Door Industry Journal - Summer 2019

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 10 THE door industry journal summer 2019 Industry News Safety matters The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) emphasises the importance of taking measures to ensure that loading areas are as safe as possible, all of which should be considered at the specification process. With this in mind, Phil Clark, Industrial Service Manager at Hörmann UK discusses the importance of pre- emptive measures to ensure the safety of loading technology operators. There are several significant factors that should considered when specifying loading technology as this type of equipment will require careful management and a stringent servicing plan in place to prevent unsafe breakdowns. These include the frequency of heavy goods vehicles arriving and using the facilities, the number of staff, working both internally and externally, and finally the safety risks that come with loading and unloading heavy goods and pallets from vehicles to the warehouse. Loading bay accidents can have serious implications, whether these occur through human error, misuse of the technology or a mechanical fault. To avoid these, warehouse managers must assess the safety of the equipment at the initial stages of the specification process, to ensure the technology installed is secure and fit for purpose. For warehouses that caters for fleets of trucks with identical loading heights it is essential to ensure all dock levellers fulfil the requirements that are stipulated in EN1398. This includes planning of the dock height so that there is minimal height difference between the loading surface of the vehicles. It is here that the installation of a mechanical dock leveller can provide greater safety as its steel construction and anti-twist platform compensates for lorry tilting, even if loads are not distributed evenly. With a standard rated load of 60kN, the dock levellers are able to meet most demands and offer an economical solution for situations that require loading technology that is able to withstand frequent usage. Dock levellers are manufactured with reliable hydraulics with two lifting cylinders and cylinder for the lip. These are equipped with stop valves that are able to secure the dock leveller safely and quickly. This is a particularly important preventative measure, which offers extra safety so that instances where trucks might drive away while a load is still on the platform, the dock leveller is still secure. Furthermore, bascule bridges that have been constructed using corrosion-resistant aluminium can also be used to manage small to medium height differences. They can be used by one person, which minimises the potential for safety risks to occur. In instances where there is a larger height difference between the ramp and the truck, hydraulic dock levellers are available with a hinged lip or as a telescopic dock leveller. This should be specified in order to bridge the differences between the ramp and the truck’s loading level. Additionally, extra attention should be given to air pockets, which may form in the area below the edge bracket, this may weaken the connection of the dock leveller to the building’s structure. Dock levellers with ventilation holes in the edge bracket should therefore be specified to ensure the air is released in the sealing process. For increased anti-slip requirements (class R11 according to DIN 51130), additional anti-slip costing can be applied onto the moulding material, ensuring that even in case of damage, the dock levellers continue to be compliant with the anti-slip requirements of EN 1398. Additional features, such as preventing operation of the dock leveller when no vehicle is detected and wheel locks to eliminate the possibility of creepage are all designed to increase overall safety and should be considered, particularly at the specification stage. Following installation, all loading technology must be regularly serviced in order to ensure that parts are compliant and do not jeopardise the safety of those working with the technology. It is essential that servicing is carried out at least twice a year by experienced and qualified engineers if the dock levellers are in high use. While there are a variety of practices that should be adhered to when operating loading technology, safety begins at the initial specification stage. Taking a proactive approach to a site’s design and unique requirements, warehouse managers can ensure they are staying compliant, while also protecting staff through the installation of robust and innovative loading technology. For further information on Hörmann UK’s loading technology, call 01530 516850 or visit: https://www.hormann.co.uk/industry-commerce-and-public-authorities/loading-technology .