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Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift) eTool
 The Workplace

   Physical Conditions
   Pedestrian Traffic
   Ramps and Grades
   Loading Docks
   Narrow Aisles
   Elevators
   Enclosed Areas
Understanding the Workplace:
 Loading Docks
Always look in the direction of travel. Be careful at the edges of the loading docks.
Figure 1. Always look in the direction of travel. Be careful at the edges of the loading docks.
 
Loading docks can be dangerous places for forklifts. Falls from a loading dock in a forklift can be fatal. For information on entering truck trailers and railroad cars, see Truck Trailers and Railroad Cars.  

Loading Docks
When operating a forklift on a loading dock, slow down, watch out for others, and be aware of the edge of the dock.

Potential Hazards:
  • Falling off the edge of the dock.
     
  • Skidding or slipping due to wet or icy conditions.
Requirements and Recommended Practices:
  • Maintain a safe distance from the edge of loading dock.
     
  • Watch out for tail swing.
     
  • Keep working surfaces clear and clean.
     
  • Paint the edges of the loading dock to improve visibility.
 Use curbed ramps and dockboards to keep lift trucks from sliding.
Figure 2. Use curbed ramps and dockboards to keep lift trucks from sliding.
 
Paint the edges of loading docks to improve visibility. Check for pedestrians, over vehicles, and other obstacles when existing trailers.
Figure 3. Paint the edges of loading docks
 to improve visibility. Check for pedestrians,
over vehicles, and other obstacles when
exiting trailers.		 Painted edges of loading docks to improve visibility.
Figure 4. Painted edges of loading
docks to improve visibility.

Types & Fundamentals | Operating the Forklift | Understanding the Workplace | Training Assistance
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