Posted in Dock Boards, News & Press, Products
Koke Inc. carries a wide array of high quality dock boards for your business’s loading and unloading needs. From our universal steel model to our high capacity rail dock boards, our dock boards are designed to withstand frequent use in your dock bay to help you get the job done safely. While our dock boards are designed to be durable, its important to recognize that even the most heavy-duty dock boards must be replaced every so often. Continued use can fatigue your dock board’s engineering and safety features, resulting in a dock board that’s hazardous to use. A dock board inspection should be performed before every use, and to make it simple for you we’ve compiled the top three signs that you may need to replace your dock board:
Each one of our dock boards are expertly designed by engineers to efficiently carry weight between delivery trucks and your warehouse’s dock bumper. Over time, the steel or aluminum structure of your dock board may begin to flatten or warp with continued cargo transfers. The shape of a dockyard is an essential feature of its weight distribution. Once your board has flattened or the shape has warped, it is in danger of breaking. Stress fractures, or miniature cracks, may appear on your board as a result. If you notice your dock board has flattened or warped, or you notice any stress cracks no matter how small, resign from using your dock board immediately.
The key difference between dock plates and dock boards, structural side curbs provide strength for carrying heavy weights and helps prevent equipment run-off during the loading process. Side curbs are either welded to the body of the dock board or bolted together to allow the dock board to flex for maximum longevity. When you’re inspecting your dock board, you want to check and make sure the side curbs are present and secure, the welding is still bonded, and that no nuts or bolts are loose or missing. The side curbs are a central component of the dock board’s weight distribution and without them, the structural integrity of your dock board is compromised.
Our dock boards come with a variety of auxiliary structures to ensure your loading process goes safely and efficiently. While it may be obvious to check for cracks and inspect side curbs, auxiliary structures like steel legs and locking pins are often overlooked and help maintain your safety by securing your dock board firmly in place during the loading an unloading process. Before use, verify that the bolts or welding that attach the steel legs to the body of the dock board are secure. Likewise, make sure locking pins if equipped are in good condition. If these components are not soundly attached, your dock board can shift during loading. Lastly, verify that lifting handles and forklift chains are secure—this will ensure no accidents occur when your dock board is being transported.
Be Safe & Inspect Before Each Use!
When it comes to dockyard safety, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you inspect your dockyard thoroughly before each use. If you find any sign of damage, it’s important to trust your gut and not use it. The cost of a new dock board pails in comparison to the costs associated with a workplace accident.
Need to replace your dock board? Koke Inc has a variety of durable and high quality dock boards in stock. Contact our team of knowledgeable reps at 800-535-5303 so we can help you find the dock board that fits your needs!
