Loading dock: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Area of a building where goods are loaded and unloaded}}

{{moreMore footnotes needed|date=June 2014}}

[[File:Modern loading dock.jpg|alt=loading bay|thumb|Modern loading bay with overhead door, dock leveller and dock shelter.]]

A '''loading dock''' or '''loading bay''' is an area of a building where goods vehicles (usually road or rail) are loaded and unloaded. They are commonly found on commercial and industrial buildings, and [[warehouse]]s in particular. Loading docks are part of a facility's service or utility infrastructure, typically providing direct access to [[staging area]]s, storage rooms, and [[freight elevator]]s.<ref name="wbdg">{{cite web |url=http://www.wbdg.org/design/loading_dock.php |title=Whole Building Design Guide: Loading Dock |author=Sophia Greenbaum |publisher=National Institute of Building Sciences |access-date=2008-02-26}}</ref>

[[File:Modern loading dock.jpg|alt=loading bay|300px|thumb|Modern loading bay with overhead door, dock leveller and dock shelter.]]

Loading docks may be exterior, flush with the [[building envelope]], or fully enclosed. They are part of a facility's service or utility infrastructure, typically providing direct access to [[staging area]]s, storage rooms, and [[freight elevator]]s.<ref name="wbdg">{{cite web |url=http://www.wbdg.org/design/loading_dock.php |title=Whole Building Design Guide: Loading Dock |author=Sophia Greenbaum |publisher=National Institute of Building Sciences |access-date=2008-02-26}}</ref>

A '''loading dock''' or '''loading bay''' is an area of a building where goods vehicles (usually road or rail) are loaded and unloaded. They are commonly found on commercial and industrial buildings, and [[warehouse]]s in particular. Loading docks may be exterior, flush with the [[building envelope]], or fully enclosed. They are part of a facility's service or utility infrastructure, typically providing direct access to [[staging area]]s, storage rooms, and [[freight elevator]]s.<ref name="wbdg">{{cite web |urlauthor=http://www.wbdg.org/design/loading_dock.phpSophia Greenbaum |title=Whole Building Design Guide: Loading Dock |authorurl=Sophiahttp://www.wbdg.org/design/loading_dock.php Greenbaum|access-date=2008-02-26 |publisher=[[National Institute of Building Sciences |access-date=2008-02-26]]}}</ref>

==Basics==

[[File:Loading dock.jpg|thumb|right|Truck loading dock with overhead door, dock leveler, dock seals, canopy, indicator lights, and truck restraint system]]

In order to facilitate [[material handling]], loading docks may be equipped with the following:<ref name="wbdg" />:

* Bumpers – protect the dock from truck damage, may also be used as a guide by the truck driver when backing up.

* Dock leveler – a height-adjustable platform used as a [[dock plate|bridge between dock and truck]], can be operated via mechanical ([[Spring (device)|spring]]), [[Hydraulics|hydraulic]], or [[Pneumatics|air powered]] systems.

* Dock lift – serves the same function as a leveler, but operates similar to a [[Aerial work platform#Scissor|scissor lift]] to allow for greater height adjustments.

* Dock seals or dock shelters – compressible foam blocks against which the truck presses when parked; seals are used at exterior truck bays in colder climates, where this will provide protection from the weather.

* Truck or vehicle restraint system – a strong metal hook mounted to the base of the dock which will hook to the frame or bumper of a trailer and prevents it from rolling away during loading operations, can be operated via manual, hydraulic, or electrical systems; this system can replace or work in conjunction with [[Chock (wheel)|wheel chocks]].

* Dock light – a movable articulating light mounted inside the dock used to provide lighting inside the truck during loading operations.

* Indicator lights that- show truck drivers when to back in or pull out.

* Loading dock software – provides a method for tracking and reporting on the loading dock activity.

*Side Shift,shift - the truck dock is equipped with a side shift facility to enable accurate aligning of the roller deck with the truck. This facility includes two hydraulic cylinder assemblies, one at the front and one at the rear end of the dock, and enables a left/right movement.

Warehouses that handle [[pallet]]ized freight use a dock leveler, so items can be easily loaded and unloaded using power moving equipment (e.g. a [[forklift]]). When a truck backs into such a loading dock, the [[Bumper (automobile)|bumpers]] on the loading dock and the bumpers on the trailer come into contact but may leave a gap; also, the warehouse floor and the trailer deck may not be horizontally aligned. In North

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==Loading zone==

In different parts of the world, a section of a public or private road may be allocated for loading goods or persons, at specific or at all times. There are parking signs and/or road markings to warn motorists of parking regulations. These areas are known as '''loading zones''' or '''loading bays''' in many jurisdictions. They are generally monitored by [[parking inspector]]s, and vehicles found to be violating the rules can be [[towing|towed]] or [[Fine (penalty)|fined]].<ref>[http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/services/parking-regulations/on-street-parking-changes/ On Street Parking Changes ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111142642/http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/services/parking-regulations/on-street-parking-changes/ |date=November 11, 2013 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.tfl.gov.uk/microsites/freight/parking_and_loading.aspx Parking and Loading ] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228154935/http://www.tfl.gov.uk/microsites/freight/parking_and_loading.aspx |date=February 28, 2014 }}</ref>

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Loading docks can be hazardous areas with risks of falls, vehicle collisions, and equipment-related injuries. Implementing comprehensive safety measures is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure worker well-being. Key safety practices include:

==Safety==

There are many ways to prevent an accident at a loading dock. Different forms of safety preparation include dock lights, back-up lights, trailer restraints, wheel chocks, Heavy Duty Rising Roller Barrier, safety gates and safety netting. There are many online courses for safety training, and it is very important to regularly audit equipment, making sure that it is correctly assembled and in good working order.<br>

* Securing the area: Install guardrails to prevent falls from the dock edge, safety gates to control access to the loading area, and vehicle restraints to prevent trailer creep or premature departure.

