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Safe and Efficient Goods

Reception for Road Freight
II Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

Foreword

Umberto de Pretto
Secretary General IRU

The IRU International Guidelines on Safe and Efficient The CIT’s commitment and expertise have been central
Goods Reception for Road Freight were developed to to this effort to establish a valuable tool to guarantee the
respond to the gap in global guidance for professionals safe reception of goods and safe working environments
involved in transporting goods by road. for all those involved in the loading, unloading, collection
and delivery of goods during road transport operations.
On behalf of IRU and all of its members across five
continents, I would like to extend a special word of Aimed at IRU’s global membership and relevant
appreciation to IRU’s International Commission on stakeholders in the road transport industry, I would
Technical Affairs (CIT) and to external experts for encourage all to follow these comprehensive
making the development of the guidelines possible. recommendations as a reference to ensure that
safety comes first.
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight III

Mårten Johansson
President IRU International Commission on Technical Affairs (CIT)
Director of Technical Affairs and lead Auditor,
Swedish Association of Road Transport Companies, Stockholm

Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight has The IRU International Technical Commission (CIT) is
been developed in collaboration with members of the confident that the guidelines will help reduce the number
IRU International Commission on Technical Affairs, of people injured as a result of goods delivery and
The Health and Safety Authority Ireland and TYA. The collection related incidents, and prevent unnecessary and
guidelines promote safe and efficient deliveries and avoidable disruption to essential economic services.
collections of road freight and also include examples of
safe practice from throughout the road transport sector. Thank you to all IRU CIT Members, and a special thank
you to Deirdre Sinnott McFeat and Gareth Thornton (HSA),
Maria Vigren (TYA) and Jacques Marmy (IRU), who all
helped to make this project a reality for the international
road transport sector.
IV Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight
Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight V

Contents
Chapter 1 
Introduction 1

Chapter 2 
The Basic Principles 4

1. Safe and efficient goods reception 4


2. Thinking ahead 4

3. Common goods reception areas 5

Chapter 3 Adapting goods reception to the environment 8


1. Depot / warehouse 8


2. Industrial facility 11


3. Superstore 13


4. Preschool, school 15

5. Industrial kitchen, hospital, hotel 17

6. Shopping centre / shopping mall 18


7. Medium-sized shop 20

8. “Hole in the wall” - small shop, pub, restaurant, kiosk 22

Chapter 4 Key design considerations for

goods reception elements 26

1. Goods reception design 26

2. How to choose the

best goods reception arrangement 28

3. Loading house 30

4. Gates 31

5. Gate dimensioning 33

6. Loading dock 34

7. Dock leveller 34

8. Safe docking 36

9. Ramp 36

10. Dock seals 37

11. Step bridges 38

12. Securing a vehicle or load carrier 39

13. Inspection and maintenance 40

14. Handling equipment 40

15. Traffic management 43

16. Moving between different slopes 46

17. Help reversing 47

18. Fire safety and theft prevention 50

19. Lighting 54

20. Waste sorting and return of goods 56

References 58
VI Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 1

Introduction
Safe and efficient goods
reception for road freight

Deliveries and collections are Unless workplaces are suitably

essential to business, but for those designed, and work activities are
involved — including drivers, loading carefully controlled, people are at
staff and general operatives — it can risk of:
be a dangerous activity.
• Being hit by moving vehicles
Every year thousands of workers (reversing vehicles in particular)
suffer serious and fatal injuries when
working around vehicles which are • Slips, trips and falls in the general
collecting or delivering goods. work area

• Slips, trips and falls on or

from vehicles

• Injuries caused by vehicles

turning over (especially forklifts)

• Being hit by objects falling

from vehicles

• Injuries from manual handling tasks

2 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

These guidelines will provide information, c. Facility design considerations: information and
recommendations and good practices for different goods guidance is provided about specific design considerations
reception areas. By considering safety, environmental such as the loading dock, height difference, dock levellers,
factors and cost effective measures, it will enable gates, mechanical and manual handling equipment, traffic
users to select the best solution based on their specific control, fire safety, theft prevention, lighting and vehicle
requirements. compatibility.

