Gate Design for A-Frame

[lancer360]

I am trying to find some guidelines on designing a "hard" gate for an a-frame so I can verify a new design. Many of our clients have started to refuse equipment with chain or wire for handrails and gates. Because of this, I came up with a very simple 4-bar linkage that folds up vertical on one side. I made it from 2"x2"x3/16" aluminum square tubing, with the posts about 8 feet apart, 42" tall, and a single intermediate railing. I currently don't have a kick plate, but I'm tossing around a couple of ideas on how to make one work if regulations dictate one.

As far as the vessel owners, DNV, and ABS are concerned, we are considered temporary equipment so the "Rules for Ships" don't apply. I have spoken directly with ABS and they said they do not have any specification which would apply. I'm waiting on DNV to call me back, but 99% sure they will give me the same answer. OSHA has a few rules that are pretty straight forward and will work with the design. Does anybody know of any other specifications that I could use as a basis? I'm not particular on where they came from (i.e. Lloyds, USCG, etc) as DNV will accept other nationally recognized standards which is stated in their specification regarding platforms and handrails on lifting appliances.

 

[Ussuri]

You might look at EEMUA Publication 105 Factory Stairways, Ladders and Handrails?

Its UK orientated and was originally developed by the Oil companies for refineries and the like.

Alternatively you could maybe consider looking at the standards for protecting personnel from machinery in general? There British Standards for this sorth of thing so I guess there must be US equivalents