Alabama Laws Maximum trailer length - 40 feet Maximum trailer width - 8 feet Maximum trailer height - 13 feet 6 inches Weight requiring trailer brakes - 3,000 pounds or more Follow the manufacturers' towing specifications for the tow vehicle, trailer, and all of the tow package components. Allows the use of mechanical means to secure trucks or trailers to a loading dock in situations where they provide the equivalent protection of wheel chocks. Beginning May 1, Ministry of Labour inspectors will check that employers are complying with Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act. Identifying "clear zones" and durable professionally installed . (1) The brakes of highway trucks shall be set and wheel chocks placed under the rear wheels to prevent the trucks from rolling while they are boarded with powered industrial trucks. OSHA Railing requirements for Stair Railing: Required on stairs with four or more risers. When emptying, raise the bed slowly and allow the contents to slide slowly toward the rear. The material must be durable, the top rail and the midrail must be at least 1/4 inch (.6 cm) in diameter. Standard Number 108 requires trailers to have functioning original or replacement lights. With large swivel casters, the platforms can easily be rolled alongside the flatbed and rolled away when the truck leaves. Be smooth in texture to avoid injuries . View. (45,400 kg). Load securement is a blanket term covering all the factors you need to consider if your fleets transport heavy loads or pieces of equipment: . In November 2016, a 37-year-old Rockland Massachusetts employee died while guiding a trucker backing up to a loading dock after becoming trapped between the dock and trailer. 3. Coupling chains. (1910.25 (b) (4)) Depth: Platforms must be at least 30 inches deep, as measured in the direction of travel. OSHA provides a range for the railings to ensure your system is safe and compliant. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA) regulates worker safety in the United States and its territories. CS-S-15 1 9/15/2021 . For each additional 10 feet in cargo length, you must use one more tie-down. 1. We appreciate your interest in occupational safety and health. When pallets are used, the driver needs to check that: They are in good condition Loads are properly secured to them. The OSHA rules, contained in 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(1) and (m)(7), further state that "fixed jacks may be necessary to support a semitrailer during loading or unloading when the trailer is not . Level. Spilling Loads or Litter; Penalty. This is all explained in Federal OSHA's 10/09/1996 Seat Belt Policy (corrected in 2007). Since 2003, SafeRack is an industry leader in preventing one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities, injuries, and lost time accidents. Specific requirements aimed at preventing trailer/dock separation incidents appear below: 1910.178 (k) (1): The brakes of highway trucks shall be set and wheel chocks placed under the rear wheels to prevent the trucks from rolling while they are boarded with powered industrial trucks. 1. Post signs warning not to move the vehicle. Check that the height of the vehicle's entrance door clears the forklift height by at least 5 cm (2 in.). Comments Loading and Unloading Trucks and Trailers General: 6.3.1. by OSHA OSHA Instruction STD 1-11.7 August 5, 1981 Office of Compliance Programming Subject: 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(1) and (m)(7): Mechanical Means to Secure Trucks or Trailers to a Loading Dock A properly functioning light system increases visibility and . OSHA will continue to enforce regulations applicable to loading dock operations. Place containers, packaging, tools, and other materials safely out of walking and driving areas. To maintain stability, trailers should be parked on firm level ground, Loads should be spread as evenly as possible, during both loading and unloading. Double-check your specs and evenly distribute cargo on the flatbed trailer. Lifting the slit coil Many states also have their own workplace safety law. The reason for this exception is that DOT rules, i.e.393.41, continue to deal with the chocking of these vehicles. OSHA states that any wall opening or hole with a drop more than four feet must have a barrier. Current information can also be found on the website of several different agencies involved with the trucking industry (see . If your drivers are working at a general industry site, that number becomes 4. If we can be of further assistance, please contact Wil Epps of my staff at (202) 219-8041. Trailer creep, which can cause a gap between the trailer and dock. OSHA catwalk load requirements. Loads should be secured, or arranged so that they do not slide around. Reg. Keep Floors Clean, Dry, and in Good Condition. (1910.25 (b) (4)) Door or gate present: The door or gate must open up onto a . NEVER exceed the recommended maximum towing capacity Railing Must: Be 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) in diameter. August 5, 1981. Forklift safety should exceed these requirements. 