By providing practical examples and supporting graphics The guidelines are also meant to help architects
depicting good practice arrangements, these guidelines and warehouse companies make the right decisions
will help to promote safe and efficient goods reception, when building, renovating and upgrading goods
ensuring a safe working environment for all those reception areas.
involved in the loading, unloading, collection and delivery
of goods. Many people are injured every year while collecting or
delivering goods.
The guidelines will address the different aspects involved
in the design, operation and maintenance of a goods Accidents or incidents could be prevented if all
reception area: stakeholders (consignors, carriers, consignees) cooperate
and coordinate their work.
a. The environment: information and guidance is provided
on how to achieve safe goods reception in specific These guidelines will include recommendations on the
working locations, including depots and warehouses, following key issues:
industrial facilites, superstores, schools, industrial areas,
hotels, hospitals, shopping centres, medium size shops, • Road transport companies should inform, instruct and
private convenience stores, kiosks and restaurants. This train drivers on safety precautions when visiting places
section also considers the following questions in relation of work, particularly regarding the risks involved in
to each different environment: loading and unloading delivery vehicles;

− The different types of goods: do they require • All stakeholders in the freight chain should provide
loading docks or mechanical or manual handling transport companies with information relating to
at ground level? loading/unloading operations; especially when
additional handling equipment is required at the
− The different vehicle combination types: are the reception site;
sizes of the loading docks, gates and dock seals
appropriate to vehicle types? • Road transport companies should be informed of traffic
planning rules at site of collecting/delivering goods;
− Traffic management considerations: what is the level
of traffic control? Are the traffic routes and rules • Before entering the site, drivers should make sure that
clearly shown on site maps and information boards? the vehicle and required equipment is damage free, safe
and suitable for loading/unloading.
b. The stakeholders: depending on the tasks and
operations, who has the responsibility to ensure safety
(business owner, consignor, consignee, driver, loading
or unloading staff, warehouse operative, shop staff,
supervisory staff, architect)?
Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 3
4 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

Chapter 2
The Basic Principles

1. Safe and efficient

goods reception
There is a need for extensive also affect the working environment
construction and renovation of goods for those working in the goods
reception areas to prevent accidents reception area.
and increase efficiency. It has also
become more common for premises These guidelines are aimed at
to be used by multiple businesses. stakeholders in many different
The design of goods reception industries and professions. They seek
areas affects the safety of all those to influence how goods reception
involved in the delivery chain, and is planned, designed and used. The
these guidelines will help promote recommendations in these guidelines
a safer and more efficient working are based on proven experiences and
environment in such areas. good practice examples.

There are two main aspects of safety

that should be considered in relation
2. Thinking ahead
to goods reception: Those involved in the carriage of any
kind of goods should take appropriate
• traffic safety: the way in which a steps to reduce the risk of injury,
vehicle approaches and departs damage to goods and damage
a goods reception, which can to vehicles. This should be done
affect members of the public such according to the nature and the extent
as customers, those living in the of foreseeable dangers. Stakeholders
vicinity and children; should comply with the industry
standards and guidance in their
• workplace safety: the way in respective fields, as well as national
which the vehicle docks at the or international regulations.
goods reception, which can affect
the safety of workers such as When different employers are
commercial drivers and operating on the same goods
warehouse staff. reception sites, the work environment
needs to be co-ordinated.
It is also important to remember that National regulations and rules on
the design of goods reception areas responsibility for co-ordination
may affect evacuation options, risk might apply in these cases.
of fire, risk of theft, etc. The function
of dock seals and air lock devices will
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 5

Employers have a duty to provide a safe place of 3. Common goods reception areas
work, safe systems of work and safe work equipment.
The design of goods reception sites will vary depending
Additionally, under occupational safety laws in many
on the type of vehicle combination in use.
countries, employers are required to provide instruction,
information and training to enable employees to work
safely without risk of injury. 3.1. HGV goods reception area at stores
A typical goods reception area is designed to facilitate
Employees also have duties in relation to their working
loading and unloading, delivery and collection of goods.
environment and their behaviour while at work. They are
The planning of how the goods reception area is accessed
required to cooperate with their employer and should
affects safety, the working environment and work
discuss safety issues with their employer.
operations. Factors that affect people in the vicinity of the
goods reception area will be addressed here.
Employers have duties to consult with employees on the
working environment and safety considerations for all
aspects of their work.

Constituent parts of a goods reception.

Canopy

Snow guard

Lighting

Red Air Hand rail

curtain
Rapid roll
gate
Gate
Railing

Rubber buffer

Warehouse Air lock

height-adjustable
hydraulic dock leveller
in cross-section
Valley
6 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

For loading and unloading work to be carried out

effectively, efficiently and safely, additional equipment
may be required to ensure good ergonomic handling
practices are followed. That is why loading receptions
situated outside the building, comprising a gate, a dock
seal and a dock leveller, are common. The loading dock
and goods reception, with associated equipment, shape a
docking system.

