Basic guidelines for loading dock safety

Dock is a place where trucks or trains holding containers are used for loading and unloading purposes. It is usually a raised horizontal platform where dock levelers and advanced machineries are used. Loading dock restraints are a key component for any successful loading dock business. By adopting loading dock safety measures loading dock can become more secure.

 

There are many organizations that are involved in the loading dock business. The methods and criteria that these companies adopt may differ from each other. However, the basic purpose of providing loading dock services is to develop different ways and usage of advanced machineries which will ensure the safety and security of not only its employers but also of the luggage with improved productivity.

 

Different types of equipment are used in loading docks. Some of them are listed as following:

• Dock levelers: these are the boards that act as a bridge between the dock and the loader truck for a safe and secure loading. The height of this leveler can be adjusted.

 

• Bumpers: these are the basic guide for the truck drivers during reversing their trucks; and bumpers also minimize the chances of any kind of truck damage.

 

• Dock seals: these are foam seals used at the place where the trucks are parked.

 

• Loading dock signal lights: these lights emit signals in the loading and unloading point, and guide the drivers about when to back in and pull out.

 

• Specialized software for loading dock: a complete eye on the loading and unloading activity of the truck can be kept through this advance software.

 

If all the above-mentioned loading dock equipment are used for the loading and unloading purpose under the supervision of experienced workers, then loading docks becomes quite safe.

 

It has been researched through previous experiences that dock is a place that faces maximum accidents. While loading or unloading heavy luggage-holding vehicles, many workerslost their lives because of negligence or inexperienced loading dock restraints. Besides, other types of damages also occur which include mishandling of luggage.

 

Busy loading docks always face different kind of mishaps and accidents. The loading dock safety and security should be the foremost responsibility of the companies running this business.There is a minimum amount of danger in using any kinds of automatic loading dock units.Various manual wheel restraints are also available to avoid any risk. Some of the loading dockrestraints are as following:

• Steel barriers are a more secure type of restraints. These barriers are fixed with a frame to support a trailer’s tire. These barriers are adjustment-free and easily get into the place.
• Besides the steel barriers, articulated spring arms are also used for locating the barrier. When a truck is ready to go one end of the articulated arm extends to the rear tire of the truck,the wheels of the tires get locked in actual position with the help of the barrier and the plate on the rear tire.

 

There are certain safety and control measures that should be adopted in order to avoid any kind of risks that sometimes turn quite fatal. Some of the control measures are as following:

• Signals, lights and barriers are the safety options which must be usedaccurately to overcome any danger.
• The trailer locking system should be active and also should work perfectly.
• Manually operated or automatic locking system for the doors of the loading bay are quite necessary as the doors get locked automatically when receiving red signals.

By applying all the above-mentioned security measures, loading dock can lead to more productivity.

 

Adopting proper loading dock restraints and control measures, loading dock safety becomes quite probable.