Mounting Position

• The purpose of dock safety lights is to prevent the untimely removal of the truck/trailer from the dock door. This is done by mounting a light with a red and green indicator. The light is mounted beside the dock door in a position that is clearly visible to the driver of the truck. If the green portion of the light is activated, the truck/trailer is safe to be moved away from the dock. If the red portion of the light is activated, the driver knows the loading or unloading process is not complete and the truck should not be moved. In many cases these safety lights are used in conjunction with a trailer security system that locks the trailer against the dock with a large metal hook. This combination of restraints and safety lights can help prevent worker injury when a truck or trailer is prematurely removed from the dock door.
  
  

Operation

• The safety lights can be operated in a variety of methods. In the simplest application, an operator will simply activate either the red or green light depending on which is appropriate. This is done with a switch located beside the dock door. In more sophisticated systems, the light switch is tied directly to a restraint system. In some situations the light switch is available only to a supervisor or team lead as an increased safety measure.
  
  

Procedures and Control

• Dock safety lights can only be effective if they are used properly. This will require a certain amount of discipline on the dock to make certain the lights are properly activated and this activation is done at the appropriate time and with the full knowledge of the workforce. Ideally, the controls to the dock safety lights will be located in an area accessible only to a lead or manager. This lead or manager will be responsible for assigning work duties on the dock and will ensure the safety lights are properly set before assigning the truck/trailer to be loaded or unloaded. The lead or manager switch the light only after confirming the work has been completed. Strict control must be exercised if the safety lights are to be effective.