Loading Docks and Warehouses


                       A SAFETY TALK FOR

                      DISCUSSION LEADERS



This safety talk is designed for discussion leaders to use in preparing safety

meetings.



Set a specific time and date for your safety meeting.  Publicize your meeting

so everyone involved will be sure to attend.



Review this safety talk before the meeting and become familiar with its

content. Make notes about the points made in this talk that pertain to your

workplace.  You should be able to present the material in your own words and

lead the discussion without reading it.



Seating space is not absolutely necessary, but arrangements should be made so

that those attending can easily see and hear the presentation.



Collect whatever materials and props you will need ahead of time.  Try to use

equipment in your workplace to demonstrate your points.





                      DURING THE MEETING



Give the safety talk in your own words.  Use the printed talk merely as a

guide.



The purpose of a safety meeting is to initiate discussion of safety problems

and provide solutions to those problems.  Encourage employees to discuss

hazards or potential hazards the encounter on the job. Ask them to suggest ways

to improve safety in their area.



Don't let the meeting turn into a gripe session about unrelated topics.  As

discussion leader, its your job to make sure the topic is safety.  Discussing

other topics wastes time and can ruin the effectiveness of your safety meeting.



At the end of the meeting, ask employees to sign a sheet on the back of this

talk as a record that they attended the safety meeting.  Keep this talk on file

for your records.





Loading Docks and Warehouses





There is more to safety on shipping and receiving docks of plants and 

warehouses than is evident.



Powered industrial trucks are being used more widely today. Two of the more

serious accidents involving powered industrial trucks are backing the truck off

the edge of the dock or turning a corner too fast with the wheels too close to

the edge, which causes it to fall over.



Many injuries are caused by improper and irregular stacking of materials. This

includes failure to "tie in"  then stacking boxes or cartons, and piling stock

too high. Unstable stacks can fall over. Also, avoid stacking materials too

close to sprinkler systems.



When using hand or powered industrial trucks to load freight cars or tractor

trailers, be sure to use a bridge plate and make sure it is secured. Always

check it out. In addition, check the flooring in the vehicle you are loading.



In the case of trailers, check to see that the driver has chocked the wheels,

so that the trailer does not move away from the dock when you enter it.



Knowing how to work on the dock is important ~ don't speed, watch out for

other trucks and workers, and look for boxes, cartons, carboys, drums, crates

or skids that are not in their proper places. Also, pipe, tubing, large spools,

rolls and irregularly shaped items are dangerous because they might extend into

aisles.



Follow established traffic lines and storage boundary lines. Stay alert at

intersections, crosswalks and other potential danger zones.



Be especially alert for overhead hazards, like pipes, structural members,

lights, door casings, or high cable wires and signs.



Always be sure there is adequate lighting. Pay attention to all signs,

flashers, speed limits, rules of operation and regulations.



Know where fire extinguishers are located and what type of extinguisher to use

on different types of fires. Know where the fire alarm boxes are and keep

access to them clear at all times. Check to see that all automatic f;re doors

are working properly and that their operation is not impeded or blocked in any

manner. Follow rules regarding the handling and storage of flammables on the

dock or in the warehouse. Pay attention to the U.S. Department of

Transportation's official warning signs and symbols on containers.



Dock safety, in most cases, includes personal liftin~. Know the proper way to

lift--do it safely.



þ Know your limitations.



þ Examine the load for protruding nails, screws, splinters and metal straps

that could cause cuts or punctures.



þ Locate the center of gravity to get good balance.



þ Bend at the knees.



þ Keep your back straight, but not necessarily vertical.



~ Don't twist your body when lifting.



þ Don't jerk the load--lift gradually.



þ Keep the load close to you.



þ Lift with your legs, not your back.



þ Get help with heavy or awkward loads.



þ Be sure your path of travel is clear.



þ Lower the load by reversing the process.


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