29 CFR 1910.178 (k) (1) and (m) (7): Mechanical Means to Secure Trucks or Trailers to a Loading Dock. Health and safety standards are contained in Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations ( 29 CFR ), and are available online. OSHA also requires the surface of the railing itself must be smooth to protect employees from injuries; such as cuts, punctures and to prevent snagging. 1910.178 (m) (7): Brakes shall be set and wheel blocks shall . The midrails should be placed halfway between the top edge of the railing and the working-walking surface. Flatbed Loading Fall Protection Made Simple. The ma ximum intended load means the total load (weight and force) of all employees, equipment, vehicles, tools, materials, and other loads the employer reasonably anticipates to be applied to a walking-working surface at any one time. Here are four rules to add to your load securement checklist when securing cargo on flatbed trailers. The OSHA catwalk load requirements are addressed in Section 1910.21 and 1910.22 - General requirements for Walking-working surfaces. Federal laws require one tiedown for every ten feet of cargo, and any fraction of that measurement requires an additional device. The U.S. Department of Transportation has a mandatory regulation (49 CFR 393.86) that all truck trailers be equipped with a rear end protection device mounted at the rear to prevent cars from being wedged underneath the back of a trailer during a collision. You should be keeping your tongue weight of your trailer between 10 . The current DOT load securement regulations were first published by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in 2002. NHTSA issues Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) to implement laws from Congress. OSHA has since updated their interpretation from 2004 and omitted trailers and vehicles from the relevant regulation. 6.3. Frequently, the shipper will load the trailer, secure the freight, and apply a seal to the trailer doors. Document Revision Date . For example, a load that is 22 feet long would require three tie downs if it's placed against a header board and an additional device if it's in the center of the trailer. Install fixed jacks to support a semi-trailer that is not coupled to a tractor to prevent it from upending. So, in short, when loading and unloading trailers within 6 of the next surface, fall protection is needed. 2. You should not load 60% of your weight onto the front of your trailer and call it good. This is a federal guideline that is enforced strictly, so make sure to check up on your local requirements. DOT Trailer Inspection Requirements Checklist. Permanent aisles and passageways shall be appropriately marked. The loading dock area must be inspected regularly to identify potential hazards that may include: Slips, trips and falls caused by floor conditions, poor housekeeping, or dock edge. Keep in mind the GVW and never go over that total weight rating. Subject. General industry regulations relative to truck loading docks are largely embedded in requirements for Powered Industrial Trucks, as outlined by OSHA: (1910.178). 13360, explicitly excludes rolling stock from coverage. State & Federal Regulations. There are many good reasons for the existence of the OSHA lighting requirements for workplaces across the US. (c) Wrappers must be placed near each end of the logs. Platforms can be placed at the top, middle, or bottom of a set of metal stairs. Semitrailers, flatbeds and straight trucks all have bed heights that closely align with 48-inch-high platforms, so loading dock platforms most commonly are 44 to 48 inches high. Equipment Abuses and Damage Meeting OSHA requirements requires understanding and enforcement of these standards with the implementation of training programs for forklift operators. Uneven loads can make the vehicle or trailer unstable. The International Labor Organization, an agency of the UN, reports that too little light at work can cause eye strain, fatigue, headaches, stress and accidents, while too much lighting can be responsible for stress and glare-induced headaches. Intermediate rail at "about halfway up". Not seeing the truck driver around, he assumed the driver had gone to the nearby office or amenities. Our crews install all types of shipping-loading dock markings for indoor and outdoor environments. What to use for Railings: Wood Railings: 2 x 4 stock, not more than 6 feet apart. This standard applies to the lamps, reflective devices and any other devices associated with the lighting system. Block or secure trailer cargo to prevent the load from shifting during transit and unloading. Moving unsecured loads. In light of the rescinding of Section 392.20, OSHA will enforce the requirements of 1910.178 (k) (1) and 1910.178 (m) (7) for trucks and trailers, except for agricultural commodity trailers, heavy haulers, and pulpwood trailers. Other standards that can apply to loading dock safety are slips, trips and falls, which can be found