Bumpers protect the building and the truck from impact damage when the truck is docking (Fig. 40). Bumpers can reduce the impact of a backing truck by 90 – 95%. They also provide protection during the loading operation when the truck rocks or floats up and down while it is pressed against the building. Finally, bumpers limit how close the truck is parked to the dock and thus affect dockleveler lip and seal and shelter projections.
Since they absorb large impacts, mount bumpers firmly to the dock. Bumpers are available in molded or laminated rubber. The standard bumper thickness is 10 cm, but laminated bumpers are also available in 15 cm thickness. The 10 cm bumper is preferred, since it reduces the gap between the trailer floor and the face of the dock. A smaller space reduces the risk of workers placing their feet or equipment in the gap. |