Goods reception with loading house.

Lighting Snow guard Lighting

Dock
seal/climate

Climate zone

≥ 2.5 m

Dock leveller
500

Space to
accommodate
tailboard lift 3.0 m

Slope towards valley gutter for approx. 3 m approx. 8 m

water run-off so that the vehicle
and load do not move.
1:50 1:50 - 1:100 1:100 - 1:200

Valley gutter
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 7

An older goods reception area may be supplemented

with a docking platform and removable railing. If it is
structurally possible, a canopy can be added above the
docking platform.

Modified older goods reception with added docking

platform. Please note that a non-skid material
should be applied to the docking platform.

Docking
platform

Removable
railing
8 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

Chapter 3
Adapting goods reception
to the environment

1. Depot/warehouse 1.1 Example

There are often several different In this example of a goods
vehicle types operating at a depot reception at a depot, all loading and
or warehouse at any time. This unloading takes place inside or via
means traffic planning is essential a weathertight loading house that
and information has to be provided protects employees from adverse
about which rules apply to vehicle weather conditions (such as rain,
movements. It should be possible ice, snow and wind) and reduces the
to reverse the vehicle up to the risk of incidents or accidents. In the
loading dock without disrupting other example, it is assumed that traffic
traffic and to get transport units into in the depot’s goods reception is
position without getting in the way of one-way and clearly planned. The
other traffic and people. example also has several different
areas for forklifts and other handling
The nature of the business equipment. One advantage of this
determines how safe and efficient goods reception setup is that a
goods receptions at depots and vehicle loaded with long goods,
warehouses should be designed. heavy goods and general goods
It Ideally, it should be possible to can be unloaded in one location in a
load and unload vehicles of varying logical order from both the loading
sizes, including HGVs which need dock and at ground level using
to ‘dock’ into the loading bay. The forklift trucks. Close to the goods
goods reception area should have reception, there is a drivers’ area with
loading docks with different heights lunchroom, toilet and shower.
and different seals to accommodate
different HGV types and smaller vans.
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 9

Depot with undercover long-goods and heavy-goods handling.

Note:
Vehicle and forklift truck traffic
should be separated from
pedestrian traffic to the
greatest extent possible.

Insulated
rapid roll gate

Ground

Loading

Goods

Cold

Goods

Guard rail
10 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

Weathertight goods reception with dock leveller for delivery vans.

Weathertight indoor loading and unloading of delivery van.

 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 11

1.2 Things to consider 2. Industrial facility

• Different types of goods handling requires loading At industrial facilities there is a need to handle different
docks and handling at ground level using forklift trucks. types of goods that are both long and heavy. There may
be several different types of vehicle, including service
• Different vehicle heights should be taken into vehicles. In addition to the work involving loading and
consideration when planning gates, loading docks and unloading, there may be frequent entering and exiting
dock seals. with goods while production is underway in the goods
area.
• Different vehicle types require different sized loading
docks, gates and dock seals. Loading and unloading takes place either from/onto a
loading dock or at ground level.
• Traffic planning should be given particular
consideration. The traffic rules at depots and Loading and unloading of general goods can take
warehouses should be shown clearly on site maps place from/onto loading docks with loading docks and
and information boards. docking systems.

Large goods are best unloaded under a cover at loading

dock level. See illustration entitled 'Depot/warehouse' in
Chapter 3.1.

Loading and unloading can also take place under a canopy

at ground level using forklifts. Entry to warehouse or
industrial premises takes place at ground level.
12 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

2.1 Example 2.2 Things to consider

In this example, access to and from the area is controlled • If the facility is used by customers, it is important to
using gates or barriers to prevent unauthorised traffic and make sure that different types of traffic do not mix,
pedestrians (workers and visitors). The traffic in the area is especially vehicles and pedestrians. Controls need to be
one-way. Combustible material is stored at a safe distance effective to make sure vehicles do not interact unsafely,
from the main building. Loading and unloading takes but instead operate in different areas.
place under a canopy in a secure area.
• Appropriate gate solutions, for example air locks
To minimise draughts between the docking system and and day/night solutions.
work premises, there is an air lock with a combination of
rapid gates for entering and exiting with industrial trucks. • How to dimension gates for angled loading docks.
Close to goods reception, there is a drivers’ area with
lunchroom, toilet and shower. • Safe traffic when docking with loading docks.

