Events

To some, gangways can seem just like a hodgepodge of welded metals. However, there’s a lot more to them than just sliced sticks of aluminum (learn more about that here). In a lot of cases, your gangway is the only thing standing between you and a fun time out on the boat or waterfront. Even after the gangway is completed, there are also plenty of accessories that not only further complement its design, but also add some more practicality to it as well. Here are just some of the best additions to your gangway that you should consider, whether you’re buying a new one or looking to upgrade your current one.

• Gangway Gate

This has always been a popular add-on and for good reason. The key and latch provide an extra layer of security, it’s incredibly simple and convenient to use, and it can blend into the rest of the gangway perfectly. In addition, the gate is made with the same aluminum as the gangway, so expect identical strength and durability. It’s not even limited to just gangways either, gates can be put on floating docks, piers, and ramps too.

• Pickets

It’s a well-known fact that children love to sail. Nothing evokes the mind and imagination of a young child like the wide open sea. It’s important that we prioritize the safety of these children on our boats, docks, and even our gangways. That’s where the addition of pickets come in. Having a gangway with pickets not only adds an extra layer of style, but also makes a much safer passage for small children.

• High Tide Bracket

The water can sometimes be an unpredictable place, and one of the most sudden issues that can occur is an unexpected rise in sea level. This is where a high tide bracket comes in handy. Its design allows the gangway to adjust perfectly with any water elevation in any weather or environment. No matter what happens along your coastline, your gangway will remain perfectly attached to your docking system.

So, while a gangway can seem just a simple walkway on the surface, there are plenty of potential additions that not only enhance its value, but can also make your waterfront a much safer place for both you and your passengers. If you would like to learn more about how Bristol Industries of Pennsylvania can provide you with a gangway that can contain all this and more, give us a call or request a quote today!

If you’re interested in buying a gangway for the first time, you most likely have a lot of questions. One of them likely being, “What do I ask the manufacturer?” Buying a gangway can be a tall purchase, and making sure it matches your overall maritime style is more crucial than you may think. While it may seem like just a simple passageway, it’s actually how you (and your potential passengers) will access your dock whenever you sail. It’s an important part of your overall waterfront experience. Fortunately, in the over 35 years Bristol Industries of PA has spent building gangways, we have compiled some of the most popular questions among buyers, and have provided some valuable insight to assist anyone that may have these questions as well.

• How long and wide should it be?

This may sound complicated at first, but determining your gangway’s size is actually a very straightforward process. To find the required length, you simply take the total elevation of your dock by foot and multiply it by 2 ½ feet. For example, if your dock is 4 feet above the water, your equation would be 4 x 2 ½, which means your gangway will have to be 10 feet long.

In terms of determining width, this is more dependent on what you personally plan to use the dock for. If you’re using the dock to make deliveries, a large width would be the most appropriate for getting packages across safely. If you plan to use the dock only for passengers, then a small width would be more fitting

• What kind of accessories or options should I add?

Gangways come with many different accessories and optional add-ons, with purposes ranging from sensible to stylish. Some of the most famous safety accessories include handrails to give pedestrians a much more safe walk across, transition plates, which ensure gapless passage from your gangway to the surface, and toe kicks that prevent loose items from going missing. Not only do all of these make your gangway a much safer place, but they also aesthetically enhance it as well. You can read more about gangway components here.   

• What style of decking should it be?

Everyone has their own style, and thankfully they make gangways for each. If you like a glossy, modern look, the ever-popular aluminum would definitely be best for you. If you prefer a design that feels more natural and nostalgic, but still incredibly sturdy, then the famous Brazilian Ipe wood seems more up your alley. If you are someone who likes the authenticity of wood, but hates the potential rotting and splinters, the eco-friendly composite decking would be a perfect look for your gangway. 

The process of buying a gangway can no doubt be a complex and overwhelming one, and at Bristol Industries of PA, we always strive to make sure that it’s as simple as possible for our customers. If you would like to learn more, give us a call or request a quote today!

So, you’ve finally made the decision to buy a gangway for your dock? Fantastic! Gangways are always a great idea to not just enhance your waterfront, but also provide safe, maintenance-free passage to your dock. However, if you’ve never purchased a gangway before, you’re probably thinking, “What kind do I need?” 

Gangways not only come in multiple sizes, but they can also come in multiple forms too. When browsing for your ideal walkway, it’s important to know what exactly your options are, and which one will be best for your situation out on the water. Will you need a large, superstructure gangway, or will just a regular one do? Here are just some of the differences that are crucial to know when considering what marine passageway would be right for you.

• Regular Aluminum Gangways:

Starting off with just your simple, run-of-the-mill gangways. For those with just a basic backyard dock for the family or a spot at the local marina, this would be the best for you. The famous non-skid standard aluminum design provides a surface that is immune to the effects of extreme temperature and a structure that resists corrosion in both fresh and salt water so no matter where your dock station is, your passage will always remain intact. If you prefer a much more environmental look, gangways can also be made with composite decking and Ipe wood, while still having the same no-upkeep features.

