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Author Archives: A-Mezz

Custom Galvanized Steel Catwalk with Fall Protection at Wastewater Treatment Plant

At A-Mezz Industrial Structures we specialize in designing and manufacturing custom industrial access platforms and fall protection systems that keep your workers safe and operations running smoothly. One of our latest projects—an elevated galvanized steel catwalk system—was installed at a wastewater treatment plant to provide secure and compliant access for maintenance personnel working above large equipment.

A-Mezz galvanized steel catwalk platform provides safe elevated access with self-closing gates, fixed ladders, and a horizontal lifeline system for worker fall protection.

This project highlights how our design-build approach delivers tailored, OSHA-compliant solutions that enhance both safety and productivity in high-risk industrial environments.

Design-Build Catwalk Platform for Wastewater Facilities

Every facility has unique access challenges, especially in industrial settings like wastewater treatment plants, where equipment layouts, environmental hazards, and regulatory standards converge. That’s why we employed a design-build strategy to develop a custom catwalk system from concept through installation.

Our engineers worked directly with the client to evaluate site conditions, define access points, and design a durable steel platform that integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure. The result? A heavy-duty elevated catwalk that enables maintenance crews to safely navigate the top of equipment while adhering to OSHA fall protection standards.

Key components of this project include:

Galvanized steel construction for corrosion resistance in a moisture-rich, chemical-heavy environment
Ladder access with self-closing safety gates at both ends
A fully integrated horizontal lifeline fall arrest system for two workers
OSHA-compliant yellow safety guardrails for maximum visibility and protection

Fall Protection: OSHA-Compliant and Worker-First

At A-Mezz, fall protection isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a core design principle. This catwalk platform was engineered with multiple layers of passive and active fall protection systems to keep maintenance personnel safe at heights.

✔️ Horizontal Lifeline System

A two-user horizontal fall arrest system allows workers to tie off while moving across the catwalk, maintaining 100% tie-off and reducing the risk of serious injury. The continuous line ensures no need to disconnect and reconnect, improving both safety and efficiency.

✔️ Self-Closing Safety Gates

Bright yellow self-closing gates were installed at each ladder entry to eliminate open edges. These gates automatically close behind workers to provide constant fall protection without relying on user intervention.

✔️ OSHA-Approved Guardrails

All exposed edges are protected by yellow powder-coated handrails that meet or exceed OSHA height and load requirements for industrial guardrails.

✔️ Secure Ladder Access

Fixed steel ladders offer safe, stable access to the platform. Their alignment with the gates and lifeline system ensures a smooth, protected workflow for maintenance crews.

Built for Durability: Galvanized Steel Catwalks

In harsh environments like wastewater plants, material choice is critical. We used hot-dip galvanized steel throughout the catwalk system to resist rust, corrosion, and chemical damage. This material ensures long-term reliability, minimizes maintenance, and meets the rugged demands of 24/7 industrial operations.

Galvanized steel catwalks are ideal for:

Chemical processing plants
Water and wastewater facilities
Food and beverage manufacturing
Power generation and utility sites

Why Choose A-Mezz for Industrial Catwalk Systems?

With decades of experience in custom access platforms, industrial catwalk design, and fall protection integration, A-Mezz is your go-to partner for safe and efficient access solutions. Our turnkey design-build services ensure you get a code-compliant, field-ready platform tailored to your exact needs.

Benefits of working with A-Mezz:

Personalized engineering and fabrication
Fully OSHA-compliant solutions
Custom fit for your equipment and facility layout
Fast, efficient installation and support

Get a Quote on Your Custom Catwalk System

If your facility needs a reliable catwalk platform, elevated access system, or a complete fall protection solution, contact A-Mezz Industrial Structures today. We’ll help you design and build a system that meets OSHA standards, protects your workforce, and stands the test of time.

📞 Call us or Request a quote online to get started on your custom project.

Roof Ladder Modular Solution Gutter Crossover

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We wanted to share a recent project where our aluminum MRL (modular roof ladder) proved to be an excellent solution for a customer needing safe and long-lasting access to their RTUs and solar panels. They faced a challenge where standard ladders wouldn’t meet OSHA clearance requirements over their gutters.