Another solution for industries with limited space might • Combustible material should be stored a safe distance
be to receive goods through loading docks positioned at from the industrial premises.
a 45-degree angle. Such a solution both presupposes and
facilitates a one-way traffic flow.

Loading and unloading undercover at ground level.

Outside storage of material

Fence
Combustible
material
storage

Canopy

Temporary goods Non-combustible

storage goods storage

wc/shower
Temperature
zone: air lock
Drivers' room Lunch-
room
Industry

Entrance

Disabled
Parking
Facilities
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 13

3. Superstore
The environment at a superstore is characterised by docking system, there should be canopies to protect
frequent deliveries of goods and high levels of customer people from rain and reduce the risk of accidents.
traffic. Goods of a vastly varying nature are delivered
to superstores – everything from building and garden Stairs should not be used for the manual handling of
products to food. goods, or for pushing or carrying hand trucks or cages.
The floor should have even surfaces and should be on
A safe and efficient goods reception area at a supermarket the same level so that handling with rolling pallets,
needs to be located so that no goods need to be loaded trolleys and wheeled cages can take place without
or unloaded around customers on their way into or out of jolts or lifting. It is also important to make sure floor
the shop. surfaces are made of slip resistant materials to reduce
risk, particularly when wet. Doors and fire doors
Handling requires there to be room for goods, return should not have doorsteps. It should be possible to
goods and other material, and for there to be access keep doors open to allow smooth passage of goods.
for transport units.

3.1 Example
Driving areas should allow enough manoeuvring room for
transport units with and without trailers. Loading docks The loading docks have been positioned at a 45-degree
at a superstore should be equipped with dock levellers angle towards the rear of the superstore due to limited
and dock seals so that neither the driver nor consignees space. This facilitates one-way traffic flow and reversing
are exposed to weather elements. Chilled and frozen traffic. Customer traffic and goods traffic are separated
food should be handled in an unbroken cold chain. If it effectively.
is not possible to have the entire goods reception area
indoors or there is not enough space for a loading house/ There are stations for loading and unloading several
different truck types and an area for large goods handling.

Superstore with loading houses positioned at a 45°.

Fence

Customer parking

Ramp for forklift truck

Return of bottles and cans

Customer entrance

Customer parking
14 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

3.2 Things to consider

• Appropriate gate solutions, for example air locks and • Combustible material should be stored a safe distance
day/night solutions. from industrial premises.

• How to dimension gates for angled loading docks. • Different vehicle types require different sized loading
Safe traffic when docking with loading docks. docks, gates and dock seals.

• Goods and part-loads that are to be taken away from • Risk of theft.
the facility.

Detailed illustration of loading houses positioned at 45°.

 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 15

4. Preschool, school
Goods deliveries to preschools and schools involve The driver should not have to reverse the vehicle in the
an obvious risk of children being hit or run over by vicinity of children or other people. That is why goods
a large vehicle or sustaining injuries as goods are reception should be located in an external wall facing the
being unloaded. road. If this is not possible, the access road should be
planned so that the driver is only required to drive straight
Many preschools are arranged in a way that is good for up to the goods reception area and then drive directly
learning, but this layout also means goods cannot be onto the street again after making the delivery. The access
delivered without considerable difficulty. The same also road to the goods reception should have a fence so that
applies to many schools. children cannot run out in front of the vehicle.

Safe and efficient goods reception is arranged so that

4.1 Example 1
people (particularly children) and traffic are kept as
separate as possible. In the example below, roads for commercial traffic and
other traffic are separate. The children’s way to school
The most frequent operations involve food products, and playground is separate to the road for commercial
waste, fuels and school materials, but there may also be transport. The need to reverse for distribution vehicles
other types of delivery. If all deliveries can be made to the is eliminated or minimised. The goods reception area is
same place, this means there is as little traffic in the area located in the external wall and equipped with a canopy.
for as short a time as possible. Kitchens should be located
close to goods reception. Canteens and caretakers’ offices
should be located on the same floor as goods reception.

Goods reception under canopy at preschool/school.