in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.22 walking-working surfaces and the ANSI A1264.2-2006 provision for the slip resistance on walking/working surfaces. Department of Public Safety, Montgomery, AL 334-242-4395. You must use two tie-downs if you transport an item less than 5 feet long that weighs more than 1,100 pounds or on any item between the length of 5 and 10 feet, regardless of weight. Adjust load on trailer so tongue weight is approximately 10% of the gross trailer weight and center load side-to-side to reduce fishtailing. These regulations allow us to fulfill our mission to prevent and reduce vehicle crashes. Bars often have less give than chains and can prevent a forklift or individual from falling off the loading dock. (26) Trucks shall not be loaded in excess of their rated capacity. However, Randy explained, OSHA rules and regulations are considered the minimum that an employer must do for workplace safety. Slips and falls. A. (3) Fixed jacks may be necessary to support a semitrailer and prevent upending during the loading or unloading when the trailer is not coupled to a tractor. Function of Chocks They have an overall retracted length of 42" (1065 mm) and an overall extended length of 55" (1400 mm) and a static load capacity of 100,000 lbs. 4/1/15. The new proposed fall protection standard, 55 Fed. Place about sixty percent of your cargo on the front half of the flatbed and secure it with appropriate tensioning devices, chains, or straps . Dock Safety: Common Hazards. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, also called OSHA, requires employers to provide a safe working environment for employees. Loads. Be on the Lookout for These Loading Dock Hazards: Injuries from careless behavior around forklifts and other vehicles. All pipe/cylindrical stock should be off-loaded either by a hydraulic excavator fitted with a vacuum lift, pipe layer or crane fitted with a While the jack is in place, the trailer is immobilized and typically is raised off the ground. The total working load limit of the . The law states that air-braked power units (made on or before March of 1975) are enough to keep a commercial motor vehicles from moving during the loading and unloading process. (28) Extreme care shall be taken when tilting loads. Make sure floors can support the combined weight of the . Seldom used or rusted landing gear may collapse under extreme weight conditions. The OSHA catwalk load requirements are addressed in Section 1910.21 and 1910.22 - General requirements for Walking-working surfaces. TS-2000 Trailer Stands are designed to fit most types of trailers that may come into your loading docks. Dock levelers or bridge plates can malfunction or break. It is often recommended to use bars as they will have the most protection against a forklift or person falling off the loading dock. OSHA investigated the incident. If there's even a sliver of doubt, be sure to check . NTSB has also issued previous recommendations I-88-1 and I-88-2 to the Department of Transportation, and R-02-16 to the Federal Railroad Administration related to loading and unloading safety requirements: I-88-1: Establish safety requirements for the movement and temporary storage of hazardous materials at intermodal transportation facilities. It is important to note that a 1996 OSHA memorandum from John B. Check that the height of the vehicle's entrance door clears the forklift height by at least 5 cm (2 in.). Clean up and properly dispose of trash. This knowledge will ensure an employee understands the proper procedures, safety precautions and uses for all equipment. 208. OSHA Standards say, "OSHA regulations govern the safety and health of the workers and the responsibilities of employers to ensure their safety at the warehouse, dock, construction sites, and other places truckers . However, while loading and unloading trucks, OSHA regulations govern the safety and health of the workers and the responsibilities of employers to ensure their safety at the warehouse, at the dock, at the rig, at the construction site, at the airport terminal and in all places truckers go to deliver and pick up loads. ( Loading and unloading requires all your concentration. OSHA regulations for machine guarding found in OSHA 29 CFR 1910.211 should also be applied. If five or more people are employed, the findings of the risk assessment must be in writing. Regulations. 30 to 34 inches in height. 32-5-76. (Federal OSHA enforces the seat belt issue under the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act; there is not a specific regulation.) Specific requirements aimed at preventing trailer/dock separation incidents appear below. 