• ADA-Specific Gangways:

Since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, there have been several guidelines that may require ADA-compliant gangways for certain commercial waterfronts (learn more about ADA standards here). This is to ensure that anyone can access their dock or boat and enjoy their time at sea, regardless of any disability. There are multiple additions and accessories you can add to ensure that your walkway complies with the ADA’s guidelines, including piano hinges that alleviate gaps, toe kicks that prevent injuries, and side railings across transition plates that give passengers extra security when going on and off your dock.

• Superstructure Gangways:

Gangways and ramps are always built to be as safe and sturdy as possible, but what if you have a large ship that will have a lot of foot traffic? For a situation like that, you will definitely need a superstructure gangway. These specific gangways are built with an even superior strength and durability to withstand any potential impact. As a result, your passageway will be able to handle the strong footfall in any climate and still need zero maintenance.

If you would like to learn more about these types of marine walkways and how Bristol Industries of PA can provide you with the highest quality one possible, give us a call or request a quote today!

Congratulations! You’ve just received your very own boating port! Whether it’s a spot at the marina or an entire waterfront in your backyard, you’ve gained your own personal access to the wide, open waters. However, while your dock is both sturdy and stylish, there’s still another important element of accessing your boat you’ve left out: your gangway.

Now, while not every dock is required to have a gangway, it can still be a very useful accessory in building your ideal maritime lifestyle. They carry many uses ranging from visible to viable. Here are just some of the benefits that a well-made gangway can provide for you:

• Experience:

Gangways may seem like a small addition at first, but they can add a lot to your overall sailing experience. The whole experience of walking from to your dock to on a bridge can help give you the feeling that, no matter why you’re going on the boat, you’re about to sail away on to a whole new adventure. 

• Style:

Gangways are always a great complement to your dock’s aesthetic. The standard aluminum has always been famous for its sleek, polished layout adding an extra layer of class and cleanliness to your boat. If you prefer a much more natural design, there are styles that can fit that as well. Ipe wood can give you a walkway that exhibits a much more old-fashioned, outdoorsman look, and composite decking can offer a similar sense of authenticity with the added benefits of being low-maintenance and resistant to moisture.

• Safety:

Gangways do come with several amazing safety features. With the most famous and prominent being the handrail, it’s a simple addition that allows you and your passengers a safe walk from your boat to the dock. Another important safety feature in gangways are the piano hinges, which ensure there is no gap between your dock and your boat. 

If you would like to learn about how Bristol Industries of PA’s gangways deliver on all these features and more, give us a call or request a quote today!

When buying a gangway for your docking system, whether it’s for a marina or a backyard dock, it’s important that it’s just right for you. Not just in terms of color or size, but also in how it’s made. Does it have a strong support system? Is the surface non-slip? Is it ADA compliant? All of these are important questions to ask when purchasing a gangway, but one of the most important questions to ask is, “What does it come with?”

Gangways can come with many different parts and components. It’s important to understand what exactly they are and how exactly they can benefit you and the people that may be riding on your boat. Here are just some of the crucial elements of a gangway you should keep in mind when you’re searching for one:

• Handrails:

Even outside marine gangways, handrails have always been a crucial safety feature in walkways. They provide the people who walk on them with an extra layer of protection from slipping or falling. In addition, a handrail’s design can provide an extra layer of style to your footpath. In some cases, if the length is 16ft or less, they can even be removed to make storage easier.

• Piano Hinges:

Aside from being required for ADA compliance, piano hinges play an important role in making your gangway as convenient as possible. Unlike typical hinges, piano hinges leave absolutely no gap between the gangway and its connected surface, ensuring smooth and safe movement for all your boat’s passengers. This is especially helpful for those with strollers, pets, and wheelchairs.

• Optional Transition Plates:

Much like piano hinges, they can play a big role in letting passengers on and off your boat. At the tail end of your gangway, you can potentially have a solid platform utilizing proprietary shapes tapering down with a diamond plate and a curved edge made of incredibly tough plastic that allows a gapless walk from your boat to your dock. In addition, the plate comes built with a piano hinge that helps it adapt to any wave or tidal action that may occur.

• UMHW Gangway Rollers:

Ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, best known by its acronym UMHW, is a material known for being the toughest form of thermoplastic currently on the market. Being incredibly resistant to the impact of corrosive chemicals and strong abrasion makes it an extra layer of protection for your dock or pier, not to mention having wheels makes it easier to move around and store.

If you would like to learn more about how Bristol Industries of PA’s gangways utilize all of these components and more, give us a call or request a quote today!

