The Trailer Jack Stand, Part Two
There are two different types of capacity with regard to the trailer jack stand:
- The static capacity, or how much weight the jack stand is rated to hold simply sitting there and;
- The lifting capacity, which is how much weight the jack stand is rated to actually hoist as it is extended.
Don't confuse the two! A serious issue with the trailer jack stand is that over time, the capacity rating of the trailer jack stand may become illegible due to wear, dirt, repainting, etc. An unmarked trailer jack stand can be overloaded and collapse. It's best to stencil the capacities of your trailer jack stand into the stand for maximum readability.
Rubber Wheel Chocks
The advantage of a set of rubber wheel chocks is obvious to anyone who has ever picked up an aluminum chock in freezing temperatures. Rubber is weatherproof, scratch resistant, and best of all, doesn't freeze your hands when you pick it up in the cold!
A rubber wheel chock is designed to be non-slip, and chocks are required by OSHA to be used with rail cars and trucks during unloading. If you are considering a set of chocks, compare the price of the rubber wheel chock with those made of other materials. You may also wish to look at the list of rubber wheel chock accessories, including hanging chains, and 'warning' signs for the workplace.
Wheel Chocks--Extra Safety In The Dock
There are hundreds of uses for wheel chocks; everything from trucks to military aircraft to rail cars. Wheel Chocks prevent accidental movement or slippage of heavy vehicles. This is especially important during loading and unloading--the shifting weight can affect wheel placement unless chocks are used to stabilize the vehicle.
Use chocks along with truck restraints in dock areas for an added safety measure. There are many different sizes and materials to choose from--you may wish to use the rubber chocks when dealing with certain conditions--especially cold or wet areas, or the aluminum chocks in other situations including an indoor garage or warehouse situation where cold temperatures are not an issue.
Trailer Jack Stands Reduce Tipping Hazards
According to OSHA guidelines, trailers which are unattached should be stabilized by two trailer jack stands, which helps minimize tipping hazards. It's important to know that spotted or dropped trailers are more susceptible to "trailer creep".
Loading/Unloading operations can cause shifting weight in the trailer and you will need the trailer jack stands to insure stability for the duration of the load or unload. When you are creating your safety requirements in this area, remember to train anyone who may come within range of this operation, not just those in the immediate area. Many workplace injuries occur because?employees aren't familiar with certain areas.
Chock Your Equipment!
Trailer wheel chocks are required by the Department of Labor's?Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) for all loading and unloading operations. Additionally, the use of trailer wheel chocks is an excellent backup for other dock safety devices.
You may wish to put trailer wheel chocks on any trailer not in use at the moment as an added safety measure. The trailer wheel chock is an investment that will increase workplace safety. Better safe than sorry!