The loading bay has long been considered one of the most dangerous areas of the warehouse. And with good reason – a combination of moving vehicles, raised platforms and time-pressured staff mean the docking area can be home to multiple safety hazards.

Unloading

Most businesses have procedures in place to reduce the chances of an accident, but even with thorough training, operational safety can still be open to human error. While eliminating danger entirely is not possible, loading bay technology can play a significant role in minimising risk.

Hörmann’s intelligent docking systems are proving increasingly popular in busy warehouses, where operations need to be both safe and fast moving. Benefitting from built-in sensors that recognise the position of a vehicle, these systems can be connected to traffic light signals to warn the driver of the distance between the rear of the trailer and the dock buffers.

Traffic lights on both sides of the loading bay door can also be used to advise drivers and workers when it is safe to load, unload or move the vehicle, and control systems can be programmed to ensure activity takes place in the correct sequence. For example, some systems prevent the door from opening until the vehicle is properly docked and the wheel chocks are securely in place.

With the loading bay potentially open to the elements, it is also important to consider slip hazards from rainwater run-off. Inflatable curtains can help to reduce this risk, especially if they are installed as part of a sequenced system that prevents the door from opening until the curtain has fully inflated.

Hormann-Standard-Logo---LargeDock levellers are also extremely valuable for reducing loading bay hazards. Hydraulic systems with two or more legs will offer more stability than single lift designs, bearing uneven weights more securely, while an anti-twist platform will help to compensate for any lorry tilting.

Regular maintenance and inspection should not be forgotten. Keeping up with service schedules will ensure that equipment is up to scratch and should flag any potential problems before they become safety hazards. After all, well-kept equipment is unlikely to fail.

Hörmann is working with warehouse operations across the country to reduce risks and develop safer, more efficient loading bays. The manufacturer provides a complete service, from initial consultation through to design, installation and long-term maintenance support.

Tel: 01530 513000

Email: info@hormann.co.uk

www.hormann.co.uk

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