Fence

Sandpit

Swings

Fence
Playground

Preschool/school
disabled

Fence P Bicycles and

bikes parking
Waste Canopy
sorting Loading and
unloading

Visitor
drop-off
16 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

Goods reception should ideally be equipped with a 4.2 Example 2

loading dock or lifting platform. There should be a canopy
The need to reverse is avoided in the example
that both protects people from rain and reduces the risk
below. Commercial traffic and the children’s way
of slipping.
to school are separate. Parking for private cars
is separate to that for commercial traffic.
Stairs should not be used for manually carrying goods,
or for pushing or carrying hand trucks or cages. If the
There should be a fence at least 1,200 mm high around
storage area is not at street level, it should be possible to
the area for commercial traffic. Bushes or hedges are not
reach this using a lift big enough for the driver and lifting
sufficient as a boundary.
truck with pallet. Floors should be even and all on the
same level so that rolling handling with pallets, trolleys
4.3 Things to consider
and wheeled cages can take place without jolts or lifting.
Doors and fire doors should not have doorsteps. • Read more about the required loading dock height and
height of gate or canopy over loading dock.
Goods, return goods and other materials should not be in
the way of transport in corridors and access aisles; they • Read about the dimensioning of driving surfaces for
should instead be stored in separate areas. It should be vehicles of different sizes.
possible to keep doors open to allow passage.

Turning loop at preschool. Layout sketch. Goods reception

separate from pedestrians (children/parents, etc).

Park
Goods reception
under canopy
Entrance
preschool

Fence

Drop-off

Parking
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 17

5. Industrial kitchen, hospital, hotel

Operations in industrial kitchens, hospitals and hotels Goods, return goods and other material should not be in
may involve people-focused activities being carried out the way of transports in corridors and access aisles; they
within the goods reception area. It means that at such should instead be stored in separate areas. It should be
establishments, large quantities of laundry and other possible to keep doors open to allow smooth passage
materials that have to be handled separately are handled of goods.
in addition to food products.
5.1 Example
The way that safe and efficient goods reception at
This goods reception has different gates through which
industrial kitchens, hospitals and hotels is set up varies
different types of commercial transports drive in and out.
according to the size and location of the establishment.
At each goods reception you will also find the containers
and/or other areas, including both cold and normal refuse
Driving areas and access roads should be designed for
storage rooms, required for each goods type. The goods
the vehicle type that tends to use them the most.
reception is set up so that loading and unloading take
place under cover and there is a clear one-way traffic flow.
Bigger premises should have loading docks and be
equipped to handle goods with pallets and wheeled cages
to make sure those activities are safe. 5.2 Things to consider
• Read more about the required loading dock height and
There should be a canopy above the loading dock to
height of gate or canopy over loading dock
protect people from rain and reduce the risk of slips,
trips and falls on wet floors.
• Read about the designing of driving surfaces for
vehicles of different sizes
Floors should be even and all on the same level so that
rolling handling with pallets, trolleys and wheeled cages
• Where deliveries are made on the street, rolling
can take place without jolts or lifting. Floor surfaces
handling should be possible without stairs or
should be constructed with slip resistance materials to
level differences
avoid slips, trips and falls. Doors and fire doors should
not have doorsteps.
• For bigger hotels and/or hospitals, it is important to
be aware of the need for safe waiting areas for buses
and taxis

Goods reception set up.

18 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

6. Shopping centres and shopping malls

In shopping centres and shopping malls, there are There are containers in place for sorting different waste
many goods reception areas where a variety of activities streams such as glass, cardboard and metal. Access to a
are carried out. It means that such premises generate designated container lift is provided to allow emptying of
very large volumes of goods traffic. These should be the refuse containers.
streamlined to the greatest extent possible.
Containers are positioned so that they can be reached
A model that has been proven to work well for shops, directly from the loading dock and employees do not have
carriers and property owners alike is a shared, jointly to walk among reversing vehicles.
staffed goods reception area.
Having a shared goods reception means the driver does
When the driver arrives at one of these shopping centres,
not have to contact the consignor or consignee and wait
the goods reception employees can process the different
for them to come to the loading dock to receive the goods.
shops’ consignment notes while the driver unloads
the goods. Handling cargo at goods reception is quick
Unless otherwise stated in the delivery conditions, the
and very little time is spent at the loading dock. As a
driver does not have to take the goods to the shop either
consequence, other vehicles arriving do not have to queue
and this lessens the risk of manual handling injury, theft
for a long time to use the loading dock.
and injury to visitors to the centre (risk of hitting someone
with a pallet lift and similar equipment). The goods will
6.1 Example 1 either be temporarily stored at the shared goods reception
and transported on into the shopping centre using
The example demonstrates a common goods reception at
internal transport or a shop employee will come to the
a shopping centre. Different vehicle types with different
shared goods reception to collect the goods when it is
tasks can make use of aspects of the goods reception area
appropriate and safe for them to do so.
without getting in each other’s way. The example also
shows a separate area for delivery vans.

