Guides & Toolkits

4 © 2011, Safe Workplace Promotion Services Ontario, publicly known as Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca Loading Docks and Warehouses Work in a properly ventilated area – vented hoods or other local exhaust systems may be needed Use the recommended PPE, which may include: – Goggles and face masks (including the right filter cartridges) – Heat- and chemical- resistant gauntlet-style safety gloves – Heat and chemical-resistant full aprons When you are working with plastic or cold sealants, use the following personal protection – Splash-proof safety glasses – Chemical-resistant safety gloves – Arm and body protection – Full aprons Follow the maintenance procedures recommended by the manufacturer of the equipment that dispenses the agent Before unloading a trailer, confirm the contents with the driver's waybills to ensure that any leaking product is not hazardous Hazard: Poor Maintenance Details Rubber wheels on pallet jacks and forklifts can develop flat spots, resulting in unstable loads and poor handling Having urethane wheels with the wrong density on pallet jacks or walkie stackers can place extra strain on the operator Threat Stress on your hands and feet Excess strain on your muscles to move manual equipment Whole-body vibration or shock from driving powered equipment Bursitis Tennis elbow Wrist strain Safe Work Guidelines Make sure that pallet jack and forklifts are maintained regularly to reduce the hand, arm and finger force you need to operate them Make sure that your employer has trained you to recognize and report the early signs of mechanical breakdown Make sure that floors are well maintained and clean After repairs are made, report any difficulties in steering equipment Hazard: dock Levellers and Portable dock Plates Details A lift truck may hit the dock leveler or its frame if the operator does not point the forks up while driving into the trailer The angle of the dock onto an air ride trailer may be too steep, causing the lift truck operator to lose control as the equipment 'skis' over the sharp angle Operators may receive repeated shocks to the spine when speeding over uneven (raised) dock plates Portable dock plates have to be lifted and may collapse if they are not secured Levellers may pop up too soon An unbalanced load or poor shock on the trailer may cause the leveler to lift up on one side, throwing the operator off the lifting equipment

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