Retrofit the Loading Dock Area For Winter With These Three Products
Given the unpredictable nature of winter weather in Toronto and the GTA, facility managers and workplaces should be prepared for anything. From frigid subzero temperatures and freezing rain to snow storms and sleet, winter presents numerous safety, efficiency and operational challenges. This is especially true in the case of loading dock areas due to the fact that they face regular exposure to the elements. Given these seasonal problems, facility managers should take the proper steps to winterize and retrofit their Toronto loading docks to maintain safety, regulatory compliance and productivity. Read on to learn about four products that Lenworth offers that can help seamlessly retrofit the loading dock area for winter.
1. Loading Dock Seals Can Help Make Loading Docks Areas More Comfortable
Without the proper protection, loading dock areas are often quite exposed to the elements. Heavy snow, freezing rain and cold, strong winds are very common during the winter months. The last thing that any facility manager or employee wants is for these elements to enter the facility through exposed gaps around loading dock doors. Not only does the cold create adverse, uncomfortable working conditions, any snow or ice that makes its way inside can result in dangerous, slippery areas in a high-traffic, dynamic environment. Additionally, any gaps allow for unwanted air transfer which can have an adverse effect on energy costs if the issue is left unaddressed over time.
Investing in Lenworth Loading Dock Seals can help to fully seal off the loading dock area by blocking wind, snow and ice. They can also help improve energy efficiency by better containing the warm air generated internally and keeping cold air outside. For added protection from the elements, Lenworth offers dock seals with adjustable head curtains that accommodate different trailer sizes. This means they can adjust to varying heights and still effectively seal off gaps during loading and unloading procedures.
2. Truck Restraints Make Loading Dock Areas Safer During Winter
As many facility managers know, loading dock areas are hazardous even in the most benign conditions. They are fluid, high-traffic environments that feature moving forklifts, crowded staging areas, sheer drops and slopes. When ice, snow and cold temperatures come into the equation, the potential for accidents and operational challenges only increases. One very common incident during winter is trailer creep. In these situations, improperly secured trailers roll away from loading docks unexpectedly due to icy conditions.
Truck and Vehicle Restraints are an excellent way to prevent trailer creep and other loading dock accidents during the winter. They work by grabbing and latching on to the truck’s rear-impact guard. With a securing force of 32,000 lbs, these mechanisms fully restrain and secure truck trailers in place. By doing so, they protect employees, equipment and cargo during loading and unloading procedures.
3. Electric Door Operators Can Help Shield Loading Dock Areas From the Elements
One of the best ways that facilities can improve internal working conditions during the winter months is by reducing the cycle time of loading dock doors. The longer these doors stay open during a cycle, the more cold air can infiltrate the facility. Not only does this expose work areas to winter conditions, it also contributes heavily to energy loss.
Direct Drive Door Operators are an effective solution to the problem of doors with slow opening and closing speeds. By installing a direct drive operator, not only are you working to automate your existing overhead doors for more convenience, you are also reducing the cycle time. Lenworth’s Direct Drive Operator has selectable speeds of 24”/16”/ 8” per second. These door speeds can significantly reduce cycle times which will go a long way towards protecting your facility from the winter weather. It will also help reduce energy costs over time.
For those facilities looking to upgrade their current overhead doors even further, investing in a High-Speed Overhead Door is an excellent way to do so. Lenworth offers heavy-duty, weather-resistant high-speed doors that perform in all manner of harsh conditions. This makes them ideal options for facilities in Toronto that deal with such varied weather over the course of the year.
Lenworth Can Help Retrofit Your Loading Dock Area For Winter
If you are unsure what steps you should take to winterize your loading dock area, or where to start, Lenworth is happy to help. We offer free, no-hassle consultations to answer any questions, address potential problem areas and help you determine the steps you can take to winterize your facility effectively. Once you have a plan in place, we also offer a premium line of products that will improve and optimize the performance of your facility.
BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY >>
