22 walking-working surfaces and the ANSI A1264.2-2006 provision for the slip resistance on walking/working surfaces. Other standards that can apply to loading dock safety are slips, trips and falls, which can be found in OSHA. OSHA regulations for machine guarding found in OSHA. See Quick Tips #106: Forklift Operator Training for those requirements. Forklift operators are required to be trained as operators to help in this effort. To ensure a safe loading dock environment, safe operation of forklifts must be maintained. 600 1926.602 and Part II, ANSI B56.1-1969 'American National Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks'. Forklift safety regulations are referenced in the general industry standard. The majority of all regulations for the loading dock environment are directed to the operation and design of forklifts used on loading docks. The OSHA regulation specific to loading dock safety is found in OSHA. When looking at the different operations taking place in a warehouse, distribution center or other unloading operation, loading dock environments can be one of the more hazardous areas. Part of a facility's service or utility infrastructure, loading docks typically provide direct access to staging areas, storage rooms, and freight elevators. Loading docks may be exterior, flush with the building envelope or fully enclosed. They are commonly found in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and other large industrial buildings. A loading dock is typically a recessed pit in a facility where trucks are loaded and unloaded. In most companies, this is the primary location of movement of product coming into and moving out of a facility. Loading dock levelers (sometimes referred to as dock plates or dock boards) are a central point of activity in warehouses and manufacturing facilities. Never allow the service of a dock leveler without using the proper safety equipment. To ensure efficiency and safety in your organisation, you should regularly ensure procedures and practices are followed out at the loading dock zone.Before attempting any repair on a dock leveler, please read the following outline. Loading dock design plays an important part in ensuring the proficient movement of product. However, extra building space is required when using saw tooth dock designs. The trucks require less manoeuvring space because they are already lined up in the “drive way” direction. However, the oncoming roads have to be designed in such a way, that the trucks can leave in the direction of the angle of the dock. Saw tooth line-ups are used when there is limited manoeuvring space. Pull away problems may also arise in harsh weather conditions if the grade of the driveway exceeds 10%. This is so the top of the truck will not hit the wall of the building, as this can lead to the toppling of cargo. Take caution in planning the grade of the driveway, it should not exceed 10%. They are used where building construction eliminates basements and dock level floors.

Depressed Dockĭepressed docks have a sloped driveway. Ideally, these docks should encompass a canopy to limit weather exposure. They are difficult, as they are subject to weather exposure and susceptible to pilferage. Open DockĪlthough required in certain situations, open docks are generally not recommended. A ventilation system is also required and vehicle exhaust pollution needs consideration. This design lacks in occurrence due to high construction costs as well as limited space. This dock design allows the truck to park inside the building or sheltered area during loading. Enclosed DockĮnclosed docks are not overly common but are used when climate control, product protection, security and overhead lift capabilities are required. To prevent wall damage, often the foundation/dock bumper extends 4” beyond the outside wall. In this instance, the face of the dock (foundation) is flush with the outside wall of the building. Flush Dockįlush docks are the most commonly used dock design today. They are the primary location of the movement of product, coming in and out of a facility. Commonly found at manufacturing plants, warehouses and other industrial buildings. Back to Basics:Ī loading dock is a recessed bay in a building, where trucks are loaded and unloaded. This week we will look at five different types of loading docks used within today’s organisations. To maintain productivity, loading docks must be as efficient as the facility they serve. Although there are a number of different types of loading docks, all mark the beginning and end of material flow through a facility. As the link between manufacturing and transportation, and between transportation and storage functions, loading docks perform a crucial function in most warehouses.