Posted By Renny Thomson It is a common practice to load uncoupled semi-trailers via a loading bay. There are however a number of hazards that can occur. The change in the trailer height is caused by the significant weight of the FLT compressing the suspension of the trailer. It is more noticable with air suspension as there is much greater compliance than with steel suspension systems. It does not mean that there has been a leak in the trailer system although it may be worse if the trailer has been sitting for some time. Use of a self leveling dock plate will avoid the FLT having to negotiate significant changes in level. Alternatively it may be that the trailer suspension can be lowered to the bottom of its travel before loading/uncoupling. Another hazard that the weight of the FLT can cause is that when it approaches the front of the trailer, the nose of the trailer can colllapse, either by pivoting about the landing legs, or by collapse of the legs due to overload. This can be controlled by the use of suitable tressles. Movement of the trailer can occur if the parking brake is not correctly applied. See HSE site for info. A control is to use a system wherby the trailer is latched onto the loading bay and cannot move away until released. A lesser method is to use wheel chocks. Sudden application of the FLT brakes can also result in the trailer moving. It is obviously essential that the FLT operators are made aware of these hazards.