What To Know About Loading & Unloading Areas

7 Dec Blog

Executing the loading and unloading phase safely represents one of the main safety risks in the supply chain sector. As the need for more deliveries grows, so does the potential for accidents among forklift operators, truck drivers, and other workers.

Due to this problem, a combined industry body called the LUEZ (loading, unloading exclusion zone) Committee was established to create best practise standards to reduce and avoid these traffic incidents.              

The rules created by the LUEZ (loading, unloading exclusion zone) Committee are based on three key ideas that could be incorporated into every system for controlling loading and unloading.

Which are:

• “Forklifts and other loading and unloading equipment should be kept apart from motorists and other pedestrians,”
• The forklift operator needs to have control over the location where loading and unloading are taking place; and
• Activity should stop right away until the line of sight is re-established if the driver loses direct line of sight with the forklift operator.

Each company closely looks at its ability to affect and control Hazards that may arise when any task is undertaken. They are jointly responsible under workplace health and safety legislation for the health and safety of people participating in the work. Together, they must guarantee that risks are reduced or if that is not practicable, eliminated.

Below are the loading and unloading procedures and requirements that should be considered by every transport company.

When loading/unloading with mobile plant, it is good to consider the following traffic management measures:

Exclusion zone and safety zones

• Specify a pedestrian exclusion zone around the truck.
• Specify a safety zone for the driver – e.g: at the front of the truck, in the amenities area, or in the cabin, if it is safe to do so.
• Erect sturdy barriers, such as fences or gates, around the safety zone – or, if these are unavailable, use chains or tape.
• No one should enter the exclusion zone without the mobile plant operator’s approval. The mobile plant operator should not begin loading/unloading until everyone is clear of the exclusion zone.
• Maintaining an exclusion zone around the truck while loading/unloading will also eliminate the risk of anyone being hit by falling loads or the machine in operation.

Communication

• Use an effective communication system between the mobile plant operator and the driver – eg: hand signals may be suitable in some workplaces, two-way radios in others.
• Use signs, lights, alarms, and the like to indicate loading/unloading is in progress.

Mobile plant

• Operators should be appropriately licensed and trained to load safely following road safety legislation.
• Fit speed limiting devices, where appropriate.
• Fit reversing sensors, cameras, or audible warning devices.
• Ensure tyres, windscreens, mirrors, reversing sensors, and the like are well maintained.
• Ensure the mobile plant is appropriate for the loads it is being used for in the workplace.

Work environment

• Ensure adequate lighting.
• Provide a safe loading/unloading surface area.

Personal protective equipment – eg high-visibility work gear.

Additionally, it is crucial to have safeguards in place to guarantee that the vehicle cannot move while being loaded or unloaded.

Use barriers, air-brake isolation-interlock devices, dock locks, or “stop” signs as options. Additionally, make sure there are devices in place that notify the driver when it is safe to depart and prohibit unauthorised access to the cabin and ignition keys.

Disclaimer: It is important to note that the information in this document is authentic to the best of our knowledge, and as such, it is prone to errors and the absence of some key information. We can edit or change this appropriately so as to give the reader of this document updated industry related information. Further this information is for entertainment and informative purposes not to be perceived as professional advice with regards to health, or finances, or any other field.