Poor Maintenance Of The Dock Area Can Contribute To An Accident.
The dock area, whether one dock or several, is an important part of daily warehouse production. Because it is exposed to heavy equipment, product and seasonal weather, scheduling dock maintenance helps keep your area in safe working condition.
3 Dock Maintenance Issues To Address
Missing Toe Guards
Toe guards are located on the sides of a dock leveler with a purpose is to eliminate a “pinch point” for an employee’s foot as the dock leveler moves down. For older dock leveler models, the toe guard may not have been a standard feature. In other cases, the toe guard was damaged and bent, preventing the dock leveler to operate. Instead of replacing the toe guard, an employee may remove it to continue production.
Lack Of Footstep Or Handle
When operating manual dock doors, always use a footstep or handle to open or close the door. Using ropes tied to hinges or rollers can cause damage and misalignment. These unapproved methods not only strain the operator but can also lead to the door becoming misaligned over time, reducing efficiency and safety.
Broken Dock Restraint Lights
Vehicle restraint systems, which lock the truck’s trailer into place, use a “red light – green light” system to signal when a forklift may load and unload the trailer. Broken lights create a risk for bad communication and the truck driver may drive away from the dock prematurely.
Upgrades For A Safer, More Reliable Warehouse Dock
A warehouse dock is the bridge used to move product from the warehouse to the customer. Therefore, it’s important to any business that it is safe, sturdy, and reliable. Beyond the basics, which upgrades for the dock should you choose?
3 Upgrades For The Warehouse Dock
Hydraulic Dock Leveler
A hydraulic dock leveler offers a push-button solution, while a standard mechanical dock leveler requires manual activation with a pull chain. With the hydraulic option, a single button raises the leveler, extends the lip, and positions the platform, while another button closes it. You can upgrade to a hydraulic dock leveler using a conversion kit, avoiding the need for entirely new equipment. Hydraulic dock levelers are more reliable and longer-lasting, as they don't have chains and springs that can go out of adjustment, and they improve employee ergonomics by eliminating manual tasks.
Vehicle Restraint with Light Communication System
The most common accident at warehouse docks is a semi-driver’s unscheduled departure, which can put forklift operators at risk of falling off the dock or being trapped in a moving trailer. Vehicle restraints are a significant upgrade from wheel chocks, securing the semi to prevent unintended movement. These restraints reduce trailer "creep" during loading, and adding lights enhances communication with drivers. The outdoor lights signal the driver with red for "stop" and green for "go," while indoor lights indicate to the forklift operator whether the restraint is properly engaged.
Dock Seals and Shelters
Dock seals and shelters are a cost-efficient upgrade and are compatible to most trailers. With placement on docks and the exterior of the building, seals and shelters help to lower energy costs by preventing loss of warm or cool air from inside the building. Employees are also protected from weather conditions and insects are deterred from entering the warehouse.
ProLift can support your maintenance and repairs on loading dock equipment - and when it's time for replacement, our warehouse solutions sales consultants are available.
