Four feet above a lower level in general industry under 1910.28(b)(1), and six feet in construction under 1926.501(b)(1). That is the trigger height, not a design target. A fall from 30 inches onto a concrete floor can still cause serious injury.

OSHA generally requires guardrails to have a top rail height of 42 inches, plus or minus 3 inches, from the walking surface. SAFE-T-FAB typically includes guardrails on most platforms regardless of height. OSHA requires guardrails on platforms over 48 inches.

Platform load capacity is determined by intended use, personnel loads, equipment loads, material selection, and structural engineering calculations. SAFE-T-FAB generally calculates 250 pounds per person and targets a 3 to 1 safety factor on all stated capacities. Unsupported cantilevered products carry a smaller safety factor, because reaching 3 to 1 on an unsupported cantilever requires so much counterweight that the unit becomes impractical to move and position.

It depends on the application. Steel provides greater strength, rigidity, and durability for heavy-duty industrial use. Aluminum offers lighter weight, corrosion resistance, and easier mobility. The choice comes down to load requirements, environment, maintenance expectations, and whether portability or maximum strength matters more.

9.5 inches is the maximum riser height allowed for standard stairs under OSHA 1910.25(c)(2). Minimum tread depth is also 9.5 inches, and standard stairs must be installed at an angle between 30 and 50 degrees from horizontal.

Not on their own. Any fixed ladder extending more than 24 feet requires a ladder safety system or a personal fall arrest system. New and replaced ladders had to comply as of November 19, 2018, and all remaining ladders must comply by November 18, 2036.

Custom engineering is needed when standard platforms cannot safely accommodate specific equipment, layouts, elevations, or load requirements. Typical cases include reaching over machinery, matching an irregular contour, working within tight overhead clearance, or supporting unusual point loads.

Photos of the area from several angles, the working height being reached, the available footprint, what the worker is doing and carrying, overhead clearance, door and aisle widths, and any obstructions in the way. More detail up front produces a tighter, less conservative price.

SAFE-T-FAB most commonly uses Grip Strut safety tread for stairs and diamond tread plate for platform decking. Bar grating is available where an application calls for a less aggressive open grating step material or requires drainage.