12. Be a stickler for manufacturer ratings and recommendations when hauling heavy freight on your flatbed trailer. Brakes. Pipe Loading and Unloading Safety During Construction Activities . According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the following items on the DOT trailer inspection checklist will be reviewed to ensure that your equipment is operating as intended: Brake connections. Motor carriers operating in interstate commerce must comply with the new requirements beginning January 1, 2004. Yes, normally it is a good rule of thumb to load 60% of your weight towards the front of the trailer but it all just depends on what you are towing and it varies between each and every load. OSHA Instruction STD 1-11.7 . Guardrail height must be between 39 inches and 45 inches. Racking may help stability. In all locations, OSHA has jurisdiction over forklift operators and terminal employees who perform loading and unloading operations. Thus, a 12-foot load requires three tie-downs and a 22-foot load needs four. It is important to note that a 1996 OSHA memorandum from John B. Parking closer than 8 1/2 feet from the centerline of railroad tracks is prohibited. Quick Tips #297. This will include checking that new and young workers: This applies to any workplace. 7031 Koll Center Pkwy, Pleasanton, CA 94566. master:2022-04-13_09-33-18. Compliance 1910.178, Powered industrial trucks 1910.305, Wiring methods, components, and equipment for general use 1910.157, Portable fire extinguishers 1910.132, General requirements (Personal protective equipment) OSHA regulation is concerned primarily with the security of trucks, trailers and railroad cars as they are loaded or unloaded with powered industrial forklifts. This instruction allows the use of a mechanical means which secures trucks or trailers to a loading dock in situations in . Trailer floors can be weak or damaged. The worker apparently lost his footing and fell from the platform ramp of the loading dock. Pull behind trailers must have working rear lights, turn lights and brake lights. Reg. For further information or questions about dock equipment and OSHA guidelines, please contact us at 888-990-1150 or visit www.HofEquipment.com. . Alabama. Make sure floors can support the combined weight of the . The new proposed fall protection standard, 55 Fed. Actions. Steel: 2 x 2 x 3/8 inch angles . 29 CFR 1910.178 (n) (7) - "Grades shall be ascended or descended slowly.". Top railing height must be 39 inches and 45 inches above the walking-working surface. ( If there is a behavior problem on the bus, wait until the students unloading are safely off the bus and have moved away. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require every employer and self-employed person to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the health and safety risks to employees and others to which their undertakings give rise. OSHA catwalk load requirements. Ensure that the trailer floor is in good condition and that it can support the weight of the forklift and its load. In the OSHA CFR, there are several different sections (also called parts) of safety and health . When filling the truck or dump trailer, evenly distribute the contents to maintain proper flow and prevent the load from shifting during unloading. Trailers can be tipped by the weight of the forklift if they are not connected to a tractor. Chains are one-way employers can create a barrier, but bars are often recommended. No matter how it appears, one thing is always constant: the need for safety. Standards include setting brakes, setting wheel blocks, and using a jack stand. (27) A loaded vehicle shall not be moved until the load is safe and secure. If the bed is raised too quickly, the rearward shift of the load could damage the lift mechanism or cause . It's important to note that OSHA covers only federal baseline requirements; states may have their own, stricter requirements. According to OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.28 (b) (1) (i), a dock that creates a drop of four feet or more must be guarded with a barrier. PRINCIPAL SAFETY STANDARDS Trailer & Camper Safety, Publication # DOT HS-802586, from U.S. De-partment of Transportation, National Highway . Width : Platforms must be at least the width of the stairs. Miles states that, "The current fall protection standard in general industry (Subpart D) does not specifically address fall hazards from the tops of rolling stock. Trailer storage lanes (Before) Trailer storage lanes (After) Indoor safety markings are very important in active loading/unloading zones, storage racks, enter/exit doorways etc. Miles, Jr., Director Directorate of Compliance Programs The International Labor Organization, an agency of the UN, reports that too little light at work can cause eye strain, fatigue, headaches, stress and accidents, while too much lighting can be responsible for stress and glare-induced headaches. 