* Enhancing visibility: Provide adequate lighting for clear sightlines, especially during nighttime operations. Use clear markings to designate pedestrian walkways and forklift zones. Install indicator lights to signal drivers when it is safe to approach or depart the dock.

* Maintaining equipment: Regularly inspect and maintain all loading dock equipment, including dock levelers, vehicle restraints, and forklift trucks, to ensure they are in good working order.

* Using [[personal protective equipment]] (PPE): Require workers to wear high-visibility vests to improve their visibility to forklift operators and drivers. Mandate safety footwear to protect against foot injuries and gloves for handling equipment and materials.

* Training workers: Provide comprehensive training on loading dock safety procedures, including safe forklift operation, proper use of equipment, and emergency protocols.

* Communicating clearly: Establish clear communication protocols between dock workers, forklift operators, and truck drivers to ensure coordinated and safe operations.

By prioritizing these safety measures, loading dock operators can create a safer working environment and minimize the risk of accidents.

==Components of Loading Docks==

A loading dock leveler is a piece of equipment which is typically mounted to the exterior dock face or recessed into a pit at a loading dock. Commonly referred to as “bridging the gap”, a dock leveler allows for the movement of [[Forklift|industrial vehicles]] (e.g. Forkliftsforklifts, Pallet-Jacks[[pallet jack]]s) between a building and a [[Semi-trailer truck|transport vehicle]]. Because of the different heights and sizes of many freight and semi-trucks, a dock leveler is an all-encompassing fixed solution{{solution-buzzword inline|date=October 2019}} to fit varying transports, capacities and budgets. <br>

'''

A loading dock leveler is a piece of equipment which is typically mounted to the exterior dock face or recessed into a pit at a loading dock. Commonly referred to as “bridging the gap”, a dock leveler allows for the movement of [[Forklift|industrial vehicles]] (e.g. Forklifts, Pallet-Jacks) between a building and a [[Semi-trailer truck|transport vehicle]]. Because of the different heights and sizes of many freight and semi-trucks, a dock leveler is an all-encompassing fixed solution{{solution-inline|date=October 2019}} to fit varying transports, capacities and budgets. <br>

Although there are many different types of dock levelers<ref>[http://www.mhi.org/free/36748 various applications]</ref> many share common components:

* Dock: Area of a warehouse or building where loading/unloading of transport vehicles takes place.

* Dock Pitpit: Recessed opening in the building’sbuilding's floor which accommodates the pit-style dock leveler. Pits are commonly lined along the edges with reinforcing steel angles that are embedded in concrete.

* Shim: Steel plates used to help level pit-mounted dock levelers. Shims may be placed under the frame structure and welded in place to provide a structural load path to the foundation of the building .

* Frame: Supporting structure of a dock leveler .

* Deck: The deck assembly is the most visual aspect of the loading dock leveler. Driven and walked over often, most decks have an anti-skid surface such as a tread plate to provide traction at the various working angles. The deck assembly pivots at the back end furthest from the transport vehicle (or, more commonly, the dock door opening).

* Lip: The lip assembly is pivotally attached to the deck assembly at the end closest to the transport. Often stored when the leveler is not in use, or sometimes used as barrier protection for an industrial vehicle, the lip pivots from a vertical stored position onto the bed of the transport vehicle’svehicle's floor. Lips are operated either manually, by pull chain, or hydraulically with an electric pump driving a piston to lift the plate and move the lip.

* Toe Guardguard: Protective shield mounted flush to the side of a dock assembly in order to prevent toe and foot injuries while dock leveler is above dockthe dock.

* Activation Systemsystem: Providing the motive power of the dock leveler, these systems can be mechanical (springs) pneumatic (air bladders) or hydraulic. They may or may not require external power interfaces, depending on the type of leveler.

* Bumpers: Help to prevent the transport vehicle from contacting and damaging the exterior of the building, dock leveler or vehicle restraint. Commonly made from rubber, they range in size, projection and are based on vehicles serviced among other factors.

A flexible, less-expensive alternative to a Loadingloading Dockdock Levelerleveler is a [[Dockdock plate|Dock Plate]] or '''Dockdock Board'''board. Often more portable and not fixed to a dock or transport vehicle, dock plates and dock boards and metal ramps which help bridge the gap between dock and truck. Dock Platesplates are commonly made out of aluminum and suited for lighter loads, such as handcars or dollies. Dock Boardsboards are generally made out of steel and suited for heavier loads such as motorized equipment or electric pallet jacks.

==References==

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*{{Commons category-inline|Loading bays}}

* [http://www.mhi.org/lodem Loading Dock Equipment Manufacturers (LODEM)]

* [https://wiki.openstreetmap.org/wiki/Proposed_features/Loading_dock_details#Voting Loading Dock Dimensional Tags]

[[Category:Freight transport]]