All loading dock ramps require periodic maintenance performed by qualified personnel. This maintenance aims to prevent future failures and correct them when they occur. Considering that the actions performed during maintenance, as well as the service price, are very similar across all loading dock maintenance companies, what criteria should we follow when choosing?
What does the regulation say about loading dock maintenance?
In Spain, the 1215/1997 regulation says on the article 3.5 states that “the employer shall adopt the necessary measures so that, through adequate maintenance, work equipment is maintained throughout its period of use in such conditions as to satisfy the provisions of the third paragraph of section 1.
This maintenance shall be carried out taking into account the manufacturer’s instructions or, failing that, the characteristics of this equipment, its conditions of use and any other normal or exceptional circumstance that may influence its deterioration or malfunction.”
The maintenance of all components of loading and unloading docks must be carried out in accordance with each manufacturer’s instruction manual. Furthermore, Article 3.5 indicates that “maintenance, repair or transformation operations that pose a specific risk to workers may only be entrusted to personnel specifically trained for this purpose”.
Frequency of preventive maintenance tasks
After years of providing levelers for loading docks, industrial doors, and shelters, we recommend that the frequency of inspections depend on the use of the loading dock:
- Continuous Use: Every 3 months
- Moderate Use: Every 6 months
- Low Use: Once a year
Once this preventive maintenance is completed, a report is generated with the detected anomalies that need to be corrected.
What is performed during preventive maintenance of the loading dock?
Maintenance technicians ensure that the ramp welds are properly sealed, clean and lubricate the leveler ramp hinges (one of the areas with the most wear and tear as it’s the friction point with the forklift during loading and unloading operations), and check for oil leaks and levels.
They also check the correct operation of the cylinders and review the electrical connections. Among other routine actions, maintenance technicians carry out:
- Weld testing
- Testing of vital points
- Cleaning and lubricating hinges
- Checking oil levels and verifying the absence of leaks
- Checking the correct operation of the cylinders
- Reviewing electrical connections
In this way, we ensure that all the parts that make up the ramp remain in optimal condition throughout its useful life, increasing its durability and preventing possible accidents.
Can a company other than the loading dock manufacturer perform the maintenance?
These tasks can be performed by properly trained in-house personnel, or by contracting a professional loading dock company, to carry out the loading dock maintenance regardless of the manufacturer’s brand.
Alapont Global Loading Dock Maintenance: Advantages
What sets us apart from other companies is our quick response time and personal attention to our clients.
We understand what our clients expect: a quick and adequate response to any call, especially in emergencies, where within a few hours, you have a technician at your disposal.
In addition to the advantages already mentioned, having preventive maintenance service for all the components of your loading dock, including the leveler ramp, insulating shelters, and sectional doors, will increase its useful life, durability, and prevent potential accidents.
Workplace accidents will also be reduced, as these often occur due to a lack of proper maintenance of loading dock equipment. For example, if the welds of hydraulic ramps are not checked, they may come loose, causing the ramp to detach from the platform, resulting in accidents.
If you need dock leveler maintenance, contact us through this form, and we will advise you on the best solution for your specific needs.
