We offer a variety of robust and durable loading docks to facilitate your loading and unloading process. Our docks are designed to bridge the gap between delivery trucks and the bumper of your warehouse dock to withstand frequent transfers of goods. Although our docks are equipped with an assortment of security features to ensure reliable use, it is important to ensure the safety of your employees and your business by ensuring that you are using the correct shipyard protocol. Here are five tips for ensuring proper safety and handling at the shipyard.
Make Sure Your Dockboard can Support the Weight
Before each use, you must make sure that your dock is capable of supporting the maximum expected load. This includes not only the weight of the load, but also handling equipment such as forklifts and the employees who will handle this equipment. We recommend that you determine the minimum capacity of your dock by multiplying by three the capacity of the vehicle with the largest capacity to use.
Inspect Your Dockboard Before Each Use
Treat each loading experience as if you were using the dockboard for the first time. Carefully inspect your dock to make sure it is safe to use. This includes checking for any signs of damage, including cracks, missing nuts or bolts, defective span feet/latches, or disfigured side edges. If you encounter a problem during your inspection, DO NOT use the dock.
Prepare The Loading Area
Have you taken measures to secure the unloading area? Make sure the dock is centered and the locking legs and large bolts are secure. In addition, dock boards should only be used when the wheel chocks / dock locks and truck / trailer retainers are in place, otherwise the truck and trailer may move during loading.
Ensure Your Dockboard is the Proper Size
We offer a variety of dock boards to match the specifications of your dock. To determine the correct length of your dock, you will need to know the height differential (highest trailer height minus dock height) and the type of loading equipment used. Using our plate and dock selection guide, match your height differential to our list of minimum lengths. Regarding width, we recommend that a dock is at least 12 inches wider than the total width of the equipment or pallet used, as wider planks increase maneuverability.
Don’t Try To Lift it By Yourself
Dock boards are fairly heavy equipment, and for this reason workers should never try to move a dock by themselves. For this reason, it is best to follow the buddy system and use team lifting techniques to avoid injury. Many gratings are equipped with lifting handles to facilitate manual lifting and some even have to look up for lifting by forklift. We offer a variety of lifting accessories such as lifting chains, forklift buckles and notched pockets.
Difference Between a Dockboard and a Dock Plate?