Portable loading docks allow various facilities to enhance their material handling and logistics processes due to their reliable design and simple functionality. While most high-quality portable loading ramps are designed to provide optimal safety in a variety of environments, there are several safety hazards that all operators should be aware of. As a leading manufacturer of high-quality portable loading ramps, the team at Dura-Ramp knows that being aware of these hazards is the first step toward properly handling them. That is why they have provided a list of common loading ramp safety hazards to inform operators and help them stay safe.
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3 Loading Ramp Safety Hazards and How to Handle Them
The following hazards are among the most common when using a portable loading ramp:
1. Gaps Between the Ramp and Vehicle/Trailer
Ramps must be completely secured to the vehicle or trailer that needs to be loaded/unloaded. Failure to perform this task can lead to gaps between the ramp and the vehicle, massively increasing the risk of property damage, dropped products, damaged equipment, and operator injury. Failing to secure the ramp can also cause it to slip or move during operation, further increasing the risk of an accident. A loading ramp can be safely attached to a trailer or vehicle via dock overlap strips, transition plates, or an integrated dock leveler, so it is crucial to ensure that your ramp has one of these features.
2. Slippery Surfaces
Rain, snow, and ice can drastically reduce traction for forklifts and other wheeled equipment like pallet jacks, especially as they move up or down a loading ramp. While mild rain is typically safe to operate in, snow and ice can be extremely hazardous as they can cause forklifts to slide down the ramp or off the side. To minimize the risk of these accidents, be sure to clear all snow and ice from your ramp before operating on it. In addition to snow and ice, it is crucial to keep dirt and mud from building up on your ramp as they can become slippery when wet.
3. Improper Equipment Operation
Even the most skilled and experienced operators can make a mistake when using a forklift or portable loading ramp. Driving too fast, carrying too many products, or exceeding the rated capacity of the ramp are just a few examples of improper equipment operation. Insufficient operator awareness is another major hazard, especially when driving a forklift backward down a ramp. That is why it is crucial to ensure that all operators are properly trained and are adhering to safe operating practices.
To learn more about loading ramp safety or to inquire about our selection of portable loading docks, get in touch with the team at Dura-Ramp. They can be reached through their online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding their products or your operation.