FLS Access Overview

Our process is truly turnkey, covering everything from the initial hazard assessment and registered structural engineering to fabrication, installation, and annual recertification. Every part is manufactured under an ISO 9001:2015 program to ensure unmatched quality.

 Yes, while standard gangways feature counter-balanced springs for manual operation, optional pneumatic packages are available to raise and lower loading ramps with minimal physical effort.

Single hatch platforms are designed for loading and unloading tasks that require access to only one vehicle hatch. They are compatible with loading arms and can be configured with various options to meet specific bulk loading requirements.

 As part of our turnkey service, FLS provides comprehensive user training and certification. We proactively ensure that your personnel understand how to properly operate gangways, gates, and elevating platforms to maintain compliance with the latest safety regulations and ensure operational longevity.

 Canopies provide more than just weather protection; they prevent the buildup of ice, snow, and rain on the walking surfaces, which reduces slip hazards. They also protect the product and equipment from environmental degradation, ensuring that safety components like gangway springs and articulating joints remain in optimal working condition. 

 Yes, our engineering team specializes in retrofit applications. Solutions like the Duospan cantilever system are specifically designed for modernization projects where space is restricted. We can integrate new access stairs, gangways, and guardrails into your existing loading racks to bring them up to current safety standards.

Because loading platforms are permanent, heavy-duty structures, FLS performs a comprehensive structural analysis of the foundation or existing supporting racks. Our registered structural engineers model the system against environmental loads (wind, snow, seismic) and dynamic worker loads to ensure long-term stability and OSHA compliance.

 We utilize adjustable gangways and sliding mounts. These allow the access ramp to move along the platform to account for variations in truck or railcar positioning. Our articulating handrail systems can also be engineered to adjust to varying vehicle heights, ensuring a secure enclosure for the worker regardless of the vehicle type.

Permanent platforms allow for multi-station loading and unloading, significantly increasing facility throughput. By integrating fixed gangways and canopies, you create a controlled, weather-protected environment that reduces “poorly spotted” vehicle delays and eliminates the setup time associated with moving portable stands.

 Yes, our self-closing gates mount seamlessly with the entire FlexGuard line. They are made from the same industrial-grade tubing, ensuring a consistent look and a high-strength connection across your entire fall protection system.

While our standard finish is galvanized metal for maximum durability, we can powder-coat our gates in any RAL color. This is often used for high-visibility “safety yellow” requirements or to coordinate with the building’s existing aesthetic.

A double gate should be used for any opening wider than 39 inches, up to 72 inches. This is common in loading zones or large equipment access areas. The double gates are secured with three U-brackets per post to ensure they remain aligned and durable under frequent use.

 The gate includes a built-in stopping mechanism that only allows it to open in one direction—away from the hazard. This ensures that even if a worker leans against the gate from the protected side, it will not swing outward over the edge or ladderway. 

 Our gates are built for durability using galvanized, corrosion-resistant components. The spring itself is typically manufactured from stainless steel to prevent rust and ensure the gate continues to close securely even in extreme heat, cold, or high-moisture environments.

 No, FLS self-closing gates utilize a universal U-bolt connection. This hardware can be fastened to any 1-inch to 1.5-inch stringer or post, regardless of whether it is flat, square, or round. Using standard contractor tools, the gates can be cut to size and installed on-site in a matter of minutes.

Yes, our single industrial safety gates are fully adjustable for openings between 30 and 39 inches. If you have a larger opening, such as for a pallet drop or a large machinery access point, we offer double-gate configurations that can secure openings between 3 and 6 feet while maintaining the same self-closing reliability.

OSHA 1910.28(b)(3)(iv) explicitly states that ladderway floor holes and platform holes must be protected by a guardrail system. While chains or offset entries were previously common, a self-closing gate is the most reliable solution because it removes the “human element.” A gate automatically resets to the protected position, whereas a chain only works if the worker remembers to re-hook it.

 Yes, our systems are designed to bring work at height into compliance with both OSHA regulations and ANSI standards for safe access and fall protection.

Our platforms are available in both corrosion-resistant hot-dipped galvanized steel and anodized aluminum, ensuring durability in various environments.

Yes, FLS work platforms can be configured as permanent fixed solutions or as mobile platforms with wheels that can be deployed where they’re needed.

No, FLS modular work platforms are designed for easy assembly. Because no welding or drilling is required, a typical platform can be assembled using readily available shop tools like a cordless drill and hex keys. This reduces installation costs and allows for rapid deployment on-site.

 Our mobile access platforms are equipped with high-quality casters and integrated brakes. These brakes allow the casters to be locked firmly in place, preventing the stand from shifting or tipping while workers are on the deck. When unlocked, the lightweight frame allows for easy repositioning by one or two people.

Yes, we design purpose-built fixed platforms specifically for rooftop utility systems. These provide safe, level access to elevated machinery like cooling towers and generators. Because they are often made of corrosion-resistant galvanized steel or anodized aluminum, they are ideal for long-term outdoor exposure.

Under OSHA 1910.28, toeboards are required whenever there is a risk of tools or materials falling from the platform onto people or equipment below. We integrate toeboards into our platform designs to meet these safety standards and provide full edge protection for the work deck.

OSHA generally requires that each platform and its components be capable of supporting, without failure, its own weight and at least four times the maximum intended load applied to it. Our engineers calculate these load factors during the design phase to ensure the platform remains stable and safe under all intended use cases.

Modular platforms offer significantly more flexibility and speed. Because they use high-strength fittings and standard setscrews rather than welding, they can be designed and implemented in about half the time of a fabricated option. Furthermore, if your facility requirements change, modular systems can be easily dismantled, expanded, or reconfigured using simple hand tools

PitProtect is not designed to support the weight of vehicles. Make sure to highlight pit edges and train your drivers so they can position vehicles safely.

The pit cover can support up to 330 lb.

Pit covers shield the floor opening and can be removed to allow employees to access the opening when needed. Pit covers are made of safety netting, plywood, grating, and steel plates. With simple operations, PitProtect retractable safety pit covers can be easily used by one employee.

A momentary distraction or unintended trip can send an employee into the pit. A pit cover or barrier will prevent severe injury or even a fatality. In addition to increasing the amount of usable garage floor surface, PitProtect allows quick, safe access to vehicle maintenance.

Fixed ladder, temporary ladders, stairs and manlifts are all potentially safe methods of accessing a roof.  A job hazard analysis should be performed to ensure the access can be done in a safe manner.  If near the edge, protecting access points with additional guardrail around the access point to protect the worker once on the roof should also be considered.  Depending on the height of a fixed ladder it may require additional fall protection. Ensure temporary ladders are used correctly and extend above the roof level and are not near a roof corner.  When using a man lift to access a roof ensure it can extend to a safe place to access the roof before exiting.