OSHA roof ladder rear clearance standard

Our MRL modular ladder addressed these concerns effectively. Constructed from off-the-shelf 8’ and 4’ aluminum sections, these ladders typically ship within 2-3 days, offering a significant time advantage over custom steel ladders, which usually take 4-5 weeks. The lighter weight of the aluminum also meant our installation team could complete the setup without the additional expense of lift equipment.

Stack of modular aluminum ladder section

4′ and 8′ ladder sections in stock

On-site, we were able to trim the aluminum ladder to the precise length needed without any concerns about rust and utilized adjustable bolt-on wall brackets. The adjustable brackets allowed for the necessary 7″ clearance over the existing gutter, as required by OSHA, and provided the flexibility to adjust the bracket’s vertical position to avoid obstructions and find optimal placement.

A-Mezz MRL modular aluminum roof ladder with gutter crossover platform and lockable removable rung cover

The adjustability in both climb height and bracket location streamlined the process, removing the need for extra approval drawings and site visits typically required for fully welded designs. Furthermore, all installation hardware is stainless steel, ensuring a secure, quick, and durable solution for the customer.

Understanding their preference to avoid roof penetrations, we supplied weighted bases for the crossover. It’s worth noting that we also offer specialized hardware for various metal roof types, including standing seam clamps for standing seam roofs and solutions for corrugated roofs. For membrane roofs, we provide a customized seal and anchor, though we would need the roof manufacturer and model for proper installation.

Photo of A-Mezz MRL aluminum ladder with weighted bases and safety gate

MRL ladder with weighted bases and self closing gate

For added safety, we installed a self-closing safety gate at the crossover point. A-Mezz can also provide fall arrest systems, as mandated by OSHA for climbs exceeding 24’, and roof railing that integrates seamlessly with the ladder rails for comprehensive worker protection. This railing can be installed directly on the roof, wall face, parapets, or with weighted bases to prevent roof penetrations.

Extension Ladder Brackets Help Students Train

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We want to highlight a project we completed for a local trade school. We installed our permanently mounted extension ladder brackets in their HVAC classroom. The brackets provide a safe and controlled environment for students to practice setting up and climbing ladders.

HVAC trade classroom with A-Mezz extension ladder brackets

Many students in apprenticeship positions are knowledgeable about HVAC installation and maintenance, but students can often lack some overlooked skills like using an extension ladder safely. Our brackets allow students to practice these skills in a controlled environment before they encounter them in the field.

Installed A-Mezz Extension Ladder Support Brackets below removable handrails

Each bracket features an adjustable tray for the extension ladder to sit in. Tie-off points on the brackets ensure the ladder is secure while in use. This eliminates sliding, falling, or unauthorized removal of the ladder while someone is on the roof. Additionally, the tray can be leveled when used on sloped surfaces.

The aluminum construction ensures that the brackets will remain in excellent condition even when exposed to weather.

These brackets are designed with options for mounting to a roof with or without gutters, or for wall mounting, eliminating the need for roof penetrations.

In addition to providing a safe training environment, our extension ladder mounting brackets can also be used to provide a designated location for roof access. This can help to prevent unwanted climbers and reduce the risk of damage to the roof.

If you are interested in learning more about our permanently mounted extension ladder brackets, please contact us at A-Mezz Industrial.

Inspection Platform With Custom Support Columns

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Recently, a customer contacted us with a problem. They needed a safe way to inspect and clear their conveyor chute. The plan was to fabricate an inspection platform, enclosed with railing, with a caged ladder for access. The top of the ladder would require a self-closing gate in order to meet OSHA requirements for guarding at ladder way openings, as the ladder was not offset from the platform.

Designing the Inspection Platform

As we started with concept drawings, we realized that the traditional fabrication of a post in each corner would not work with their application. The leading edge of the inspection platform extended into the aisle-way and a post in that corner would encroach on forklift traffic.

Drawing of inspection platform, ladder and MLG ladder safety gate

Upon consulting our PE, it was decided that we could use a short knee brace at the corner in question, and utilize a bolt-on kicker off the rear post for reinforcement. The kicker was designed to nest underneath their existing equipment.

As the installation location is open to the elements, and there is a high likelihood of debris, the inspection platform utilizes an open bar grating deck. This allows dirt and water to fall through the treads instead of collecting on top of a solid surface deck.

