A dock lift is a scissor lift platform designed to raise or lower products between truck bed height and ground level. In the majority of applications, dock lifts are installed exterior to the building, either in a recessed pit or mounted on a concrete slab.
As standard, dock lifts are supplied with 42-inch-high protective guard rails on the platform. These guard rails are designed to prevent dock attendants from accidentally falling from the elevated platform during operation.
When installed outside the building, the dock lift—and especially the 42-inch-high guard rails—are vulnerable to extensive damage caused by accidental vehicle impact as incoming trucks back into position to be unloaded.
Minimizing the Risk of Vehicle Impact
At a minimum, a large, highly visible exterior sign advising caution when backing trucks into position should be considered to help reduce the risk of damage to the dock lift.
Long-Term Protection: Steel Bollards
The most effective long-term solution for protecting a dock lift from incoming vehicle damage is the installation of two (2) protective steel bollards. Protective bollards are vertical steel posts—typically 8 to 12 inches in diameter—that project approximately 48 to 52 inches above grade and are embedded in the concrete just ahead of the dock lift.
Protective bollards, often painted safety yellow for high visibility, are designed to stop an incoming truck at the correct position, preventing accidental impact damage to the dock lift and guard rails. The required diameter and embedment depth of the bollards depend on the magnitude of the vehicle load they are intended to withstand.
In some applications, dock bumpers are added to the face of the bollards to further reduce impact forces, helping to protect both the bollards themselves and the truck.
Dock Lift Bridge Plate Considerations
When protective bollards are installed, consideration should be given to the length of the dock lift bridge plates. Depending on the diameter and placement of the bollards, the bridge plate length should be specified to project a minimum of 10 inches beyond the face of the bollards and rest securely on the truck bed.
This additional projection provides adequate bridge plate extension onto the truck bed, ensuring safe and efficient loading and unloading operations.
Reference Images
Images of dock lifts with protective steel bollards in position can be found at the following link:
For additional information on any Pentalift dock leveler or loading dock equipment, please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.