1910.176 (c) Housekeeping. If you still have a question that needs to be answered, call us at 1-877-564-2333 or use the contact form. The rules and regulations regarding standard safe loading practices of enclosed and flatbed types of trailers for a semi-tractor service is extensively covered in truck driver training schools. The explicit purpose of forklift safety is to eliminate: 1. Accidents and Injuries 2. There are many good reasons for the existence of the OSHA lighting requirements for workplaces across the US. Balancing all of these elements minimizes hazards, injuries and . The systems are available in a variety of lengths and as part of a manual . Safety equipment must be considered. The ma ximum intended load means the total load (weight and force) of all employees, equipment, vehicles, tools, materials, and other loads the employer reasonably anticipates to be applied to a walking-working surface at any one time. The driver or a . Storage areas shall be kept free from accumulation of materials that constitute hazards from tripping . Loading should allow for safe unloading. Best Practice Hints: After loading large rounds on the driver's side of the trailer, the forklift driver returned to place a slit coil on the kerb side of the trailer. The new rules are based on the North American Cargo Securement Standard Model Regulations, reflecting the results of a multi-year research program to evaluate U.S . Landings & Platforms. 4. 49 CFR Part 595. OSHA outlines mandates for wheel chocks in standard sections 1910.178 (k) (1) and (2) and 1910.178 (m) (7). Loading dock safety is a careful blend of many factors: Employee training, engineering controls, adherence to standard operating procedures, good housekeeping, logistics and double-checking variables. He continued to load the slit coil. Subject: 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(1) and (m)(7): Mechanical Means to Secure Trucks or Trailers to a Loading Dock - Special Addendum. Shifting loads can strike, injure, and engulf workers while a sudden shift in center of gravity can overturn a trailer. Directive issued (30 years ago!) Pipe Railings: 1-1/2 nominal diameter, not more than 8 feet apart. The company's written policy states that trailer wheels must be chocked prior to the loading or unloading operations, and that the drivers were expected to follow that requirement. Don't deal with on-bus problems when unloading and loading. 29 CFR 1910.178 (m) (6) - "A safe distance shall be . Loading upward from the bottom, maintain an even side-to-side distribution of the weight making sure to keep proper weight on the tongue. STD 01-11-007 (STD 1-11.7), (August 5, 1981). Don't take your eyes off what is happening outside the bus. In order to comply with OSHA, employers must learn their obligations -- and find . OSHA Regulations OSHA requires that trucks be immobilized during the loading and unloading process to ensure safety of the workers. Purpose. Here are a few specific requirements: 29 CFR 1926.451 (e) (5) (ii) - "No ramp or walkway shall be inclined more than a slope of one vertical to three horizontal (20 degrees above the horizontal).". OSHA regulations govern the safety and health of the workers and the responsibilities of employers to ensure their safety at the warehouse, dock, construction site, and in other places truckers go to deliver and pick up loads throughout the country. The flooring of trucks, trailers, and railroad cars shall be checked for breaks and weakness before they are driven onto. Pedestrian and powered truck collision. old trailers. Property Damage 3. SafeRack rolling platforms provide a safe walk surface beside the flatbed truck trailer while loading. Page 6 . K SECURING LOADS FOR TRANSPORT / BINDERS & WRAPPERS Oregon Administrative Rules Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division 437-007-1010(10)(a) K-4 437-007-1015(2)(a)(B) (a) Must meet the requirements of 437-007-1010(7), or (b) All perimeter logs must be contained by no less than two wrappers. Sincerely, John B. 13360, explicitly excludes rolling stock from coverage. What the agencies say We take this mission seriously and have the industry's best OSHA compliant technology, engineering, and onsite service. Chock the vehicles' wheels. On September 27, 2002, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published new cargo securement rules. Chock the vehicles' wheels. Tighten all parts, bolts, nuts, and mounting hardware. Part. Trailer stabilizing jacks are just one part of safe unloading and loading of semi-trailers. (anchor) tie-down: attaches directly from the trailer to the load . Loads must be suitably packaged. Office of Compliance Programming. Miles states that, "The current fall protection standard in general industry (Subpart D) does not specifically address fall hazards from the tops of rolling stock. Forklifts overturning. We offer a variety of personal fall protection lifelines . Whoever willfully and knowingly operates, owns or causes to be operated on any public highway, road, street or public right-of-way a motor vehicle so loaded with gravel, rock, slag, bricks, in such manner . However, the FMCSA does require blocks or chocks for all agricultural commodity trailers, pulpwood trailers and heavy haulers. Trucks and trailers can creep away from docks while loading and unloading due to the weight and force of the forklift. Post signs warning not to move the vehicle. FMVSS Number. Install fixed jacks to support a semi-trailer that is not coupled to a tractor to prevent it from upending.