Platform Shipping and Installation

Photo of flat packed inspection platform

Inspection platform packed knocked down for shipping cost savings

The inspection platform shipped knocked down for freight savings. A smaller load takes up less space on a truck and costs less to ship. It also allows for smaller, lighter pieces that are more easily maneuvered at tough to access locations. Installation required basic tools and no hot permit was required.

All components are designed for bolt together installation with basic hand tools. This eliminates the need for field welding, hot permits, and additional finish touchup around weld areas. Installation for the platform and ladder requires two men and one day. As the height is under 12 ft high, a forklift and A frame ladders or a scissor lift are all that are required for install.

Photo of inspection platform installed with ladder

Inspection platform installed with ladder and MLG ladder safety gate

With the new platform in place, this customer can now safely inspect and perform maintenance on their chute at any time without impeding regular business activity in the area. Fabrication lead time for the platform, ladder, and gate was quoted at 5-7 weeks after approved drawings were returned. The material was shipped at right on time at 5 weeks. Pricing was also what the original estimate was. On time. On budget. Contact A-Mezz for help with your next project.

Let A-Mezz Help Tackle Maintenance Projects That Have Been On Hold

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With the challenges that COVID-19 has caused, many companies are experiencing unexpected and historic slow downs. While on shutdown, this is the perfect time to review your facility’s maintenance needs.

Do you have ladders that do not have the safety gates that are required by OSHA? Our MLG gates are versatile, durable, and economical.

Does your facility need a lockable tool crib to prevent tools from walking off? Our welded wire partitions can provide limitless customizable options at an affordable price.

Quarantined Delivery & Visitor Entry Cage

Do you have a quarantined area for delivery drivers to keep your facility secure from wanderers? A-Mezz can help with a wire partition equipped with pass-through service windows, hinged doors with push bars, and electric strikes for wiring to RFID card readers.

Are your employees properly guarded from your machines? Are your machines properly guarded from mobile equipment? We have many options of machine guarding whether you need framed mesh panels, trimmable welded panels, or heavy duty guardrail in both single rail heights and double rail heights. Now is the time to not only protect your employees around your machines, but to also install proper guards to protect your machines from forklift trucks and other mobile machinery.

These are difficult times for everyone, but let’s not waste the opportunity we’re given to finally tackle those maintenance issues that have been pushed off. A-Mezz is here to help ensure you get in a better position for success than where you were before COVID-19.

Pedestrian Traffic Control Signs Mounted on Gates

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While our Mezzanine Stair and Ladder Gates (MLG safety gates) are designed to meet OSHA fall protection requirements, they also work great as pedestrian traffic control gates. Below you can see that the design lends itself very easily to control pedestrian traffic flow to restricted locations. They are also a great way to get your message out.

304 stainless steel MLG gate used for pedestrian traffic control with mounted signage

Your Message… Right Where You Need It

Our customer above had custom signs printed up that they riveted onto our stainless steel gate. After mounting the sign to our MLG gate, their message is front and center – right where they need it. Do you have cost concerns about using these at your location? It is easy to incorporate an advertisement for a local business with its logo/slogan to offset the cost of the gate and sign printing. While A-Mezz does not offer graphic printing, we have heard from customers that they have had it done for $30-100 per sign – depending on what material and options they choose, such as di-cutting they had selected from their printer.

Rear view of MLG 304 stainless steel safety gate mounted to stairs with pedestrian traffic control sign.

MLG gates are also a great place to have important safety information such as at the top of a ladder that accesses a confined space.

Stairwell Interruption Gate

Our MLG gates are also often used to comply with NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code as a stairwell interruption gate. The 2018 edition of NFPA 101 stipulates 7.7.3.2: “Stairs and ramps that continue more than one-half story below the level of discharge shall be provided with an approved means to prevent or dissuade occupants from traveling past the level of discharge during emergency building evacuation”.

When descending a stairway, A-Mezz MLG gates are used where the stairs continue past the emergency exit. The gates stop panicked occupants from continuing down the stairs, past the exit point. When ascending the stairs from below, anyone can simply walk through the gate to safety. Many customers have aluminum signs printed stating there is no exit past the gate and an arrow pointing to the exit location.

