Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Dock Equipments
OPTIONS TO IMPROVE DOCK SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY
Your design for an efficient and safe dock operation requires additional devices other than the dock type or bridge device to reduce the height differential between the dock and the truck. These devices and areas are in front of and behind of the dock door.
(1) Standard Pull-chain mechanical Dock Leveler
The pull-chain mechanical dock leveler is the most common type used for connecting the gap between the dock and the trailer for adjustment of height differences. It is important to know the weight capacity of the dock levelers to make sure it is of safe height range. A regularly scheduled preventative maintenance is to be performed on dock levelers.
(2) Hydraulic Dock Leveler
A step up from the mechanical dock leveler, the hydraulic dock leveler uses an electric pump and hydraulic cylinder to engage/disengage the dock leveler. This operates from a remote switch which is generally mounted on the wall next to a high volume dock which will benefit from this automation.
(3) Truck Restraint: ICC Bar Type
The most dangerous aspects of loading and unloading trailers is trailer creep caused by a lift truck entering and exiting the trailer or when a driver starts to pull away from the dock while he is still loading. The ICC Bar type restraints automatically engage the rear impact guard on the trailer when it backs into the dock. After the trailer is loaded/unloaded, the restraint is disengaged via a control panel.
(4) Truck Restraint: Automatic Wheel Type
Automated truck restraint system is a wheel type system which engages the rear wheels of the trailer.
(5) Truck Restraint: Others
There are numerous variations on wheel chocks and wheel restraint devices. A wheel chock provides several improvements, including a skid plate that locks the chock in place and sensors that connect to signaling devices.
(6) Dock Leveler with Safety Barrier
This dock leveler has a built in steel barrier which prevents the lift truck from going over the edge of the dock when the leveler is not engaged onto a trailer.
(7) Elevating Docks
Elevating docks are used where a raised dock is not available. They operate via an electric pump and a hydraulic lift cylinder. They are used with a hand pallet jack to unload trucks.
(8) Dock Seals
Dock seals come in a variety of configurations used to prevent air, dirt, debris, insects, birds, and rain/snow from entering the building while loading and unloading trucks.
(9) Dock Shelters
Dock shelters conserve energy and improve dock security. The dock shelter is a fixed-frame structure or flexible-frame structure with a head curtain that extends outward from the building. The two sides of the frame hang onto the delivery trailer sides and roof and conform to the rear door of the delivery trailer or truck.
(10) Signaling Devices
Signaling devices are useful especially in high volume dock areas. They are used to indicate the correct dock to back into and signal the lift truck operator that it is safe to enter the trailer (automatically checking truck restraining devices and dock levelers).
(11) Dock Lights
Dock lights are adjustable, movable devices that provide light into the interior of the delivery truck. The dock light consists of a single lamp that has a flexible arm which reaches to the side and upper portion of the trailer rear door. Most dock light arms are located between two truck doors and service both dock doors. Some dock light arms provide light to a single dock door. Lockable screens protect the lamp from damage and pilferage.
OPTIONS TO IMPROVE DOCK SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY
Your design for an efficient and safe dock operation requires additional devices other than the dock type or bridge device to reduce the height differential between the dock and the truck. These devices and areas are in front of and behind of the dock door.
(1) Standard Pull-chain mechanical Dock Leveler
The pull-chain mechanical dock leveler is the most common type used for connecting the gap between the dock and the trailer for adjustment of height differences. It is important to know the weight capacity of the dock levelers to make sure it is of safe height range. A regularly scheduled preventative maintenance is to be performed on dock levelers.
(2) Hydraulic Dock Leveler
A step up from the mechanical dock leveler, the hydraulic dock leveler uses an electric pump and hydraulic cylinder to engage/disengage the dock leveler. This operates from a remote switch which is generally mounted on the wall next to a high volume dock which will benefit from this automation.
(3) Truck Restraint: ICC Bar Type
The most dangerous aspects of loading and unloading trailers is trailer creep caused by a lift truck entering and exiting the trailer or when a driver starts to pull away from the dock while he is still loading. The ICC Bar type restraints automatically engage the rear impact guard on the trailer when it backs into the dock. After the trailer is loaded/unloaded, the restraint is disengaged via a control panel.
(4) Truck Restraint: Automatic Wheel Type
Automated truck restraint system is a wheel type system which engages the rear wheels of the trailer.
(5) Truck Restraint: Others
There are numerous variations on wheel chocks and wheel restraint devices. A wheel chock provides several improvements, including a skid plate that locks the chock in place and sensors that connect to signaling devices.
(6) Dock Leveler with Safety Barrier
This dock leveler has a built in steel barrier which prevents the lift truck from going over the edge of the dock when the leveler is not engaged onto a trailer.
(7) Elevating Docks
Elevating docks are used where a raised dock is not available. They operate via an electric pump and a hydraulic lift cylinder. They are used with a hand pallet jack to unload trucks.
(8) Dock Seals
Dock seals come in a variety of configurations used to prevent air, dirt, debris, insects, birds, and rain/snow from entering the building while loading and unloading trucks.
(9) Dock Shelters
Dock shelters conserve energy and improve dock security. The dock shelter is a fixed-frame structure or flexible-frame structure with a head curtain that extends outward from the building. The two sides of the frame hang onto the delivery trailer sides and roof and conform to the rear door of the delivery trailer or truck.
(10) Signaling Devices
Signaling devices are useful especially in high volume dock areas. They are used to indicate the correct dock to back into and signal the lift truck operator that it is safe to enter the trailer (automatically checking truck restraining devices and dock levelers).
(11) Dock Lights
Dock lights are adjustable, movable devices that provide light into the interior of the delivery truck. The dock light consists of a single lamp that has a flexible arm which reaches to the side and upper portion of the trailer rear door. Most dock light arms are located between two truck doors and service both dock doors. Some dock light arms provide light to a single dock door. Lockable screens protect the lamp from damage and pilferage. :)
7:27 AM