
Loading dock steps are a crucial component of industrial access, providing a safe and efficient way for employees to move goods and equipment in and out of warehouses and factories.
According to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), loading dock steps should be designed to meet specific safety standards, including a minimum tread depth of 11 inches and a maximum rise of 7.5 inches.
A well-designed loading dock step can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls, which are among the most common workplace injuries.
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Key Features
Our loading dock steps are designed to provide a safe and reliable solution for warehouses and distribution centers. They're made from industrial-grade aluminum that won't rust, warp, or rot, ensuring they'll last for a long time.
The steps are compliant with OSHA and IBC code standards, so you can rest assured they meet the necessary safety regulations. This is especially important in areas restricted to authorized personnel only.

Here are some of the key features of our loading dock steps:
- Slip Resistance: Features aggressive, slip-resistant surfaces for safety
- Weather Resistance: Aluminum is resistant to rust, warping, or rotting
- Adjustability: Includes leveling legs with up to 9” of adjustability for uneven surfaces
- Versatile: Reconfigurable components allow you to repurpose and move stairs as layout changes
The steps are designed to be easy to install and maintain, with bolts that can be assembled on-site in about an hour. This means you can get your loading dock up and running quickly, without the need for special tools or heavy equipment.
Installation and Setup
The installation process is surprisingly quick, taking about an hour to bolt together without special equipment or welding.
Upside Innovations' prefabricated, modular design makes installation a breeze, with all hardware clearly marked and bagged for easy identification.
Their team is also very responsive and easy to work with, from estimating to delivery, ensuring a smooth experience for customers.
The product arrives early and is well-protected on the pallet, making it easy to unload and start assembling.
The stairs are sturdy and well-built, making them safe to use while also being light enough for two men to move without equipment.
Easy Installation

Our Dock Steps are prefabricated, modular, and bolt together without special equipment or welding. They typically bolt together in about an hour.
Installation can be a breeze with Upside Innovations. Their Dock Steps arrive with all the hardware clearly marked and bagged, making the process even smoother.
The product arrived early and was a pleasure to install, according to a satisfied customer. This shows that Upside Innovations prioritizes timely delivery and ease of installation.
The steps are well built and sturdy enough to handle heavy use, yet light enough for two men to move without equipment. This makes them perfect for projects that require flexibility and ease of transportation.
The installation process is so easy that it can be completed in just an hour. This is a testament to the simplicity and efficiency of Upside Innovations' Dock Steps.
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Steps
Steps are a crucial part of any installation, and it's great to know that Lapeyre Stair products are custom built to your specifications.
You can expect a high level of quality and attention to detail in every step, just like in their Loading Dock Stairs.
Technical Details

Loading dock steps are designed to provide a safe and secure way to transfer goods between vehicles and buildings. They can be made of a variety of materials, including aluminum and steel.
The height of loading dock steps can vary, typically ranging from 28 to 48 inches to accommodate different types of vehicles. This range allows for easy loading and unloading of goods.
The width of loading dock steps is also important, as it affects the flow of traffic and the ease of use. Typical widths range from 36 to 48 inches, providing enough space for workers to move comfortably.
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Sturdy and Rust-Resistant
The DOCK Step is a great example of sturdy and rust-resistant design. It's made with 100% industrial-grade aluminum that will never rust, warp, or rot.
These materials are a significant improvement over traditional wood or steel, which can be prone to damage and decay. This means you'll spend less time and money on maintenance and repairs.

One of the key benefits of aluminum is its durability. The DOCK Step can withstand heavy use and harsh environments without showing signs of wear. It's also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to transport and install.
The DOCK Step is also highly adjustable, with 9 inches of vertical adjustability to account for uneven surfaces and ongoing maintenance. This ensures a safe and stable step every time.
In addition to its durability, the DOCK Step is also highly compliant with safety regulations. It meets all local building codes and is available in ADA, IBC, and OSHA-compliant options. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your loading dock is up to code.
Leveling Legs
The leveling legs on our platform stairs are designed to make setup a breeze. They have 8” of adjustability, which is perfect for uneven ground or ongoing adjustments.
This feature is especially useful when installing the stairs in a non-standard location, like a gun range.
Technical Specs

Technical Specs are crucial when it comes to loading dock stairs and platforms. You can customize the specifications to your exact needs, with common configurations and sizes ranging from 48" to 52" in height and 48" or 60" in width.
The materials used can be carbon steel, and finishes include powder-coated safety yellow, powder-coated iron gray, and a choice of color, powder coat (RAL). You can also opt for gray primer or galvanized, which is recommended for outdoor applications.
IBC Commercial, IBC Industrial, and OSHA handrails are available options. Treads can be made of diamond plate, bar grating, grip strut, or concrete pan.
Platform dimensions vary, with standard sizes being 48" width, 48" depth. Door swing and area of refuge platforms are also available, with dimensions of 48" width, 60" depth and 90" width, 60" depth respectively.
The capacity of loading dock stairs and platforms is typically 1,000 lbs.
Here's a summary of common technical specs:
What is the slope of a ramp?

