Loading Docks and Warehouses

Objective:

To be able to recognize loading dock and warehouse hazards.

Trainer's Note:

Walk through the workplace and discuss the various locations or jobs where accidents may occur. Encourage the employees to point out potential accident sites. Below are some common hazards and prevention tips.

Background

Powered industrial lift trucks are widely used. Two common, serious accidents involving powered industrial trucks are:

• Backing off of the dock.
• Overturns (turning too fast with the wheels too close to the edge of the dock).

Improper and irregular stacking of materials causes accidents. Failure to "tie in" stacked boxes or cartons, and piling stock too high causes the stock to fall. Make sure that stacked materials do not block the sprinkler system.

Double check to ensure that the brakes of the highway truck are set and the rear wheels are chocked (Refer to Chock and Block module). Chocking the rear wheels keeps the trailer from moving away from the dock upon entry with the lift truck.

Tips for working on the docks:

• Be alert when working on the dock.
• Don't speed, watch out for other trucks and workers.
• Look for boxes, cartons, drums, crates or skids that are not in their proper places. Also watch for items that extend beyond the aisles.
• Follow established traffic lines and storage boundary lines.
• Be especially alert for overhead hazards, like pipes, structural members, lights, door casings, or high cable wires and signs.

Know where fire extinguishers are located and what type of extinguisher to use on different types of fires (Refer to Fire Extinguisher Training Module). Follow rules regarding the handling and storage of flammable materials. Pay attention to the U.S. Department of Transportation official warning signs and symbols on containers.

Review the Following Points

• Be alert on the dock.
• Stack materials properly.
• Follow all established traffic lanes and storage boundary lines.
• Know where all fire extinguishers and fire alarm boxes are located.
• Be aware of overhead hazards, like pipes, structural members, lights, door casings, or high cable wires and signs.

Loading Docks and Warehouses Quiz

True or False

1. Injuries are caused by the improper and irregular stacking of materials on the dock and at the warehouse.	T	F
2. Follow established traffic lanes and storage boundary lines.	T	F
3. It is not important to chock the wheels of trailers at docks for loading or unloading.	T	F
4. It is important for all employees to know where to locate a fire extinguisher.	T	F
5. It is not important to keep the work area clutter free.	T	F

Answer Key
1. T, 2. T, 3. F, 4. T, 5. F

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