Benefits of Loading Dock Vehicle Restraints
Loading docks can be a dangerous work environment. This is because the activities that go on around the loading dock area can be quite risky for workers, truck drivers, dock attendants, technicians, etc. Logistics have become very fast-paced these days with trucks coming and going all the time, there is no room for mistakes. That is why there are many safety regulations in place for the protection of workers and property. One of these best practices is the loading dock vehicle restraint, which helps keep the truck and other vehicles in place while cargo is being loaded or unloaded.
To learn more about loading dock safety rules and regulations check out OSHA Loading Dock Requirements.
If you run a commercial facility and have to deal with loading and unloading trucks daily, installing vehicle restraints is important to help minimize the chance of an accident due to early departure. A vehicle restraint allows you to keep your vehicle in place so that it doesn’t move away from the dock until it is safe to do so. Careless parking, vehicle creep, or unscheduled truck departures can happen even in the safest of environments. But by installing a vehicle restraint system you will reduce the risk of costly equipment damage and physical injury while increasing your productivity.
Benefits of Truck Restraints
– They are a more secure alternative to wheel chocks, which are a cheaper more common solution to prevent vehicle creep, but they are easy to misplace and do not have the force that a truck restraint has.
– Vehicle restraints are very versatile and can be used for a wide variety of trucks and trailers.
– They improve driver and worker safety by preventing:
- Early truck departure
- Trailer creep
- Forklift fall-off can happen if the truck creeps away from the dock and causes a gap between the dock and the loading truck.
Many truck restraints can integrate a stop-and-go communication light system to add another level of safety for workers.
Providing sufficient safety options around your loading dock area will help reduce the risk of a costly accident. They add an extra layer of safety for anyone that is around the loading dock area, and they will be thankful the truck restraints are there.
Types of Vehicle Restraints
With every loading dock being different, there is an important benefit of vehicle restraints, with that being they are entirely customizable. The most common type is the face-mount restraint, which sits right on the outside of the loading dock. Recessed pit vehicle restraints are kept in a pit underneath the dock leveler and are put into place when necessary.
Hydraulic Vehicle Restraints– this type uses hydraulic cylinders to power the unit. An internal automatic pressure switch keeps the arm of the restraint locked in position while in operation. Dock attendants use a control panel to operate the arm.
Electric Vehicle Restraints– these use an electro-mechanical hook. This restraint also uses a touch control system to engage and disengage the arm. Hooks are great for vehicles that may have a damaged or bent rearguard.
Mechanical Vehicle Restraints– these are manually operated by dock attendants. For efficiency and ease of operation, they don’t require power. Mechanical vehicle restraints are the most economical type.
The Benefits of loading dock vehicle restraints: In Conclusion
As we have outlined today, there are many Benefits of loading dock vehicle restraints. Vehicle restraints are critical to prevent many dangers such as trailer tip-overs, landing gear collapses, trailer creep or separation, or unprepared departures. Here at Speed Tech Equipment, we offer several types of these restraints including mechanical, hydraulic low-profile, and leveler restraints.
If you’re in the market for upgrading your current loading dock vehicle restraints check out our selection of Nordock Vehicle Restraints or Contact Us with any questions you might have!