Improving Loading Dock Operations & Safety
If you have a truck or loading dock in your business, you know how important it is for the flow through the dock to be smooth and timely but it also needs to be safe. There are many dedicated pieces of equipment that can help you keep things moving efficiently through the dock. Keeping product moving out of the dock and supplies coming in is important so here are a few things to consider.
Dock Plates and Dock Boards
Large plates made from aluminum or steel, a dock plate or dock board is designed to bridge the gap between the dock and the trailer. When the trailer is in the dock, the plate allows forklifts or pallet jacks to easily and safely move in and out of the dock. The load range on most dock plates will fall between 8000 and 40,000 pounds capacity so you will need to select the one that best fits your needs.
Dock Lights for Improved Visibility
Working inside the trailer is difficult if you can't see what you are doing. One way to help cure this problem is to use a dock light. These lights are mounted on an arm near the dock door and can be swung into position so they cast light into the trailer. They are very bright and can help people working in the trailer when ready labels or identifying specific boxes is required. If your company works with food, you will need lights that use plastic or Lexan lenses in them because glass is prohibited near food items.
Traffic Systems and Signals
One great way to improve the communication between truck drivers and dock works is the addition of a dock signal system. The signal is mounted outside the dock and is a red and green light that can be controlled from inside the building. The signal will let the driver outside know when it is okay to either back a trailer into the dock door or if it okay to pull the trailer that is in the door away from the dock. The universal red and green is easy to understand and will reduce the possibility of a trailer being moved when it should not be. A system like this can improve the safety on your dock as well as making things run smoother.
Truck Wheel Chocks
Once a trailer is placed in a door for loading or unloading, placing a set of wheel chocks in front and behind the tires will help keep the trailer from moving. Trailer wheel chocks are large wedges made from aluminum or high strength plastic and can be stored outside the dock so a driver can position them when the place the trailer in the dock door. They improve safety for anyone working in the trailer and take just a second to put in place.
To learn more, contact companies like American Material Handling, Inc.