Bridge plates and ramps (See also § 1918.86).
29 C.F.R. § 1918.25
in effectEffective: 2024-07-01(a) Bridge and car plates (dockboards). Bridge and car plates used afloat shall be well maintained and shall:
(1) Be strong enough to support the loads imposed on them;
(2) Be secured or equipped with devices to prevent their dislodgement;
(3) Be equipped with hand holds or other effective means to permit safe handling; and
(4) Be designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent vehicles from running off the edge.
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(b) Portable ramps. Portable ramps used afloat shall be well maintained and shall:
(1) Be strong enough to support the loads imposed on them;
(2) Be equipped with a railing meeting the requirements of § 1918.21(b), if the slope is more than 20 degrees to the horizontal or if employees could fall more than four feet (1.22 m);
(3) Be equipped with a slip resistant surface;
(4) Be properly secured; and
(5) Be designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent vehicles from running off the edge.
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Source: eCFRURL: https://www.ecfr.gov/api/versioner/v1/full/2024-07-01/title-29.xmlFetched: 7/26/2026