TRUCKS constantly on the move can make loading docks dangerous, but hardware giant, Bunnings, has found a way to guarantee everyone is ready before any wheels are set in motion.
Put simply, the answer is a massive steel hook that rises from the wall of the dock to capture the rear of the trailer when it reaches the dock. Called the Rite-Hite Rotating Hook Vehicle Restraint System or "Dok Lok", the system will be on display at The Safety Show Sydney from 13-15 October. Once engaged, the Dok Lok prevents early departure, trailer creep and dock walk, as well as trailer tip-over from landing gear collapse or trailer up-ending.
At Bunnings' Melbourne warehouse, 16 of the Dok Loks from dock equipment specialist, Red Australia , are used to safeguard loading dock doors.
New trailers full of stock arrive at Bunnings' doors during the night and are unhitched. As each trailer backs into position, its rear impact guard presses up against the Dok Lok's spring-loaded structural steel housing. The housing rides down in its track, allowing the trailer's rear impact guard to move over the top of the housing, automatically positioning the Dok Lok for engagement.
In the morning, a supervisor checks that a yellow stand is erected at the front of each trailer and locks the containers to the door. A button inside the dock is pressed to engage the Dok Lok's hook and once a green light signals the go-ahead, entry to the container is permitted.
The Dok Lok and other dock safety equipment will be on display at Red Australia's stand at The Safety Show, Sydney, which runs from 13-15 October at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park.