At a pet food and dried goods manufacturing facility—producing products including pet food, powdered milk, and other dehydrated food products—workers regularly access the panels of large industrial dryers for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance. These dryer panels are elevated and require stable, ergonomic access for tasks that may involve extended time at height.
The facility had been relying on consumer-grade step ladders to get workers into these spaces. The result: awkward climbing angles, zero fall protection, and an unstable base that shifted on the production floor. For food and beverage operations governed by strict safety and sanitation standards, this setup introduced unacceptable risk.
Specific hazards included:
- No handrails or guardrails during ascent, descent, or while working at the dryer panels
- Ladder instability on smooth production flooring
- Limited workspace forcing workers into awkward postures inside confined areas
- Non-compliance with OSHA standards for elevated work access
| Industry | Food & Beverage Manufacturing |
| Application: | Dryer panel access and maintenance |
| Product: | RollaStep MP Series Mobile Work Platforms |
| Challenge: | Workers using consumer-grade step ladders to access confined dryer panels |
The Solution: RollaStep MP Series Mobile Work Platforms
SafeRack’s compliance experts evaluated the facility and recommended multiple RollaStep MP Series Mobile Work Platforms to replace the step ladders at each dryer access point. The MP Series combines the stability of a fixed platform with the mobility needed in a production environment where access points shift between dryer units.
Why the MP Series Was the Right Fit
- Large 9′ × 3′ work platform supports multiple operators and tools simultaneously—critical when accessing dryer panels that require hands-on maintenance.
- OSHA-compliant handrails (42″ with mid-rail), full toe boards, and aggressive non-slip tread provide fall protection and sure footing that a step ladder simply cannot.
- Removable handrail sections allow the platform to be configured for each dryer panel’s unique geometry. Workers can remove the cantilever end handrail to position the platform flush against the dryer opening.
- 360° swiveling, locking casters with soft no-flat tires let a single operator reposition the unit between dryers quickly, then lock it down for a stable work surface.
- Lightweight aluminum construction is durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean—an important consideration in food-grade environments.
Results: Safer Access, Less Downtime
After installation, the facility saw immediate improvements:
- Eliminated fall hazards — Workers now have a guardrail-protected platform instead of balancing on a step ladder with no protection.
- Faster maintenance cycles — The spacious platform allows workers to bring tools and parts to height, reducing trips up and down and cutting maintenance time per dryer.
- Improved compliance posture — The MP Series meets OSHA specifications for mobile work platforms (1910.25), replacing a setup that would not pass inspection.
- Mobility between dryer units — Rather than purchasing fixed platforms at every dryer, the facility uses several MP units that roll into position as needed, controlling costs while covering multiple access points.
Why This Matters for Food & Beverage Operations
Food and beverage manufacturers deal with dryers, ovens, spray dryers, and processing equipment that demand regular elevated access for cleaning, inspection, and maintenance. Whether you’re drying pet food, powdered milk, spices, or snack ingredients, the access challenge is the same: workers need to reach equipment panels safely and efficiently without introducing contamination risk or creating compliance gaps.
Consumer-grade ladders are one of the most common—and most cited—safety shortcuts in production facilities. They lack the guardrails, platform stability, and load capacity that OSHA requires for routine industrial work at height.
The RollaStep MP Series is purpose-built for these environments. It’s a mobile, OSHA-compliant work platform that delivers the workspace of a fixed installation with the flexibility to serve multiple access points across a facility.
Ready to Replace the Step Ladders at Your Facility?
SafeRack’s Regional Area Managers specialize in on-site safety evaluations for food and beverage facilities. They’ll assess your access points, identify compliance gaps, and recommend the right RollaStep configuration for your dryers, ovens, or processing equipment.
Contact SafeRack to schedule a complimentary site assessment and get a same-day budgetary quote using our proprietary configurator.