While they were designed for fall protection applications, our MLG gates are much more versatile. Featuring quick shipping times, in-stock status, and low cost, MLG gates are ideal for many uses. Contact A-Mezz today for more details and a quote.

Roof Stack Access with A-Mezz Catwalks and Ladders

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A company contacted us because they needed safe roof stack access. The EPA required them to do regular tests on their stacks to comply with the Clean Air Act, but they had no permanent, safe means of access.

When we went out to the site for a preliminary review, accessing their stack was no easy feat. We needed to use a lower extension ladder to reach the lowest roof and bring up another extension ladder to use on the lower roof to access the middle roof.

To make matters worse, once we were on the middle roof, it wasn’t made with regular foot traffic in mind. We had to constantly be mindful of our step. Each metal roof panel groaned and flexed with each precarious step we took. Our goal was to keep the solution simple. It gets really easy to over-engineer a solution, but all that does is increase costs while not always providing a better product for the conditions.

What Were Our Options?

Our first thought was to have a fixed ladder extend from the lower roof to the middle roof, similar to their existing lower to upper caged ladder. We decided against that for a couple of reasons. The first was that there was no back wall to mount a walk-thru ladder. This would make us need to increase materials and engineering time, creating a custom solution which would just add costs to the project. Another option was for mounting a ladder on the same wall as their existing ladder and having it exit onto the side. We chose against this because the exit location was far from the stack needing access and that would have greatly increased the size of the catwalk needed, thus increasing costs.

Fixed ladder from upper roof to middle roof for roof stack access

An Economical Solution

We decided that the best solution was to utilize their existing ladder from the lower to upper roof. We then would fabricate a ladder to access the mid roof from the upper roof, as they would already have a need to be on the upper roof to inspect stacks there. The upper roof had a low parapet that the client didn’t want people stepping on. Our fixed ladder had a step-across platform incorporated into it so their workers could step onto that instead of the parapet, allowing for safer access to the ladder while protecting the parapet flashing.

Our installed roof stack ladder and catwalk provides safe access under customer’s budget

We also fabricated a short catwalk and platform surrounding their stack. We designed the framing for the platform to mount onto their existing purlins with elongated supports as the platform extended to compensate for the roof slope. This allowed for a level, safe platform for their testing team to work from, eliminating the fear of slips in inclimate weather that can come from an iced up, sloped catwalk system.

A Quick, Permanent Roof Stack Access Solution – Under Budget

Ultimately, we relocated the access ladder from original plans which allowed us to utilize our mostly standard ladder design. The location change also allowed for a smaller platform which allowed us to complete the project under the customer’s budget. This project took 9 weeks from the date we got approval drawings in the customer’s hands to the completion of installation.

Tool Cribs Cut Down Lost Time and Tools – A-Mezz

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Do you want your workers to act and feel like professionals, or DIYers? Cut down lost time and tools with A-Mezz tool cribs.

A-Mezz can help you increase productivity and decrease waste with our lockable wire parts lockers and tool cribs. Made of high strength welded wire, our secure storage options will save you time and money and make your shop look more professional and clean.

Why are lockable tool cribs important?

There is nothing worse than being in the middle of a project and realizing someone walked off with the tool or parts you need. While your productivity was at its peak, you had to stop what you were doing and locate the missing items. Lost items that aren’t quickly found need to get replaced, causing you to waste even more time – and money – going to the store or searching the web to source the replacements. If the replacement tools or parts are not readily available you then have to table the in-process project until the replacements come in, greatly increasing the chance for additional components to get misplaced.

A lockable tool crib is a must to ensure your workers have what they need, when they need it. Expensive tools will stop going missing – either through misplacement or employee theft. You will spend less money replacing items, spend less time looking for items that “walk away”, and spend more time making money.

What options are available?

A-Mezz can help you configure a layout that works for you and your site. We can supply small multi-tiered lockers for parts and tools all the way up to large tool cribs. Pretty much anything is possible. There are available sliding doors, hinged doors, service windows, electronic keypad entry systems, keycard locking systems, padlock hasps and cylinder locks. If you have a special lock you prefer, such as one tied to a facial recognition system, we can supply an electric strike on the door to tie into your system.