Joint goods reception at a shopping centre.

a
e are
s s torag larms
d a
Goo ed with Waste sorting:
lock
cardboard, glass,
metal, combustible, etc.
rm
latfo
o c k ing p leveller
D dock tform l
with g pla ntro
Liftin ra tu re co torage
pe g s rs
Tem te sortin er tippe
was contain aine
r
with Conters
tipp

delivery vans
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 19

6.2 E
 xample 2 6.3 Things to consider
This example is a view from the inside showing a loading • Risk of theft
dock at a common goods reception. The goods reception
is staffed and internal transports for distribution to shops • Goods and fractions that are to be taken away
in the shopping centre or mall are co-ordinated. from the facility
20 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

7. Medium-sized shop
There are many medium-sized shops in urban The floor should be even and level so that rolling
environments in particular – smaller department stores, handling with pallets, trolleys and wheeled cages can
specialist shops and food shops – that receive many take place without jolts or lifting. Floor surfaces should
goods deliveries from different suppliers on a daily basis. be constructed with slip resistance materials to avoid
slips, trips and falls. Doors and fire doors should not have
These businesses generate a lot of return goods in the doorsteps. If there are level differences, a lifting platform
form of trolleys and pallets as well as large quantities should be used.
of packaging to be taken away after sorting. These
medium-sized shops are of course located where the Goods, return goods and other material should not be in
customers are, which often means poor conditions the way of transports in corridors and access aisles; they
for goods deliveries. should instead be stored in separate areas. It should be
possible to keep doors open for smooth passage
Whether the goods reception is common or for a of goods.
particular shop, it should be equipped with a loading
dock with weathertight loading house and dock leveller.
7.1 Example
The loading house should be designed so that different
vehicle types can use the loading dock. There should A flexible goods reception has the capacity to receive
be space for the vehicle’s tailboard lift under the dock both bigger and smaller trucks, as well as smaller delivery
leveller. Alternatively, a flexible goods reception area can vans. This is made possible by a height-adjustable lifting
be set up with a loading house with dock seal and lifting platform. A goods reception of this type will also have
platform instead of a dock leveller. dock seals, meaning that the indoor climate is maintained
when in use by both bigger and smaller trucks. When even
One important requirement is that a driver should be smaller vehicles use the goods reception, it is advisable
able to access the goods reception easily and safely, for the goods reception to have an air lock to eliminate
parking their vehicle legally without having to walk too draughts for the employees working in goods reception.
far. The vehicle should have enough room to turn. It has two rapid roll gates.

Flexible goods reception. Layout sketch.

Gate opening

2,700 to 3,000

Docking platform

Lifting
platform

1,500 x 2,000

Railing

Dock seal

3,600 1,200
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 21

There are steps next to the loading dock. These are In very tight spaces, for example a courtyard where a
required both in the event of the premises being goods reception area cannot be built, a solution with a
evacuated and to allow the driver to get up onto the loading dock lip on which the tailboard lift can be rested
loading dock without having to squeeze in behind can be used.
the vehicle.

Flexible goods reception, cross-section.

Snow guard

Rapid roll gate

Temperature

5,150
≥ 3,600

Gate
control area

Dock
seal
1,300
1,000

200 1,500

3,500
22 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

8. "Hole in the wall" - small shop,

pub, restaurant, kiosk
Many goods deliveries in urban environments take The floors outside and within premises should be even
place at smaller premises such as shops, restaurants or and all on the same level so that rolling handling with
convenience stores. These deliveries often take place on pallets, trolleys and wheeled cages can take place without
busy streets with pedestrians and other types of traffic. jolts or lifting. Floor surfaces should be constructed with
slip resistant materials to avoid slips, trips and falls. Doors
In these environments the conditions for safe goods and fire doors should not have doorsteps. If there are
handling are often limited. The way that safe and efficient level differences, a lifting platform should be used.
goods reception is set up varies according to the size
and location of the establishment and the local Goods, return goods and other material should not be in
traffic conditions. the way of transports in corridors and transport routes,
but should be stored in a separate area. It should be
One important requirement is that a driver should be able possible to keep doors open to allow smooth passage
to call at the goods reception easily and safely, thereby of goods.
parking their vehicle legally without having to walk too far.
The driver should be able to contact the shop employee
8.1 Example 1
using an accessible bell or similar device.
Access to the logistics zone should be possible without
Where several premises use the same goods reception reversing the vehicle. The driver can lower the tailboard
area, there should be a loading dock with lifting platform. lift onto the raised unloading platform. It will then be easy
for a hand truck or pallet lift to be brought to the vehicle
Where deliveries are made on the street, handling of either on the pavement or by crossing to the other side of
goods, trolleys and pallets should be possible without the road.
stairs or level differences.
Since the vehicle has to be horizontal, the logistics zone
Vehicles should be able to park on hard level ground to and its unloading platform should not be on a slope. These
allow for ease of pushing and pulling of pallets and cages surfaces should be level. Heating coils can solve certain
of goods in particular. snow clearance problems in the logistics zone.

