All loading dock equipment must be used and installed according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure it will work smoothly and efficiently over the long term. One of the most common problems that occurs with loading docks is door jams, which can be a nuisance at best, and at worst prevent you from being able to operate the equipment at all.
Here are just a few of the most common causes of loading dock door problems in McDonough, GA and how you can resolve them:
- Lack of familiarity with the equipment: Anyone who is installing or using the loading dock equipment should be completely familiar with its operation, necessary precautions, maintenance needs, troubleshooting and other such issues. People using the loading dock should be trained in its operation and required to read and understand the manual. In many cases, jams are caused simply because the person using the loading dock did not follow the proper protocols, resulting in what should have been an avoidable jam.
- Lack of safety precautions: A failure to follow basic safety precautions can result in loading dock door jams, whether it’s due to accidents during use or a lack of proper maintenance and care. Warning signs should always remain intact, and the area of operation should remain clear of any objects that could cause accidents. People should stay away from the dock leveler when a trailer is approaching or leaving.
- Lack of maintenance: Loading dock doors, like any other piece of mechanical equipment, need a bit of ongoing maintenance if they are to operate smoothly and for an extended time. You should perform regular inspections to check for any signs of damage to the equipment, and take immediate action to repair it if necessary. Some types of loading dock doors may require lubrication; a failure to provide this lubrication can make it easier for the doors to stick in place during operation. In addition to performing inspections to locate potential signs of damage, you should also check all moving parts for dirt or debris to see if anything is blocking the door’s tracks.
- Problems with wiring or the circuit panel: In some cases, issues with the loading dock door may actually be a problem with the electrical wiring or circuitry. Always make sure any work done on the electric components of the unit is performed by a licensed and trained electrician. If you will be doing welding work on the unit, make sure all ground wires and electrical sources are disconnected.
- Relying on the wrong people: People who will be tasked with using loading dock equipment should be reliable and take safety seriously. The negligence or incompetence of a dock worker could directly result in damage to your equipment, so be prudent with your hiring practices and when you assign certain tasks to certain workers.
To learn more about the most common causes of loading dock issues, including loading dock leveling problems in McDonough, GA, contact the team at Affordable Dock & Door today.