Dock Leveler Safety Checklist - Daily Safety Checklist

Workplace safety is always the first priority. And one of the most important pieces of equipment to keep a close eye on, is your loading dock leveler. To ensure safety, incorporating routing inspections into daily operations is recommended. In this blog, we'll go over some important points you must inspect to help you get started with your daily checklist!

Hydraulic loading dock leveler daily safety checklist

There are always a lot of activities going on at once on the loading dock, making it a busy and fast-paced environment. By ensuring that all safety precautions are taken on a daily basis, a daily safety checklist on your hydraulic dock levelers lowers the possibility of accidents and maintains a secure working environment.

1. Visually inspect the dock leveler - Check for any damages particularly on the deck, lip, toe guards, hinges, and rollers, as these parts are more exposed to damages.
Also, inspect the surroundings for any obstacles that could mess with the leveler's operation. Make sure to clean the pit from any debris and inspect the bumpers.

2. Inspect the hydraulic system - Leaks can cause the leveler to lose pressure and fail to operate properly. Make sure that there are no leaks, paying close attention to hoses, fittings and the cylinder. Inspect the levels of hydraulic fluid and replenish as needed, using the fluid recommended by the manufacturer. 

3. Check all of the leveler's electrical connections - Inspect the wirings, connectors and switches and look for any signs of frayed wires or loose connections.
While you're at it, test the control panel as well to ensure all buttons are functioning correctly, especially the emergency stop button if present. This is a critical safety feature that can prevent accidents and injuries.

4. Cycle the leveler for proper operation - Test the functionality of the leveler's deck and lip by raising and lowering it through a complete cycle.
Make sure that it is operating smoothly and that there are no unusual sounds, vibrations, or movement. Any signs of grinding or squeaking noises could indicate a problem and must be resolved immediately.

5. Documentation - Note the date, time, and findings of your daily safety check in your documentation. Identifying patterns and possible problems with this material can help you take action before they become major safety risks.

Additional safety tips

• Plan regular maintenance schedule in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to take care of wear and tear right away.
• Employees should get frequent training and refresher courses on safe dock leveler operation procedures.
• Make sure that in the event of a malfunction or risk, every employee is aware of the emergency shutdown procedures.
• Hire a qualified technician on a regular basis to do a comprehensive inspection and maintenance.

Related: Guide To Dock Leveler Maintenance - Make Your Leveler Last

Conclusion

Having a dock leveler safety checklist is an excellent place to start if you want to increase warehouse safety. And with this daily safety checklist, you increase your chances of preventing accidents, injuries, and downtime. 

Always remember to train your staff, maintain your equipment to be in good working order, and put safety first. It's everyone's responsibility, and a well-maintained dock leveler is key to a smooth and accident-free loading dock environment.

Are you in need of dock levelers or dock leveler repair services?

WarehouseWiz distributes Canadian-made hydraulic dock levelers, edge-of-dock hydraulic levelers, and mechanical edge-of-dock levelers. Our dock levelers are in stock for standard sizes, affordable, and built to be up do Canadian standards. Not only that, but we offer dock leveler repair and maintenance services, available through Quebec and the rest of Canada.

If you're looking to replace or upgrade your equipment, then we can certainly help you. Contact us to get a free quote today!