for expert advice on all aspects of pallet handling and fall prevention. We are available during normal working hours on telephone number
UK Sales:0161 223 1990
International:00 44 161 223 1990
Or by email: sales@dale-lifting.co.uk