Good morning all

We are using FLT to drive onto the back of curtain-sided trailers from a loading bay (Using a dock leveller)

Risk assessment focusses on controls associated with preventing the vehicle from being driven away whilst loading / unloading is taking place.

Control measures relating to the FLT / MHE falling from the trailer through the curtain are limited to visual inspection of the trailer floor and physical check that the curtains are securely fastened (By the FLT / MHE Operator).

Are there any other control measures out there to mitigate the risk of FLT falling from the trailer?

I also understand that some businesses prohibit FLT from operating on the back of curtain sided trailers so would also appreciate any / all comment regards the safety of this practice

Thanks in advance to all who respond!!!

This is quite a common practice, we do this in most of our depots. The main risks are early drive off, and vehicle creep, also trailer tipping if there is no tractor unit attached to the trailer. To mitigate the risk we ensure:
Driver applies trailer brake and tractor unit brake.
Chocks wheels
Adjusts trailer height against dock
We also get them to place a lock on the steering wheel and hand in the key, no key no loading takes place, to control early drive off.
There other methods to prevent early drive offs such as removing emergency air line and placing on a lock, combi lock system, traffic lights, etc.
There is a good document called Loading dock safety guide produced by the retail and distribution group in conjunction with FTA, which addresses these issues.
I have done quite a bit of work here myself so willing to assist further if required.

To be fair I have not considered this too much of a risk that isn't already controlled by training. From observations of this process the operator will drive straight in and reverse straight out with the cargo. Some trailers are not suitable i.e. the type where the boards come out to sink in reels and rolls etc. A lot of ours are tilt trailers some they do offer a little bit of protection, although of course could not be fully relied on.

John,

Are you not able to tip and load curtain side trailers from the side? At my workplace only box trailers etc are loaded from loading bays. No FLT's or PPT's on curtain side trailers = no chance of falling from the trailer.

Regards,

Thom

We will load / unload approx 500 - 600 trailers per day in this manner, and we have not had any near misses or incidents where FLT / PPT have come out the side of the trailers.
For me the greatest risk that has to be mitigated is trailer tip, vehicle creep, and early drive off.