Loading Dock Solutions

Unlike our competitors, our product does not require a consultation, blueprint requisition, or on site evaluation before purchase. Other companies won’t even list the cost of these services, let alone the cost of their products. US Netting believes that in order to offer a truly superior loading dock safety system there must be transparency and ease of acquisition.

You can securely order all of our standard Loading Dock Safety Nets and Warehouse Barrier Net Systems online only a click away. If you have questions that need answered just call and a sales engineer will assist you in choosing the Loading Dock Safety Net right for you.

If you need a custom safety solution we can do that too, with in house fabrication of our components we can make custom bollards, attachment points, and nets. We invented the product, we make the product, we can customize it to your needs.

Firstly, it is worth noting that according to OSHA in 2014 out of the top ten most common safety violations:

• #1 was fall safety (OSHA 1926.50)
• #5 was forklift or powered industrial trucks (OSHA 1910.178)
• According to Grainger Technical Resources: "The majority of all regulations for the loading dock environment are actually directed to the operation and design of forklifts used on loading docks"

In the OSHA regulations regarding Forklifts ,1910.178(m)(6): “A safe distance shall be maintained from the edge of ramps or platforms while on any elevated dock, or platform or freight car.” Not only do Loading Dock Safety Nets visually indicate a safe distance from the edge of ramps or loading docks but they also provide a physical barrier past that safe edge, often capable of stopping or slowing forklifts( See video analysis for speed data)

Regarding Loading Dock Safety Nets™™: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.23 “Guarding floor and wall openings and holes” requires fall protection from elevations of 4 feet in general industry workplaces. These hazard areas must be guarded by "rail, roller, picket fence, half-door, or equivalent barrier". While we consider our product superior rather than equivalent it meets the 42 inch height requirement for these barriers as well as the multi-directional 200lb load resistance on anchoring points, the top rail, and side points of the screen when properly installed.

In regards to our Warehouse Barrier Net Systems and ANSI A1264.1-2007, “Safety Requirements for Workplace Walking/Working Surfaces and Their Access; Workplace, Floor, Wall and Roof Openings; Stairs and Guardrails Systems,” a document put out by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE):

• Section 5.6.2 on "removable railing system[s] constructed of flexible materials" requires these systems to be anchored by rigid supports spaced no more than 8 feet apart.
  • If you must abide by ANSI standards only use our 8 foot models as in plant barriers.
• Max deflection and sag at the centerpoint are also limited at 3 inches each, which our product meets when properly installed and tightened.
• Section E4.1.1 states "The guardrail system may be removable, but should preferably be hinged or otherwise mounted so as to be conveniently put back in service".
  • Our nets are flexible unlike other barriers which makes them incredibly easy to stow away, being able to be unattached from one end, walked to the other to be hooked neatly until it is redeployed.

Loading dock safety nets™ require little to no maintenance after installation. Unlike metal chains, cross arms, or standard metal forklift barriers our product can flex upon impact, absorbing and distributing force across the net. This often means that after minor impacts there will be no damage done to the net system. Even so: in accordance with your in house safety procedures, and also after impacts, Loading Dock Safety Nets™ and Warehouse Barrier Net Systems should be inspected for damage. No expensive on-site repair or maintenance services are needed. Just repair or replace the components as needed, simple as that.

Our stitching is made using the very same thread and pattern we use on many of our military, defense, and aerospace contracts, which often exceeds previous test capabilities reported to us by these clients. Still, after forklift impact inspect every stitch for damage.

Our webbing is polyester and can be seen to resist shock loaded forces with great elasticity and no damage sustained. Cut or abrasion damage will weaken this capability so it is important to inspect webbing for visual signs.

Due to the high quality of our textile materials as shown above, often the weakest point of a net assembly is the hardware. Inspect hardware for visual signs of damage or weakness.

If any damage to the net is found upon inspection contact us regarding net repair or replacement service.

If any damage is sustained by the hardware components: most eye-bolts can be found at your local hardware supplier, but we are able to provide replacement packs of wall brackets, eye-bolts, bollards, and other hardware upon request.

When we designed Loading Dock Safety Nets™ one of our main concerns was ease of use. This starts with a installation process that can be completed without the need of on site technicians, empowering facility owners and managers to increase the safety of their workplace.

Most installations of our standard systems can be completed with one person and in about an hour. Common installation preparation includes measuring, marking, and drilling holes for your mounting system, wall or post. Next you would place and fasten your mounting system. Finally, attach your net and snug the adjustable straps evenly on both sides.

Any time you need to access the dock simply loosen the straps on one side and then unhook the net on that end and walk it to the other side and clip on the top mounting point for easy stowing.

Want proof of how easy it can be to install a Loading Dock Safety Net or Warehouse Barrier Net System? Take a look at our installation guide. Other loading dock barrier manufacturers either require on site technicians for install or won't show you the instruction guide until it gets to your door.

When it comes to hardware we make it easy: we supply you with everything you need to install our net systems except the measuring tape and drill! We even throw in a marker so you can mark your measurements.

In all seriousness, we list all of the hardware you receive when you purchase one of our kits right next to each order calculator so you know exactly what you are getting. Each net comes equipped with hooks and buckles on each of the 8 adjustable fastening straps, four to a side. We include the drill bit needed to drill into concrete and the heavy duty anchor bolts needed to hold your chosen mounting system down tight. For our in ground post model you will need to use a core drill, but these are easily rented from most tool supply stores. In ground models also ship with the bags of cement needed to complete installation.

All other models can be installed with a common hammer-drill and the supplied drill bit. If you choose a post mounted system we include the eyebolts you need for attaching your net to the posts as well. With all nets over 14 feet wide we also provide a support post to prevent sag in the middle of your net.