In July, the loading bays are ovens. Therefore, the shutters go up and stay up, sometimes all day. This means the dock becomes the main way in to the building for those crossing the yard.
Staff aren’t being careless. They’re doing what they think is most efficient. One potential fix is to give staff a way to keep the air moving without leaving the opening wide open.
A barrier across the opening
A trackless barrier pulls across the opening of the dock and lets air through to block people. Once locked in place it wheels out of the way to block nothing when a vehicle is being loaded. With a mesh or shade cloth backing no one can reach through to lift stock off the nearest pallet.
Where docks are equipped with levellers, check the barrier position works in conjunction with the leveller and dock shelter. The barrier needs to close to the end of the opening without fouling either.
The risky times
Most dock losses happen during the work day. They happen at shift changes, during breaks, when drivers are left unattended, and when dock doors are propped open. Barriers that take a long time to set up aren’t as useful during these times because they aren’t set up during these short windows. A barrier that takes a short time to set up is better during these times.
Night-time
Barriers regulate daytime security and ventilation. An external door or shutter that is closed and locked remains essential overnight. The barrier is located next to that. It is a separate feature.
Back to the full guide: Trackless Barriers and Security Grilles
Related: What Is a Trackless Barrier?