Are dock levelers considered confined space?

Asked by: Guy Syring

From the manufacturer literature you enclosed with your letter it appears that a dock leveler pit could meet each of the above criteria and hence be a confined space.

What is dock leveler operation?

A dock leveler works by bridging the gap between a loading dock and a vehicle. This equipment can handle extremely heavy load capacities and is more durable for heavy use. The main types of levelers have essentially the same function but operate slightly differently to meet different industry needs.

What is a dock level?

A dock leveller is an equipment used to level up the difference in height between a warehouse floor and delivery vehicle. It has an adjustable height which can be used for various vehicles. With the dock leveller, smooth transition is ensured when goods are loaded or unloaded from/into a truck.

Is an elevator an enclosed space?

Elevator pits fit the definition of confined space.
Whether an elevator pit is considered a permit-required confined space (permit space), i.e., a confined space which contains or has a potential to contain a hazard, will have to be decided on a case-by-case basis.

What is not designed for continuous human occupancy?

Explanation from OSHA of the “not designed for continuous human occupancy” component if the definition of the term “confined space“.

How do you service a dock leveler?

Start by cleaning the pit area; inspect all lip out mechanisms (pins, lip crank, links, chains and shackles) and replace any that look worn. Lubricate the dock leveler with the proper lubricants in all appropriate locations. Inspect all weatherseals (if installed) and replace if worn or damaged. Inspect dock bumpers.

What is hydraulic dock Leveller?

The highest quality and international safety standards. A dock leveller is a piece of equipment used for servicing a wide range of trucks at the loading dock. Using the dock leveller promotes the safety of goods and the operators. It also facilitates loading and unloading operations efficiently.

Do I need a dock leveler?

Dock Levelers Improve Safety and Protect Cargo
Dock levelers are especially essential because, in many cases, the height of your dock and the trucks that enter your loading one will be different. Whenever your dock and the height of the trunk don’t match, a gap can form between the dock and truck.

What is a dock shelter?

Dock Shelters are enclosures that seal the perimeter of the trailer to form a seal. This is accomplished by applying pressure against the sides of the trailer with fabric curtains fitted with fiberglass stays.

What is a dock lift?

A dock lift provides a number of benefits. They eliminate the danger and space requirements associated with a ramp and they improve safety by eliminating manual handling of freight from the truck bed height to the ground.

What defines a confined space?

A confined space also has limited or restricted means for entry or exit and is not designed for continuous occupancy. Confined spaces include, but are not limited to, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, pits, manholes, tunnels, equipment housings, ductwork, pipelines, etc.

What does OSHA mean by continuous human occupancy?

Continuous employee occupancy means an area where employees spend most or all of their workday, such as a cubicle or the mail room. The government mandates minimum safety requirements for areas designated as continuous employee occupancy.

What does PRCS mean confined space?

A PRCS is a space that meets the definition of a confined space above, and has one or more of the following hazardous characteristics: contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere (oxygen, flammability, and toxicity)

What are the three criteria that make an area a confined space?

In order for a work area to be defined as a confined space it must meet all three of the following criteria:

• Limited Openings for Entry and Exit. …
• The Space is not Intended for Continuous Human Occupancy. …
• The Space is Large Enough for You to Enter and Conduct Work.

What are the two classifications for confined spaces?

Confined spaces are usually broken down into two groups: Non-Permit and Permit. Permit confined spaces are the most hazardous and require you or some qualified person to completed a safety checklist, simply called a permit, before you enter in to the space.