The safety of all road users, particularly the elderly,

The condition and arrangement of public roads,
children, visually impaired people, cyclists and those with
pathways and footpaths is often not under the
physical disabilities should be considered. Adequate signs
direct control of the business owner. But if issues
and warnings should be employed by delivery drivers and
arise with the safety of roads and path surfaces
premises owners to make sure all vulnerable road users
that are necessary for access to business premises,
are not put at risk during delivery.
the business owner should report concerns to the
responsible body.
The height of the platform is 100–120 mm, level with the
raised crossing. The logistics zone’s total length should be
20 metres. This length is required to remove the need for
reversing within the zone.
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 23

Logistics zone for loading and unloading goods.

B: Cut chamfered stone

C: Unloading platform with
m built-in heating coils
2.6 B D: Raised crossing
Lo
ad
in
g
zo
en

C
15
.0
m

D
4.
0

m
A

0
m

2.
5.
0
m
A

Unloading
platform Crossing
Kerb
100-120 mm

slope
100-120 mm

A
A-A perspective shows a raised
unloading platform and crossing
(100-120 mm) with a sloping edge
down to the street.

A
24 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

8.2 Example 2
This example shows how you can create a goods The loading dock lip solution is not used for new builds,
reception area in a limited space (for example, a but provides an option of using tailboard lifts in
courtyard) using a short dock leveller or in a protected existing environments. Rolling goods handling is
or heritage environment using a loading dock lip. The thus made possible.
vehicle’s tailboard lift rests on the loading dock lip or is
pushed in underneath the short dock leveller. Even if this solution is used, it is still important that there
are no doorsteps in the goods reception area and doors
can be kept open.

Short dock leveller in a spatially restricted environment.

 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 25

Goods reception with loading dock lip in a spatially restricted environment.

Dock lip

200mm

200mm

8.3 Things to consider

• Combustible material should be stored a safe distance
from the industrial premises

• Goods and fractions that are to be taken away from

the facility

• Risk of theft
26 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

Chapter 4
Key design considerations for
goods reception elements

1. Goods reception design

This section deals with specific The purpose of a loading dock is to
elements of goods reception design compensate for any difference in level
and highlights key considerations between the vehicle trailer platform
that are required to achieve safe and and the unloading area. A dock
efficient operations. leveller is used to quickly connect the
vehicle trailer platform to the loading
For larger premises, the goods dock and to even out any height
reception area is normally located difference between the loading dock
within the boundary. The simplest and vehicle trailer platform.
goods reception design consists
of an opening in the wall with a Goods reception areas should not
loading dock outside, apart from in have doorsteps.
those cases where goods reception
takes place at ground level, which It should be possible to keep
is usually under a canopy. Typically, doors open. Combustible material
to separate the outside climate from should be kept in a lockable,
the inside climate, goods reception fireproof store or at least six
is cut off from the rest of the indoor metres away from the building.
environment by an air lock.
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 27

Snow guard

Recessed dock Docking

leveller platform

Swing lip

1,000 - 1,300 mm
Buffer

500 mm

Tailboard lift
m
m
0
00
3,

Note: There should be a railing at

the edge of the loading dock.
28 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

2. How to choose the best goods reception arrangement

VEHICLE INFORMATION

Illustration of vehicle Vehicle type, Vehicle length Vehicle width3

designation1
Gross weight in
tonnes2

Road train 24.00–25.25 m 2.60 m

7.82 m 13.6 m approx. 60 tonnes
4.00–
4.50
Max. 25.25 m
Road train 18.75 m 2.60 m
7.82 m 7.82 m
≤ 40 tonnes
4.00–4.50

Max. 18.75 m
Articulated vehicle 16.50 m 2.60 m
≤ 40 tonnes
4.00–4.50 13.6 m

Max. 16.50 m
Motor vehicle 8.00–12.00 m 2.60 m
6-10 m ≤ 32 tonnes
3.60 - 4.50

Max. 12.00 m

Motor vehicle 8.00–12.00 m 2.60 m

6-10 m
≤ 26 tonnes
3.60–4.50

Max. 12.00 m

Motor vehicle 8.00–12.00 m 2.60 m

6-10 m ≤ 18 tonnes
3.60–4.50

Max. 12.00 m

Motor vehicle 6.00–8.00 m 2.20–2.60 m

(small truck)
4-6 m
3.1 - 3.5

Max. 8.00 m

Light motor vehicle approx. approx.

