06 Aug Time to Chock and Block Those Tires!

Time to Chock and Block Those Tires!

Chock truck and trailer wheels before loading, unloading, or performing work that could cause the vehicle to move. Assuming a parked vehicle will remain stationary can result in serious injuries, fatalities, equipment damage, or a forklift falling between a loading dock and a trailer.

Guide for Discussion

Prevent Vehicle Movement

Trucks and trailers can unexpectedly move or roll away from loading docks if they are not properly secured. Before loading or unloading begins:

• Set the vehicle parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks securely against the appropriate wheels when required.
• Use dock locks, vehicle restraints, or other approved positive-restraint systems when provided.
• Never assume the driver has secured the vehicle—verify that required restraints are in place.
• Do not remove chocks or release restraints until loading or unloading is complete and personnel and equipment are clear.

Forklift Operations at Loading Docks

A trailer that moves while a powered industrial truck is entering or exiting can create a dangerous gap between the trailer and dock.

Before entering a trailer with a forklift:

• Verify that the trailer is properly restrained against movement.
• Inspect the trailer floor for holes, deterioration, weakness, or other damage.
• Confirm that the trailer floor can support the combined weight of the forklift, operator, and load.
• Ensure dockboards or bridge plates are properly positioned, secured, and rated for the intended load.
• Maintain adequate clearance from dock edges.
• Use additional trailer supports when required for trailers that are not coupled to a tractor.

Never enter a trailer unless you have verified that it is safe and properly secured.

Proper Chock Placement

Wheel chocks must be appropriate for the vehicle, tire size, surface, and conditions.

• Position chocks firmly against the tires.
• Place them according to established site procedures and the chock manufacturer’s instructions.
• Ensure the ground or dock surface provides adequate traction.
• Do not use damaged, undersized, or makeshift chocks.
• Never substitute lumber, rocks, bricks, or other materials for approved wheel chocks.
• Inspect chocks regularly and remove damaged equipment from service.

Block and Secure Cargo

Chocking the vehicle does not prevent unsecured cargo from shifting. Freight must also be properly positioned and secured before transportation.

• Secure cargo against forward, rearward, and lateral movement.
• Use blocking, bracing, straps, tiedowns, or other appropriate cargo-securement methods.
• Use materials strong enough for the weight and forces involved.
• Secure heavy, wheeled, cylindrical, or irregularly shaped materials against movement.
• Never rely on adjacent freight alone to prevent a load from shifting.
• Inspect cargo securement before the vehicle moves.

A shifting load can damage cargo, destabilize the vehicle, strike workers when doors are opened, or contribute to a rollover.

Keep Chocks Available and Maintained

Loading and unloading areas should have suitable wheel chocks or other approved vehicle-restraint equipment readily available.

• Store chocks where employees can easily access them.
• Keep them out of aisles and traffic areas when not in use.
• Inspect chocks for cracks, deformation, excessive wear, contamination, or other damage.
• Keep chocks and the surfaces where they are placed free from oil, grease, ice, and other materials that could reduce traction.
• Replace damaged or ineffective chocks immediately.

Remember

It only takes a few seconds to secure a vehicle. Never rely solely on the transmission, parking brake, or assumption that a truck or trailer will remain stationary. Verify that the vehicle is properly restrained before loading, unloading, or entering a trailer.