Posted on 25th November 2024
We’ve created this loading dock safety checklist using our 20+ years of industry experience, combined with guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Platform and Height Safety
- Is the height of the vehicle platform dock door aligned with the loading bay platform?
Even small height differences can create tripping hazards or make equipment unstable during loading. If there’s a height gap, dock levellers can help bridge it, reducing risk for workers. - Are dock levellers set up correctly to safely bridge height differences?
Dock levellers should be set to a gentle slope and matched to the range of vehicle heights used at your site. This makes it easier to load and unload safely without straining equipment or risking slippage. A quick check of the leveller angle before each use can prevent mishaps. - Are guardrails or other protective measures in place to prevent falls?
Guardrails around the loading dock edge are important for fall protection, especially where drops may be hard to spot. If fencing isn’t feasible, use other safeguards to clearly mark edges, helping workers stay aware of potential fall risks.
Space Around the Loading Dock
- Is there enough room for vehicles and people to move around safely in the loading areas?
Loading docks can quickly get crowded, so it’s important to make sure there’s enough space for vehicles and people to move without risk. Re-evaluate the space if your vehicle types or workflow changes to avoid any new hazards that could arise from overcrowding. - Have you chosen a safe, suitable area for loading and unloading goods?
Positioning the loading zone near staging areas can minimise vehicle movement and reduce congestion. Avoid narrow or tight spaces that may restrict visibility, as these can increase the risk of costly accidents. - Is there plenty of space around the loading bays for vehicles to enter and exit easily?
Make sure each dock has enough clearance for safe vehicle access. Floor markings or mirrors can be useful to guide drivers, especially in tighter spaces or when visibility might be limited.
Access Control
- Are only authorised staff in the loading and unloading zones?
Keeping unauthorised personnel out of loading zones is a simple way to reduce accidents. Signage, barriers, or access controls can help ensure only trained staff enter high-risk areas, and you should keep dock doors closed and locked when not in use. - Does the loading area have a refuge or safe space for pedestrians in case of vehicle movement?
In most loading docks, having a designated safe spot or bolthole for pedestrians is a good idea. Marked refuges give pedestrians a place to retreat to in case of unexpected vehicle movement nearby. - Is there an emergency exit route at each end of wide loading areas?
Emergency exits, including fire exits, should be clearly marked, easy to reach, and free from obstructions. It’s also helpful to ensure everyone knows these routes as part of their safety training.
Employee Protection
- Is the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) available for everyone working in high-risk areas?
PPE should be specific to the tasks at hand—gloves for handling rough materials, high-vis vests in low-light areas, and so on. Regularly inspect PPE for damage and replace anything that doesn’t meet safety standards. - Are all employees handling loading dock tasks trained and confident with the equipment?
Make sure everyone operating equipment is trained and certified, and keep training records up-to-date. Regular refresher courses can help, especially if new equipment or layout changes come into play. - Are there fire extinguishers, an automatic external defibrillator, and a first aid kit available?These should always be in an easily accessible place, and your employees should know how to use them should the need arise.
Risk Assessment and Maintenance
- Have you completed a thorough risk assessment for the loading dock area?
A regular risk assessment helps you catch potential hazards, like blind spots or damaged equipment, before they become serious issues. Keep floors free from tools and debris of any kind, and be sure to update your assessment if workflows change or new equipment is introduced. - Is all equipment and dock structure regularly inspected and well-maintained?
Routine checks of loading dock equipment, especially things dock levellers, are essential. Document each inspection and encourage staff to report any issues right away, rather than waiting for the next scheduled maintenance. - Is visibility good for both drivers and pedestrian traffic around the loading area?
Clear visibility is critical for avoiding accidents, especially in high-traffic areas. Make sure lighting is strong enough for night work, install convex mirrors in blind spots, and train drivers to use them when reversing. - Are any hazards with dock shelters being managed effectively?
Loading dock shelters are a great tool when used correctly, but you’ll need to ensure that they don’t block communication between drivers and staff, trap body parts or create mechanical risks. - Is there a static electricity risk?
Static electricity can build up when transferring materials through hoses or chutes, creating a risk of electric shock, fire, or explosion. Install and maintain earthing points to safely discharge this static and reduce potential hazards.
Staying Compliant: Loading Dock Regulations
Ensuring compliance in your loading dock is essential for both legal requirements and the well-being of your team. The Health and Safety at Work Act requires employers to take all necessary steps to protect employees, creating a safe working environment. On top of this, the 2017 safety standard for powered doors (BS EN 12453:2017) outlines specific guidelines to reduce the risks associated with powered and automated loading dock doors.
At Rapid Industrial Doors, we’re here to make compliance easy.
With extensive industry experience, we install and repair loading dock equipment professionally and with close attention to these safety standards. Our installation approach is built to meet both the Health and Safety at Work Act requirements and BS EN 12453:2017 standards, so you can have peace of mind that your equipment is up to code and safe for everyone using it.
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