A loading dock in a large warehouse is a hub of activity, where goods is loaded and unloaded, unpacked, counted and labelled. To make efficient use of a loading dock, it is important to have each delivery vehicle ‘turned around’ as quickly as possible, to which end all the appropriate loading bay equipment should be installed. One crucial item of equipment is the foam dock pads which surround the door of the loading dock. These pads protect the doorframe of the loading dock, and consequently the building itself, from damage which might be incurred if a reversing delivery vehicle were to strike the wall. They also protect the vehicles themselves. Once the reversing vehicle is properly positioned on the loading dock, the foam pads form a seal around the edge of the door to prevent litter or dirt from blowing in through the gap and contaminating products either in the vehicle or the warehouse.
If a more complete seal around the doorways of the loading dock and delivery vehicle is required, an inflatable dock shelter may be installed. These devices are usually made from heavy duty PVC and use an electric air pump to inflate the curtains which surround the loading dock door. These curtains form a tight seal around the delivery vehicle and protect the delivery area against ingress of water, litter, dirt or any other contaminant. This is important in the handling of such products as foodstuffs, medical supplies and electronic items. However, in the case of most other types of goods, foam dock pads alone provide sufficient protection during the loading/ unloading process.
Foam dock pads are especially useful when a depot or warehouse has several loading bays side by side. The heavy traffic typically found in these situations can put a great strain on the facilities if these are not well conceived and properly maintained. As vehicles may be coming and going all day long, using foam dock pads around loading bay doors will reduce wear and tear on the building, the facilities and on the vehicles themselves. In such an environment, a traffic light system is highly recommended to control the flow of traffic, under the direction of a Yard Marshall or Banksman.
If the loading dock remains busy into the hours of darkness, or if there is low ambient light in the dock area, dock lights can make all the difference in loading and unloading processes. Dock lights are often fitted above and behind the foam dock pads around the loading bay doors. The best types have adjustable brackets which allow the light to be positioned to optimum effect, and are available with direct or diffusing lenses. The latest models offer LEDs instead of traditional bulbs.
Other accessories such as rubber bumpers, markers and bollards are available to make every loading dock a safe and pleasant working environment. PVC strip curtains and safety screens can be used in conjunction with foam dock pads to keep your loading dock as clean and secure as possible.