Lockable tool crib located under elevated platform with sliding door access

My install location isn’t standard shaped/sized – can I still use a tool crib?

The great thing about tool cribs is that there are no rules. Size is whatever you need and they can go literally anywhere. We have installed lockable parts storage for maintenance and tool cribs above mezzanines, below mezzanines and out in the middle of shop floors.

Contact A-Mezz and let us help you increase productivity and increase your margins by decreasing waste and project hours.

Floormatstore.com Comfort Kitchen Mats

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With the holidays just past, many of us have spent what seems like days in our kitchens, preparing cookies, baking pies, stuffing turkeys, and glazing hams. It’s not just the food coma that leaves us kicking our feet up at the end — those hours standing on unforgiving flooring takes its toll on our joints, and they don’t magically recover the next day. I remember my grandmother laying down carpet runners in her kitchen to cover every corner she would be standing on. They certainly were not comfortable, but I suppose they were a step above standing on tile all day. In the end, they always seemed to become grease magnets and would be pushed around, layered together, tossed aside and replaced time and time again. Because of this, no one was allowed in that kitchen except her!

There is not much of a choice on that any longer, though. This is the age of open concept kitchens – and for good reason! They allow a free sight line for the grandparent to check in on the grandkids while keeping the soup from foaming. They let the chef still be a part of the party, mingling with guests while staying close to the oven timer. But with these open concept kitchens, we have to take a long look at what exactly our kitchens say about us. I knew even as a kid that my grandmother did not want people to see those old mats, and why should she?

We like clean lines, open air, and sunlight. More importantly, I want to relax after a holiday because I want to, not because I feel exhausted from standing on uncomfortable floors during the preparations. Our Comfort Kitchen mats bring you the clean line look and feel of polyurethane with an adaptive design. They are full ¾” thick with nearly 30 designer surface options. They have been specially designed to stimulate circulation in feet, legs, and lower backs while being built to last in commercial situations. Why continue to feel that exhaustion at the end of the day from cooking when you can so easily fix the situation and continue on with the party?

~ Reese
www.floormatstore.com

Using Welded Wire Partition Panels Around Site Obstructions

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We were called out to a site that needed a lockable wire partition in their facility. The wire partition needed to split a long, below grade area into two secure and separate partitions. Access to a common entry door and light switch needed to be maintained. The location also had low, uneven ceiling dimensions due to obstructing support beams, conduit, gas lines, etc..

Common entrance and light switch with proposed entry way marked out on ground

Our welded wire partition system was perfect for this project. Other framed woven and welded systems need to have a custom, factory made panel with exact, framed cutouts. Those require additional engineering costs and manufacturing costs – due to custom setups. They also often have higher material costs as the panels need to have a post at each side of the obstruction to support the custom panels.

A-Mezz welded wire partition allows for cut-outs where necessary to work tight around existing obstructions.

A-Mezz’s welded wire partition systems feature an unframed, 8 gauge galvanized welded wire panel. The panels are able to be trimmed to length, eliminating the need for custom sizes. This saves on the additional costs associated with doing a one-off on the manufacturing line. The panels can also be notched out around obstructions. This allows a tight, clean look while also providing flexibility in the field to deal with known (and unknown) obstructions.

Cutting a woven wire panel will leave a jagged, unraveling edge. Not only is it not a clean look, but it is an easy way to have a workplace injury if clothing snags on the unraveling wire or an employee is cut by it.

Cutting a woven wire partition panel produces sharp edges

When we arrived with material for the install, the first thing we did was lay it all out and double check our interferences. The critical locations were all marked – clearing the light switch and ensuring doors are installed where the floor was flat enough to swing freely. With the hump in the floor ensured that we had enough sweep (clearance under the door) to clear the hump, as well as enough overhead clearance to miss any of the low overhead obstructions.

A-Mezz Installed welded wire partition including custom cut-outs to remain tight around site obstructions

With our layout all marked we worked from the critical locations out to ensure there would be no issues. A crew of two was able to complete the install in less than a day. This included all of the cut-outs required for a tight fit. The end result was a clean, secure wire partition that allowed the customer flexibility with their open space. Whether used for a tool crib, tennant storage, or machine guarding, A-Mezz can supply you with our welded wire partition, giving you the flexibility of a totally customized system at a much lower price.