Bay lifts can be handy additions to loading docks, assisting with lifting heavy goods upwards and downwards. Before implementing them into your business, however, it’s important to consider the rules and regulations that also apply to these tools. In this article, you can learn some tips and tricks for finding the right equipment.
Defining Bay Lifts
To transport goods up a level in a loading bay, specialist equipment has been specifically designed for this purpose. Known commonly as loading bay lifts or dock loaders, these tools are built to help move heavy goods up short distances, ready to be unloaded elsewhere in the bay.
Regulations to Be Aware Of
Utilising a loading bay lift can be incredibly convenient, helping to lift heavy goods that would be difficult to otherwise transport. With their use, however, there are regulations you need to be aware of. Read on to find out about the acts that apply.
The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER)
One of the most important regulatory guidelines to ensure your lift adheres to is The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, which is otherwise known as LOLER. These regulations stipulate that a lifting operation refers to the lifting or lowering of a load. A load, in turn, refers to an item or a range of items being lifted, which can include both products and people.
When lifting equipment is being operated, certain rules must be followed. The operation needs to be properly planned, supervised, and carried out safely. For the full rules and regulations that apply to your bay lifting equipment, it’s vital to speak with the relevant regulatory authorities.
Health and Safety at Work Act (HSW Act)
When it comes to protecting staff in the workplace, the most important legislation to ensure you are adhering to is the Health and Safety at Work Act. This act requires an employer to provide training to help staff understand how the rules are enforced. Welfare provisions should also be provided by the employer in the workplace. The work environment should also be properly maintained, keeping employees safe.
Exceptions to The Regulations
In some circumstances, the rules and regulations for loading bay lifts might not apply. If you’re unsure whether the rules apply to your bay lift, it’s important to get in touch with the relevant regulatory institutions beforehand. This should prevent you from discovering that your bay lift is not up to code.
Safety Pitfalls to Avoid
Several issues can be encountered if proper safety measures aren’t followed when installing or operating a loading bay lift. Read on for some safety pitfalls you should be aware of.
Using Bay Lifts Improperly
As with any heavy machinery or equipment, it is vital to act carefully around bay lifts. Make sure any items or goods you place on loading bay platforms are within their capacity range, preventing dangerous breakdowns and damage.
Choosing an Unsuitable Lift
As loading bay equipment comes in various forms, it can be easier than you think to select the wrong type for your space. The loading bay lift platform should be able to reach a safe height and stay there, for example, ready and prepared for off-loading tasks. LOLER regulations stipulate that the positioning of a lift should reduce the risk of harming a person. If it cannot meet these rules, the safety of employees is left to chance.
Skipping Maintenance
It’s important to keep an eye on your loading bay equipment. Preventative maintenance can help detect and fix any safety issues early on, preventing danger and other issues from striking. This will help you meet the regulations that apply to loading bay lifts.
Overlooking Safety Features
It’s important to understand what safety features are included with your loading bay lift, particularly in the event of an emergency. Emergency stop buttons should be included in the control system, allowing the operator to control the system in the event something goes wrong.
Choosing The Right Manufacturer
When selecting a loading bay lift, it’s important to take the manufacturer into account. Choosing the wrong manufacturer can leave you at risk of not meeting the requirements you need to adhere to.
Find Examples of Past Work
One way to decipher the trustworthiness of a manufacturer is to scan their website for examples of past projects. While not true for all businesses, most manufacturers will proudly display their past work, indicating that they perform the job well.
Read Reviews
One easy way to get a sense of the quality of a manufacturer is to research reviews. These will usually be good indicators of whether their products are accurate to how they have been described and whether they adequately meet the enforced requirements.
Our Products
If you’re considering having dock loaders installed, look no further than our products and services at Loading Bay Lift. In this section, you can read about some of our loading bay equipment, and how it can help you get a grip on heavy deliveries.
Front of Dock Bay Lifts
Specifically designed for transferring loads, our front-of-dock lifts can be used to transport goods from the rear of a vehicle to a dock. To keep staff and goods safe alike while using a front-of-dock bay lift, we offer extras that help your station work functionally and securely. This includes interlocked gates, which prevent goods from slipping and harming anyone, and ramps for easy transportation of wheeled items. Whether floor-mounted or pit-installed, front-of-dock lifts are a great option for loading bays.
Multi-Dock Loading Bay Lifts
Multi-dock loading bay lifts are another great solution. These adaptable solutions are popular in areas where loading bay lifts need to be moved around but still have a substantial lifting capacity. If you’re travelling with the loads to ensure they can be safely loaded, our multi-dock loading bay lifts have twin safety zones to keep the staff members safe and secure.
In-Dock Loading Bay Lifts
For a more solid solution, we can provide your site with an in-dock loading bay lift. These dock loaders are great for a permanent solution for your property, built within the architecture of the property. These in-dock loading bay lifts provide a way for vehicles to reverse fully into the loading dock, creating a secure spot where employees can unload and load goods.
Bespoke Bay Lifts
If none of these solutions sounds quite right for you, we can offer bespoke bay lifts, designed for your space. From custom loading bay lift platforms to different gate styles, we can help you get the perfect dock loader for your space. We also offer installations suited to various capacities, meaning you can safely support the right loads.
Contact Us
If you’re interested in installing a loading bay lift for your business, our friendly staff at Loading Bay Lift are ready to assist. From helping you choose the right product to creating lifts tailored to your space, our specialists will utilise their lengthy experience to ensure you get the perfect product.
Visit our website to learn more about us and how we can help you. Alternatively, get in touch directly with our friendly team today.
