Since their development in the early 1980s, vehicle restraint safety systems have played a vital role in improving loading dock safety.
Vehicle Restraint Systems serve two essential purposes:
1. To securely restrain a trailer in position during loading or unloading.
2. To provide clear visual communication between the truck driver and the dock attendant.
Let’s break down how these systems work and why they’re so important.
1. Securely Restrain the Trailer in Position
All commercial trailers are equipped with a horizontal rear impact guard (RIG). This guard helps prevent automobile under ride in the event of a rear-end collision and is typically mounted 18″–20″ above the road surface, running across the full width of the trailer.
The majority of vehicle restraints are installed by anchoring the vehicle restraint to the face of the foundation wall, centered on the dock below the dock leveler. Once a trailer backs into position, the dock attendant activates the vehicle restraint system. The vehicle restraint locking mechanism raises and mechanically engages with the trucks rear impact guard securing and restraining the truck in position.
Once the trailer is restrained, the dock leveler can be operated, and the truck can be safely loaded or unloaded while being securely held in position.
2. Providing Clear Visual Communication
Beyond physically securing the trailer, the visual signaling system plays a critical role by maintaining clear and synchronized communication between the driver and the loading dock attendant.
Each vehicle restraint system is equipped with red and green signal lights, along with clear signage, positioned both inside the building and on the exterior wall at the dock to ensure clear communication. These lights operate in opposite modes:
Exterior Green & Interior Red: Tells the truck driver the restraint is not engaged and it is safe to approach or leave the loading dock area, and warns the dock attendant not to load or unload.
Exterior Red & Interior Green: Â Once the trailer is in position and the vehicle restraint is engaged, the exterior red light signals the driver to remain at the dock. At the same time, the interior green light informs the dock attendant that the trailer is securely restrained and loading or unloading can proceed.
Why It Matters
It is well documented that the loading dock is one of the most dangerous areas of any warehouse or production facility. Vehicle restraint safety systems significantly reduce the risk of injury or equipment damage caused by trailer separation, miscommunication, or unexpected vehicle movement.
Learn More
Pentalift designs and manufactures a complete line of vehicle restraint safety systems engineered to enhance safety and productivity at the dock. For more information, contact the Pentalift Sales Department.