Section 1918.25 - Bridge plates and ramps (See also Section 1918.86)(a)Bridge and car plates (dockboards). Bridge and car plates used afloat shall be well maintained and shall:(1) Be strong enough to support the loads imposed on them;(2) Be secured or equipped with devices to prevent their dislodgement;(3) Be equipped with hand holds or other effective means to permit safe handling; and(4) Be designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent vehicles from running off the edge.(b)Portable ramps. Portable ramps used afloat shall be well maintained and shall: (1) Be strong enough to support the loads imposed on them;(2) Be equipped with a railing meeting the requirements of § 1918.21(b) , if the slope is more than 20 degrees to the horizontal or if employees could fall more than four feet (1.22 m);(3) Be equipped with a slip resistant surface;(4) Be properly secured; and(5) Be designed, constructed, and maintained to prevent vehicles from running off the edge.62 FR 40202, July 25, 1997, as amended at 65 FR 40944 , June 30, 2000