The security at the doors of the ramps of the reception and boarding areas
By Jake Stewart
Warehouse reception areas are some of the busiest places in a supply chain. Due to the variables involved with receiving, such as unknown personnel (truck drivers) in your warehouse, the irregularity of goods received, and changing storage needs after receiving the product, this area in any operation can be very difficult to standardize. . Amid the controlled chaos of a reception area, open dock doors that are not actively used to unload a truck pose particular risks to forklift operators and pedestrians. Lack of knowledge of open doors can lead to dangerous situations that could probably be prevented. Remembering a few important points about dock door security could help increase security while maintaining the highest possible efficiency.
Reminders for dock and / or ramp door safety.
As an operator, you can easily back up even when distracted.
Even if you don't see them in front of you, the open doors of the pier are still there. It is a great danger if while operating a forklift to handle material in the receiving area, an operator backs up through an open door. Remember that being aware of what is behind you is key to keeping your dock door secure. Some dock levelers can be upgraded to automatically fold into a protective barrier to help prevent the possibility of backing up.
As a pedestrian, you can easily fall if you don't take proper precautions.
OSHA standards require that a wall opening with a drop of more than 4 feet must be chained, cordoned off, or blocked. If this precaution is not taken, distracted pedestrians could exit the open docks, possibly injured and left vulnerable in a busy reception area where trucks enter and exit. While ropes or chains meet OSHA requirements for locking, heavy duty safety barriers can also be purchased.
As a pedestrian and operator, you can easily forget that trucks will eventually cover the doors.
Dock doors are places where the product moves quickly. Not all workers in an environment will know exactly when a truck will arrive. When working around a dock gate, you must remember that truck containers are going to enter those spaces, and drivers will not always have the best visibility when backing up. Therefore, it is the responsibility of forklift operators and pedestrians to stay clear when container trucks or semi-trailers are arriving.
Jake Stewart Digital Content Writer, Toyota Material Handling, USA
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