Since it was signed into law on July 26, 1990, The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has benefitted disabled Americans nationwide. It has provided businesses with direct handicap wheelchair ramp specifications, codes, and handicap access guidelines to make their products more accessible to the disabled, and with gangway manufacturers the situation is no different. Bristol Industries of Pennsylvania has always practiced a strong commitment to the ADA’s guidelines. While there are cases where residential applications are not required to meet ADA code, they do serve as a good reference point for our engineers for recommended handicap ramp slope and length as they build our commercial marine walkways.

Why should you consider an ADA gangway?

• Wheelchair accessibility 
• Optional toe-kick and inside grab rail
• Piano hinges leaving no gap between gangway and docking surface
• Still completely maintenance-free
• Same durable, marine-grade aluminum

Our experts at Bristol Industries of PA have had their skills develop over decades of building ramps to accommodate anyone, regardless of handicap. If you would like to learn more, request a quote or give us a call today!

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA’s interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA’s website at http://www.osha.gov.

Personnel must board vessels safely using approved boarding devices. Movement of the floating vessel can cause movement of the boarding device, thus increasing the possibility of workers falling or being injured by a moving device.

Potential Hazards:

• Being injured when boarding a vessel
• Falling off the gangways or ladders to a lower level or into the water
• Structural failure of a gangway or ladder causing the person to fall to a lower level or into the water
• Movement of the gangway or ladder resulting in injuries
• Being struck by moving material or cargo loads

Requirements and Example Solutions:

The employer shall not permit employees to board or leave any vessel, except a barge or river towboat, until the following requirements have been met:

• An adequate gangway must be provided. When a gangway is not practical, then an straight ladder or Jacob’s ladder must be used. [29 CFR 1915.74(a)(1)]
• Gangway must maintain clear access, have at least 33-inch-high hand rails, be properly trimmed, and be properly illuminated. [29 CFR 1915.74(a)(2), (a)(4), (a)(5), (a)(8), (a)(10) and (a)(11)]
• When the end of the gangways overhangs the water, it must be bridged and a net must be present. [29 CFR 1915.74(a)(6) and (a)(7)]
• When the upper end of the gangway or ladder rests on or is flush with the top of the bulwark or hand rail, steps with adequate guardrails are required. [29 CFR 1915.74(a)(9)]
• Suspended loads must not pass over the gangway. [29 CFR 1915.74(a)(12)]

OSHA RULES

1918.22(a)

Whenever practicable, a gangway of not less than 20 inches (.51 m) in width, of adequate strength, maintained in safe repair and safely secured shall be used. If a gangway is not practicable, a straight ladder meeting the requirements of 1918.24 that extends at least 36 inches (.91 m) above the upper landing surface and is secured against shifting or slipping shall be provided. When conditions are such that neither a gangway nor straight ladder can be used, a Jacob’s ladder meeting the requirements of 1918.23 may be used.

1918.22(b)

Each side of the gangway, and the turntable, if used, shall have a hand rail with a minimum height of 33 inches (.84 m) measured perpendicularly from rail to walking surfaces at the stanchion, with a midrail. Rails shall be of wood, pipe, chain, wire, rope or materials of equivalent strength and shall be kept taut always. Portable stanchions supporting railings shall be supported or secured to prevent accidental dislodgement.

1918.22(c)

The gangway shall be kept properly trimmed.

1918.22(d)

When a fixed flat tread accommodation ladder is used, and the angle is low enough to require employees to walk on the edge of the treads, cleated duckboards shall be laid over and secured to the ladder.

1918.22(e)

When the gangway overhangs the water so that there is danger of employees falling between the ship and the dock, a net or suitable protection shall be provided to prevent employees from receiving serious injury from falls to a lower level.

1918.22(e)

When the gangway overhangs the water so that there is danger of employees falling between the ship and the dock, a net or suitable protection shall be provided to prevent employees from receiving serious injury from falls to a lower level.

1918.22(f)

If the foot of a gangway is more than one foot (.30 m) away from the edge of the apron, the space between them shall be bridged by a firm walkway equipped with a hand rail with a minimum height of approximately 33 inches (.84 m) with midrails on both sides.

1918.22(g)

Gangways shall be kept clear of supporting bridles and other obstructions, to provide unobstructed passage. If, because of design, the gangway bridle cannot be moved to provide unobstructed passage, then the hazard shall be properly marked to alert employees of the danger.

1918.22(h)

Obstructions shall not be laid on or across the gangway.

1918.22(i)

Handrails and walking surfaces of gangways shall be maintained in a safe condition to prevent employees from slipping or falling.

1918.22(j)

Gangways on vessels inspected and certificated by the U.S. Coast Guard are deemed to meet the requirements of this section.

[62 FR 40141, July 25, 1997]

OSHA DOCUMENTS

• Gangway Safety in Marine Cargo Handling