Aluminum Ramps--The Walking Ramp
The aluminum walk ramp is an inexpensive alternative to the fiberglass ramp used for the same purpose--to use people and hand trucks to unload or load trucks. Because the aluminum ramp is rated for much less weight than the fiberglass model, it is unsuitable for most motorized material handling equipment.
Human traffic and non-motorized moving equipment on these ramps are fine, but remember to check the weight ratios of your cargo before trying to wheel it onto the aluminum ramp. If your cargo is heavier than 2,000 pounds, it is too heavy for even the sturdiest aluminum ramp. If you routinely load or offload cargo heavier than 2,000 pounds, it's best to use the fiberglass model for your operation.
A Ramp For Trucks
Steel Wheel riser ramps are truck ramps designed to elevate a semi-trailer to the loading dock for loading and unloading. With up to a 40,000 pound capacity per pair, this is an excellent piece of equipment to have in a semi to cope with loading areas of varying heights.
If you are in the market for this kind of truck ramp, you should consider the optional pre-aligned and pre-spaced model. This option is a major convenience and safety factor---a lift truck can simply lower the pre-aligned truck ramps into place. The pre-spacing and aligning eliminates guesswork and increases the overall safety of the operation. It does not eliminate the need for a spotter, however. Even though the truck ramp is 'ready for use' a second person will be needed to insure the truck wheels are properly engaged with the ramp.
Ramps--An Alternative to Back Strain
Various types of ramps can be used?in the workplace. One of the most important types for operations with frequent truck loading and unloading is the heavy duty fiberglass walk ramp. This is a very good ergonomic solution for loading and unloading because the ramp keeps workers from straining their backs climbing in and out of the rear of the truck.
These ramps allow workers to use dollies, fork trucks and other equipment to move loads from truck to dockside, and many of these ramps have capacities up to?5,000 pounds. Backaches and slippage are a thing of the past with a ramp which allows for a gradual walking incline instead of a steep step up into the loading area of the truck.
The Autoloader Portable Ramp Part One
An autoloader portable ramp has all the usual qualities of other fiberglass loading ramps, but it can be separated to facilitate the loading of an automobile into a truck. In terms of safety for such an operation, it's very important to have a spotter, and use the e-brake once the vehicle has been parked inside the truck. Using portable ramp to load a vehicle is a simple operation but workers should remember to attach the ramp to the truck using the safety chains provided with the loading ramp. Chocks should also be used to prevent the vehicle from shifting inside the truck.
A Time NOT To Use Your Loading Ramp?
A loading ramp is made out of reinforced fiberglass and has a 5,000 pound capacity. The advantage of a loading ramp-which comes in models from 30-inches wide to 36-inches wide--allows your crew to safely unload pallets, heavy loads and bulk items.
There are some instances where your crew will need to evaluate whether the ramp is appropriate for unload. If the job calls for a fork lift, fork truck, simple dollies or other material handling equipment, depending on the width of the axles and the nature of the project, it may be best to leave the ramp for human traffic and use motorized equipment to unload the truck by wheeling the pallets or load to the edge of the truck.
If your workplaces safety manual doesn't address which situations are appropriate for ramps and which aren't, consider making an addition. Your veteran workers will know which loads are right for the appropriate job, but new hires may need additional guidance. An extra page in the safety book will eliminate guesswork and "make it official" which can also help cover your bases in case of a legal issue.
Aluminum Vehicle Ramps and Weight Ratios
Aluminum ramps can come as walk ramps for truck unloading, and also as vehicle ramps to allow vans, pickups and some types of passenger cars from ground level into high entrances. As always, a spotter is needed for use with these types of aluminum ramps.
It's also important to evaluate the capacity of the ramps you are using with the weight of the vehicles you need to load on the aluminum ramp. Some ramps are rated at 5,500 pounds, while others are rated as high as 7,000 pounds. This rating is per pair and not per individual ramp--an important factor to remember when calculating your weight ratios.
Never attempt to exceed the rated working height of the ramps. Moving vehicles can be a simple procedure, but the liabilities for cosmetic damage and other mishaps can be higher if the proper precautions aren't followed. Remember to check the clearances on your doorway before loading or unloading with the aluminum ramp. Remember that vehicle mirrors, antennas and other protruding objects may catch on the sides or roof of the doorway!