Loading docks are designed to move product efficiently, but they also create safety risks that need to be managed. One of those risks occurs when a forklift approaches a dock leveler that is parked and not positioned on a trailer.
If the dock door is open and the leveler is in the stored position, there may be a risk of a forklift or pallet truck rolling toward the edge of the dock. A roll-off stop dock leveler, also sometimes referred to as a barrier lip dock leveler, is designed to help reduce that risk.
What Is a Roll-Off Stop?
A roll-off stop is a safety feature built into certain dock levelers. When the dock leveler is parked, the lip is positioned to create a barrier at the front of the leveler. This barrier helps reduce the chance of a forklift rolling off the dock when no trailer is present.
When the dock leveler is used for loading, the lip extends and rests on the trailer bed like a conventional dock leveler.
The purpose is simple: provide an added safety measure when the dock position is not actively engaged with a trailer.
Why Roll-Off Protection Matters
Forklift roll-off is a serious loading dock hazard. Even a slow-moving forklift can create major risk if it travels beyond the dock edge.
This risk may be greater in facilities with busy dock traffic, multiple operators, frequent trailer changes, open dock doors, limited visibility, or inconsistent procedures.
A roll-off stop does not replace proper training, procedures, or dock communication systems, but it can add an important engineered safeguard.
When Should a Roll-Off Stop Dock Leveler Be Considered?
A roll-off stop feature should be considered in facilities where forklift traffic is frequent and dock doors may be open when a trailer is not present.
Roll-off stop levelers can be especially relevant in distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, food plants, third-party logistics operations, and any facility with multiple dock positions operating throughout the day.
Additional Benefits
With Pentalift’s HDRS Roll-Off Stop design, the lip also serves to help protect roll-up doors on truck trailers positioned at the loading dock from impact and damage.
The main benefit, however, is safety. A roll-off stop is an example of designing the dock area to help reduce reliance on operator behaviour alone.
What to Consider Before Specifying
Before specifying a roll-off stop dock leveler, the application should be reviewed carefully.
Important considerations include leveler capacity, dock height, trailer range, forklift type, pit dimensions, bumper projection, door size, and whether the dock position will also use a vehicle restraint or interlock system.
It is also important to confirm that the selected leveler matches the operating conditions of the facility.
The Bottom Line
A roll-off stop dock leveler, or barrier lip dock leveler, provides an added safety feature by helping reduce the risk of forklift roll-off when the dock leveler is stored. It can be a valuable option for busy loading docks where safety, traffic flow, and dock edge protection are important.
For new construction, this feature should be considered early, before dock equipment specifications are finalized.
Interested in improving dock safety on a new or existing loading dock? Pentalift can help review whether a roll-off stop dock leveler is appropriate for your application.