Material handling gate system

For use with a material storage area having a material support surface presenting a zone of access, the zone of access for insertion and withdrawal of the material therefrom, a barrier system for the material storage area comprising:

• at least one gate having a length adapted for spanning a length of the zone of access;
• means for mounting said gate in movement between a first closed position precluding passage through the zone of access and a second open position for allowing passage through the zone of access;
• control means including a sensor for automatically moving said at least one gate to said second open position upon said sensor identifying a presence of a material handling device adjacent the zone of access and to said first position upon said sensor identifying a withdrawal of the material handling device from the zone of access, said at least one gate first position further precluding passage of a material handler beyond the material storage area.

For use with a material storage area on a mezzanine having a raised material support surface relative to a ground floor and presenting an elevated edge, a barrier for precluding passage beyond the mezzanine edge comprising:

• at least one gate;
• means for mounting said at least one gate between a first closed position wherein said at least one gate spans a length of the mezzanine edge and a second open position displacing said at least one gate from the mezzanine edge;
• means for moving said at least one gate by a material handler on the ground floor between said first position restricting passage beyond the mezzanine edge and said second open position allowing passage of material from beyond the mezzanine edge and into the material storage area.