29 CFR 1910.178(k)(1) and (m)(7): Mechanical Means to Secure Trucks or Trailers to a Loading Dock

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OSHA Instruction STD 1-11.7 August 5, 1981 Office of Compliance Programming

Subject: 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(1) and (m)(7): Mechanical Means to Secure Trucks or Trailers to a Loading Dock

A. Purpose. This instruction allows the use of a mechanical means which secures trucks or trailers to a loading dock in situations in which they provide the equivalent protection of wheel chocks.

B. Scope. This instruction applies OSHA-wide.

C. Reference. OSHA Instruction STD 1-11.5, January 31, 1978, Powered Industrial Trucks, Chocks, and Blocks.

Trailer trucks must be restrained/chocked during forklift dock operations.

Archive Notice - OSHA Archive

NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

March 4, 1998

Peter Blumenthal, M.D., M.P.H.
22 Oakview Avenue
Maplewood, New Jersey 07040

Reply to the Attention of:

Dear Dr. Blumenthal:

Thank you for your letter of July 8, 1997, to Mr. Gregory R. Watchman, former Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), concerning injuries to workers when using dockboards while exiting truck trailers with powered industrial trucks. Your letter was forwarded to my office for response. We regret the delay in responding to your inquiry.

Clarification of OSHA's CPL 2-1.30 regarding tractor trailer chocking.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 9, 1999

Mr. Stuart Flatow
American Trucking Associations
2200 Mill Road
Alexandria, Virginia 22314-4677

Dear Mr. Flatow:

Chocking of trailers at United States Postal Service facilities.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

September 14, 2005

Mr. Michael O. Foster
American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO
1300 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20005

Dear Mr. Foster:

Chocking requirements for trailers docked to buildings with downward approaches.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

November 8, 2005

Mr. Robert M. Turner
318 North Orchard Heights Way
Nampa, Idaho 83651

Dear Mr. Turner:

Thank you for your recent letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Your letter has been referred to the Directorate of Enforcement Program's (DEP's) Office of General Industry Enforcement for an answer to your question regarding OSHA's powered industrial truck standard, 29 CFR 1910.178. Your question has been restated below for clarity.

Clarification of OSHA's authority to enforce wheel chocking of commercial motor vehicles and related safety hazards at loading facilities.

OSHA requirements are set by statute, standards and regulations. Our interpretation letters explain these requirements and how they apply to particular circumstances, but they cannot create additional employer obligations. This letter constitutes OSHA's interpretation of the requirements discussed. Note that our enforcement guidance may be affected by changes to OSHA rules. Also, from time to time we update our guidance in response to new information. To keep apprised of such developments, you can consult OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov.

March 7, 2011

Mr. Ron Cole
4501 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64130-2371

Dear Mr. Cole: