Winter in Northeastern Pennsylvania can be long and challenging. So with springtime comes the desire for warmer temperatures and all things outdoors. It’s also the perfect time to take a look at the effects of winter weather on your loading dock and commercial door equipment.
In manufacturing plants, warehouses, and distribution centers, the loading dock is the center of activity—the hub for loading and unloading goods. In any operation, the loading dock has the potential to be a dangerous area and is often neglected. Since 25% of all reported warehouse injuries occur at the loading dock, it’s an area that requires attention. Following strict safety procedures is vital to keeping your employees safe. See OSHA’s Loading & Unloading Overview. (1)
It’s also a good practice to inspect your dock equipment regularly and take action on any needed repairs. Here are some basics and what to look for.
- Seals – Maintaining your dock seals helps preserve internal temperatures for better energy efficiency. Also, a proper dock seal protects your products from outside contaminants like water, dust, and dirt. And let’s not forget about pests. Seal the gaps to keep pests like bugs, birds, and mice out. They are unhealthy, unsanitary, and can be a huge distraction to your workers. If the foam core is visible on the side or head pads, or if you have ripped seams or tears, it is time to call someone to repair or replace your dock seal.
- Bumpers – Damaged and worn bumpers are the most common problem on the loading dock. It’s essential to keep your dock bumpers in good condition because they protect the dock from damage caused by trucks. Also, they can serve as a guide for the truck driver when backing up into the loading bay. Look for worn and damaged bumpers. If your dock bumpers are in poor condition, you need to repair or replace them, as damage to the dock will ultimately cost your company more money.
- Levelers – A dock leveler serves as the bridge between your dock and the truck. Make sure they are in tip-top shape and operating correctly to accommodate forklifts that are moving product in and out. Observe whether your dock leveler extends slowly or unevenly. This situation limits productivity and is aggravating to drivers and dock workers. It creates a situation that could lead to serious injury. We recommend servicing your dock levelers at least once a year, or more often, depending on their usage volume.
- Lifts – A dock lift serves the same purpose as a leveler but operates similarly to a scissor lift, allowing for more significant height adjustments. Like dock levelers, regular inspection is warranted. A good maintenance routine will help to keep your loading dock running smoothly, more efficiently, and make it safer for everyone.
To conclude, your loading dock area is a complete system where all the components work together to keep the outside out and the inside in. Always keep the area dry, maintain a clutter-free zone, and clean up spills for safety reasons. And if you see any damage to your equipment, take quick action to correct the problem.
You can trust the Action Lift Dock & Door Division for inspections, repairs, and installations of high-quality equipment. We proudly represent Kelley, Blue Giant, Armarr, and Wayne Dalton Commercial Doors. Contact us today for a no-obligation inspection.