Bridge plates and portable ramps

They must be strong enough to safely support whatever loads will be placed on them. Employers must select or design bridge and car plates so the expected vehicle weight plus cargo and dynamic forces do not exceed the plate’s capacity; weakened, cracked, bent or corroded plates must be repaired or replaced.

• Practical checks: confirm rated capacity or calculate required capacity from the maximum vehicle and load, inspect for visible damage before use, and remove from service if structural integrity is in doubt.

See 1918.25(a)(1) for the requirement that bridge and car plates be "strong enough to support the loads imposed on them."

They must be secured or equipped with devices that prevent their dislodgement. Means of securing should stop the plate from shifting or falling when vehicles or pedestrians travel over it.

• Common securing methods: pins, chains with positive locking, cleats, wedges, or purpose-designed locking devices sized and installed for the application.
• Do not rely on temporary or improvised restraints that allow movement under load; inspect securing devices before each use.

See 1918.25(a)(2) for the requirement that bridge and car plates "Be secured or equipped with devices to prevent their dislodgement."

Yes — dockboards used afloat must be equipped with hand holds or other effective means to allow safe handling. The hand holds reduce the risk of dropping the plate or injuring workers when moving or positioning it.

• Examples of acceptable means: built-in cut-out hand holds, lifting rings, attached handles, or shackles that permit safe grasping and lifting with proper equipment.
• Ensure hand holds are structurally sound and positioned so workers can handle the plate without awkward or hazardous body positions.

See 1918.25(a)(3) which requires bridge and car plates to "Be equipped with hand holds or other effective means to permit safe handling."

They must be designed, constructed, and maintained so vehicles cannot run off the edge. The standard requires physical design features that stop vehicle wheels from going over the side.

• For gaps greater than 36 inches (.91 m) the standard states an acceptable means of preventing vehicles from running off the edge is a minimum side board height of two and three-quarter inches (2.75").
• Other acceptable measures can include raised curbs/sideboards, wheel guides, or vehicle restraining devices, provided they effectively stop vehicle movement off the ramp or plate.

See 1918.25(a)(4) and 1918.25(b)(5) which require both dockboards and portable ramps to be "designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent vehicles from running off the edge," and the section text describing the 2.75" side board for gaps over 36".

A railing is required on a portable ramp if the ramp slope is more than 20 degrees to the horizontal or if employees using the ramp could fall more than four feet (1.22 m). The railing must meet the specifications in 1918.21(b).

• To determine need: measure the ramp angle or determine the potential fall height; if either condition applies, install a railing.
• See 1918.21(b) for the detailed requirements that the railing must satisfy (use, dimensions, and strength requirements provided in that section).

See 1918.25(b)(2) which ties portable ramp railing requirements to 1918.21(b).

Yes — portable ramps used afloat must be equipped with a slip-resistant surface to reduce slips and falls.

• Practical options: non-skid coatings, abrasive treads, cleats, textured metal grating, or anti-slip tape that is suitable for marine conditions and maintained so it remains effective.
• Maintain and inspect the surface regularly; remove contaminants like oil, ice, or algae that could reduce traction.

See 1918.25(b)(3) which requires a "slip resistant surface."

Properly secured means the ramp is fastened or restrained so it cannot shift, slide, tip, or fall while in use. The securing method must be appropriate for the load, slope, and environmental conditions.

• Typical securing methods: strong chains or straps with positive locking, pins, cleats, bolted connections, or engineered attachments approved for the ramp and vessel interface.
• Verify securing devices before each use and replace worn or damaged hardware.

See 1918.25(b)(4) which requires portable ramps used afloat to "Be properly secured."

Only if the plank is strong enough to safely support the loads imposed on it. The standard does not ban planks but requires that any portable ramp must be capable of carrying the expected vehicle and cargo loads without failing.

• Before using a plank, confirm its load capacity, inspect for cracks/splits/rot, and ensure it is properly secured and has a slip-resistant surface if needed.
• When in doubt, use a ramp designed and rated for the application or consult an engineer.

See 1918.25(b)(1) which requires portable ramps to "Be strong enough to support the loads imposed on them."

"Well maintained" means the bridge plates and portable ramps are kept in safe working condition: structurally sound, free of defects (cracks, excessive corrosion, deformations), secure, and with effective slip-resistant surfaces where required. The standard itself does not set a specific inspection frequency, so employers must establish inspection and maintenance schedules based on use, environment, and risk.

• Recommended practices: inspect ramps and plates before each use and perform periodic more thorough inspections (daily, weekly, or monthly depending on use). Remove damaged equipment from service until repaired.
• Document inspections and maintenance actions as part of your safety program to show you are meeting the standard.

See 1918.25 which requires bridge plates and portable ramps used afloat to be "well maintained." Also consult general Part 1918 for broader employer obligations in longshoring and marine operations.

The employer is responsible for ensuring that bridge plates (dockboards) and portable ramps used afloat comply with the requirements — they must provide equipment that is strong, secured, maintained, and safe for workers to use.

• Employers should implement procedures for selection, inspection, maintenance, training, and removal from service when equipment is unsafe.
• Supervisors and users should report defects immediately; employers must correct hazards promptly.

See 1918 and the specific requirements in 1918.25 that place duties on workplace practices and equipment used afloat.

When the gap to be bridged is greater than 36 inches (.91 m), an acceptable means of preventing vehicles from running off the edge is a minimum side board height of two and three‑quarter inches (2.75").

• That measurement is stated in the section text as the acceptable minimum side board height for large gaps; alternative effective measures may also be used if they prevent vehicles from running off the edge.

See 1918.25(b)(5) and the related footnote in 1918.25 describing the 2.75" side board guidance.

The standard identifies a two‑and‑three-quarter inch side board as an acceptable means when the gap to be bridged is greater than 36 inches, but it does not mandate side boards when the gap is 36 inches or less. Regardless, the dockboard must still be designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent vehicles from running off the edge.

• In practice, if the smaller gap presents a risk of a vehicle running off, employers should provide sideboards or other effective means to contain wheels.

See 1918.25(a)(4) which requires preventing vehicles from running off the edge and explains the 2.75" side board guidance for gaps over 36".

Measure the angle between the ramp surface and a true horizontal; if the angle is more than 20 degrees the ramp requires a railing (or if employees could fall more than 4 feet, a railing is also required).

• Practical methods: use an inclinometer or level with an angle finder to measure degrees; alternatively compute slope as rise/run and convert to degrees if needed.
• If the measurement is borderline, err on the side of safety and install a railing that meets 1918.21(b).

See 1918.25(b)(2) and 1918.21(b) for the slope and railing requirements.

Acceptable devices and features include positive locking pins, chains or straps with locking fittings, wedges or cleats, bolted or pinned connections, and raised sideboards or curbs that prevent lateral movement and wheel overrun. Whatever device is used must prevent dislodgement under the expected loads and conditions.

• Use hardware rated for the loads and marine environment (corrosion-resistant where appropriate) and inspect securing devices for wear.
• Avoid makeshift tie‑offs that can slip; document the securing method in your procedures and train workers on proper attachment and verification.

See 1918.25(a)(2) and 1918.25(b)(4) which require bridge plates to "Be secured or equipped with devices to prevent their dislodgement" and portable ramps to "Be properly secured."