Loading
docks
-
the beginning and the end of the material handling cycle - are among
the busiest and most important areas of plants, retail outlets and
warehousing facilities. Subjected to heavy, continuous traffic, they
are vital to the smooth and efficient flow of raw materials and finished
goods. Careful planning and design of loading docks, along with proper
selection of equipment, can result in improved working conditions,
as well as increased safety and fuel efficiency. While numerous factors
contribute to their successful planning, this bulletin focuses on
the important aspect of dock bumper "stand-out distance"
(distance between truck bed and dock).
This easy-to-use
chart will assist in determining the required thickness of laminated
rubber dock bumpers for docking facilities with or without door seals.
Measure the exact length and rise of the driveway before referring
to this chart.
 |
Click
for a large-format printable graphic of the Bumper Stand-Out Distance
Planner. |
Guidelines
-When
specifying a dock bumper with a standard 8" thick seal, the thickness
of the bumper should permit a minimum space of 6" between the
building and the top of the truck.
-When specifying a dock bumper without a seal, the thickness of the
bumper should permit a minimum space of 2" between the building
and the top of the truck.
-A dock bumper of correct thickness should permit a door seal to be
compressed not more than 25%.
Instructions
1.
Measure length of driveway.
2. Determine rise of driveway.
3. Locate length and rise dimensions on chart.
4. On chart, locate correct bumper stand-out distance A without seal
or B with seal.
5. Then select dock bumper at one thickness greater than chart calculation.
Example:
If the driveway length measures 30ft. with a 1ft. rise, and dock doors
are equipped with seals, the bumper stand-out distance would be 9.80".
A 10.5" dock bumper would be used since this is the next greater
thickness. (Standard dock bumper thickness are 4.5", 6",
9", 10.5", 12".) For thicker units, contact Durable.
Important
Variations
or lack of uniformity in rises and slopes affect the accuracy of calculations.
Take into account all variables before finalizing stand-out dimension.
Durable Corporation cannot be held responsible for resulting inaccuracies.
General
Suggestions for Planning Better Docking Facilities
Various elements comprise the loading dock system, and each contribute
to the efficient transfer of goods and materials. Therefore, an understanding
of these components and their functions will facilitate better designing
of loading docks as well as specifying and purchasing of equipment.
DOCK
HEIGHT
Bed
heights vary for trucks and trailers from 40" to 56". Since
safety regulations require railings and ladders to be installed for
platform heights over 48", dock heights should not exceed this
dimension.
DOCK
LEVELERS
Dock
levelers compensate for various truck bed heights and permit safe
fork lift truck passage between dock and truck. Using a standard Dura-Dock
(4.5" or 6" thick) laminated bumper, determine the necessary
lip of the leveler.
BUMPERS
For
maximum protection to dock, truck and cargo, specify Dura-Dock laminated
rubber dock bumpers. Properly sized and installed, these dock bumpers
provide unsurpassed protection and absorb over 80% of the truck's
impact.
WHEEL
CHOCKS
Since
OSHA requires wheel chocks for docked trucks or trailers, specify
Dura-Chock laminated rubber wheel chocks for maximum gripping action
between truck wheels and pavement.
DOCK
LIGHTS
Specific
lighting guidelines have been established for loading dock areas,
and dock lights with adjustable swivel arms are recommended for most
applications.