The slope of a ramp is a crucial factor to consider in various settings. For loading dock ramps, the slope should be no more than 5% for heavy loads.
In tight areas with limited space, a steeper slope might be necessary, but it should only be used for light loads, with a maximum slope of 10%.
Benefits and Compliance
Loading dock steps can greatly impact the efficiency and safety of your warehouse operations. Fast lead times on all powder-coated carbon steel systems with formed platforms ensure your stairs arrive on time, minimizing downtime and delays.
Industry leading lead times are a key benefit of choosing loading dock steps from a reputable manufacturer. With powder-coated carbon steel systems, you can expect fast delivery and installation.
OSHA compliant dock steps meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety guidelines. Ensuring worker protection by minimizing risks of falls and injuries through design features like proper tread depth and handrails is a top priority.

Key benefits of choosing an OSHA compliant stair system include safety, legal compliance, operational efficiency, employee morale, and affordability. OSHA stairs use fewer materials than IBC standards demand, resulting in lower costs.
To ensure compliance, look for stair systems that are pre-engineered to OSHA standards, including tread depth, riser height, and handrail specifications. This eliminates the need for expensive, cumbersome custom engineering.
Here are some key compliance specifications to consider:
- Tread depth and riser height meet OSHA requirements
- Handrails are included and meet OSHA specifications
- Stairs are designed to minimize risks of falls and injuries
- Compliance with federal and state safety regulations
By choosing an OSHA compliant loading dock stair system, you can ensure a safe working environment, improve operational efficiency, and boost employee morale.
Design and Configuration
Loading dock steps are a crucial part of warehouse operations, and their design and configuration are just as important as their functionality. Modular dock steps can be reconfigured and adjusted without on-site welding, making it easy to adjust them as needed.
The prefabricated modular design of loading dock stairs is a game-changer for facilities. Made from durable 100% industrial-grade aluminum, these stairs won't rust, rot, or warp and are suited for outdoor use without ongoing maintenance.

One of the biggest benefits of prefabricated loading dock stairs is the time and cost savings they offer. By avoiding costly engineering and custom fabrication, you can get your stairs up and running quickly.
Here are some key benefits of prefabricated loading dock stairs:
- Time is Money! Avoid costly, time-consuming engineering
- Prefabri
Eliminate custom fabricationBolts Together
No welding, special tools, or cranes needed
In addition to being quick and easy to install, prefabricated loading dock stairs are also OSHA compliant and pre-engineered for safety. This means you can have peace of mind knowing that your stairs meet the necessary safety standards.
Product Info
ErectaStep's loading dock steps are designed with flexibility in mind, featuring a prefabricated modular design that can be easily configured to fit your facility's needs.
This modular design is made up of 5 main components that can be bolted together to create a wide range of configurations. For example, a loading dock configuration can be built using these components.
The technical specs of ErectaStep's loading dock steps are available for download, providing you with detailed information about the product's features and capabilities.
Resources

If you're looking to design or implement loading dock steps, having the right resources can make all the difference. CAD and 3D BIM models for loading dock stairs are available for download, providing a convenient starting point for your project.
You can find detailed information on loading dock stair resources, including CAD and 3D BIM models, in the CAD and 3D BIM Models for Loading Dock Stairs section.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many steps do you need on a dock ladder?
For a safe and stable dock ladder, you'll need at least 2-3 steps below the waterline, depending on the ladder's step height, typically around 12 inches.
What is the most common cause of injury at a loading dock?
The most common cause of injury at a loading dock is accidents involving heavy equipment and manual lifting, which can lead to serious back injuries and other hazards.
What are the three 3 pieces of equipment on a loading dock?
A loading dock typically features three key pieces of equipment: dock bumpers, dock faces, and dock levelers. These components work together to ensure safe and efficient loading and unloading operations.
Are loading dock stairs IBC or OSHA?
Loading dock stairs are governed by the International Building Code (IBC), which sets standards for safe and accessible egress in emergency situations.
Sources
- https://upsideinnovations.com/metal-stairs/loading-dock-steps/
- https://www.lapeyrestair.com/applications/loading-dock-stairs/
- https://www.erectastep.com/products/industrial-stairs/loading-dock-stairs/
- https://www.banksindustrial.com/loading-dock-stairs
- https://www.saferack.com/product/stairs-platforms-ladders/loading-dock-stairs/
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