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Manual No. 4111-0025
March 2011
May 2012
OWNER’S/USER’S RESPONSIBILITIES
1. The owner/ user should recognize the inherent dangers of the interface between the loading dock and
the transportation vehicle. The owner/ user should, therefore, train and instruct all operators in the safe
operation and use of the loading dock equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations
and industry standards. Effective operator training should also focus on the owner’s/user’s company
policies and operating conditions. Maintaining, updating and re training all operators on safe working
habits and operation of the equipment, regardless of previous experience, should be done on a regular
basis and should include an understanding and familiarity with all functions of the equipment. Owner’s/
user’s shall actively maintain, update and retrain all operators on safe working habits and operations of
the equipment.
2. The manufacturer shall provide to the initial purchaser all necessary information regarding Safety
Information, Operation, Installation and Safety Precautions, Recommended Initial and Periodic
Inspections Procedures, Planned Maintenance Schedule, Product Specifications, Troubleshooting
Guide, Parts Break Down, Warranty Information, and Manufacturers Contact Information, as well as
tables to identify the grade(slope) for all variations of length or configuration of the dock leveling device
and information identifying the maximum uncontrolled drop encountered when sudden removal of support
while in the working range of the equipment.
3. It is recommended that when the transportation vehicle is positioned correctly in the dock opening and
in contact with both bumpers, there shall be a minimum of 4.00 inches (100mm) overlap of the leveling
device and the transportation vehicle at all times during the loading and unloading process.
4. The Owner/User must review all name plates, placards, decals, instructions and posted warnings and
place the same in view of the operator or maintenance personnel for whom such warnings are intended
for. Contact manufacturer for any replacements.
5. Manufacturer’s recommended periodic maintenance and inspection procedures in effect at the date of
shipment shall be followed at all times. Written documentation of maintenance, replacement parts or
damage should be retained. In the event of damage notification to the manufacturer is required.
6. Loading dock equipment that has been structurally damaged or has experienced a sudden loss of main
support while under load (such as what might occur when a transport vehicle pulls out from under the
leveling device) shall be removed from service, inspected by a manufacturer’s authorized representative,
and repaired or replaced as needed before being placed back in service.
7. Any modifications or alterations of loading dock equipment shall only be done with prior written approval
from the manufacturer and the same shall be at least as safe as the original equipment was prior to
the modification and shall also satisfy all safety requirements of the manufacturer for the particular
application of the leveling device.
8. When industrial moving devices are being used in the loading or unloading of product from the
transportation vehicle, this vehicle shall have the brakes and wheel chocks applied appropriately or
all other positive restraining device shall be fully utilized. It is recommended that trailers with air-ride
suspension systems shall have its air exhausted prior to performing loading and unloading operation to
minimize trailer bed drop.
9. Loading dock safety equipment should never be used outside of its intended use, vertical working range,
or capacity. Please consult the manufacturer if you have any questions as to the use, vertical working
range or capacity of the equipment. Only properly trained and authorized personnel should operate the
equipment.
10. When selecting loading dock safety equipment, it is important to consider not only present requirements
but also future plans and any possible adverse conditions, environmental factors or usage.