(delivery van) 5.00 m 1.95 m
~ 2.5
≤ 3.5 tonnes
approx. 5.00 m

Car, delivery van approx. approx.

5.00 m 1.60 m
~ 1.8

approx. 5.00 m

1) The table specifies vehicle sizes that are prevalent in Europe. 2) Gross 6) Also applies when reversing and driving along underground access
weight: Weight of load + vehicle. 3) Please note that vehicle mirrors extend passages, under canopies etc. 7) Read more about loading dock height
beyond the specified widths. 4) Access to goods reception areas lower than dimensioning on page 28. 8) The measurement is calculated with regard to
4.50 m must be signposted with the relevant vertical clearance, which must air suspension, snow, ice and slope. Vehicles with two loading levels may
also factor in snow, ice and slope. 5) Vehicles with containers may have require higher vertical clearance.
greater trailer platform heights, e.g. 1.45 m.
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 29

GOODS RECEPTION DESIGN

Vehicle height4 Trailer platform Goods reception Vertical clearance 6 Loading dock height7
height5 type

4.00–4.50 m 1.00–1.35 m Bigger goods Vehicle's total 1.00–1.35 m

reception with height + 0.60 m8
hydraulic dock
leveller

4.00–4.50 m 1.00–1.35 m " " 1.00–1.35 m

4.00–4.50 m 1.00–1.35 m " " 1.00–1.35 m

3.60–4.50 m 1.00–1.35 m " " 1.00–1.35 m

3.60–4.50 m 1.00–1.35 m " " 1.00–1.35 m

3.60–4.50 m 1.00–1.35 m " " 1.00–1.35 m

3.10–3.50 m approx. Smaller goods " 0.70–0.80 m

0.70–0.80 m reception with
hydraulic dock
leveller/manual dock
leveller
approx. approx. Smaller goods " 0.40–0.60 m
2.50 m 0.40–0.60 m reception with
manual dock leveller

approx. approx. Weathertight loading 2.50 m 0m

1.80 m 0.40 m and unloading
station

General:

Ground bearing capacity at goods reception: The ground in goods Loading dock depth: The arrangement of goods, return goods, wheeled
reception areas must be able to withstand the permissible axle load of cages, pallets, etc. will determine the loading dock depth.
11.5 tonnes, boggie load of 19 tonnes and triple axle load of 24 tonnes by
some margin. This is important to prevent permanent deformation and the
formation of grooves that often occurs at e.g. bus stops.
30 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

3. Loading house
To save floor areas indoors, reduce the risk of weather dock to which the loading vehicle can connect through
elements and ensure a good working environment docking. When the vehicle has docked, a dock seal will
during loading and unloading, the loading and unloading be activated that makes it possible for loading and
zone can be located outside by means of a loading unloading to take place protected from weather elements.

Loading house. Cross-section.

Top view

Dock seal

Storage area Recessed dock Truck

leveller

Snow guard Gutter

Dock seal

Storage area

Recessed dock leveler

Space for tailboard lift

Buffer
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 31

4. Gates
The most common types of gate used in the external
wall are up-and-over or folding gates. The local situation
determines your choice, in other words what the traffic is Storage area gates:
like and the layout of the area.

Please note that pedestrian and vehicle traffic should be

separated by means of barriers, doors or gates. There
should be a separate door for pedestrians next to gates
for vehicles.

Up-and-over gates should be used for openings at loading

dock height. Up-and-over or folding gates should be used
for goods reception at ground level.

4.1 Types of loading dock gates

4.1.1 Up-and-over gate

Gate that goes up to the ceiling on rails, adapted for Up-and-over gate
existing spaces. The gate can be designed to either fold
directly above the opening or to follow the wall without
folding. The basic version of the gate is balanced and
manual, and easy to motorise. It can be equipped with
approved locks, windows and a pedestrian door. The
gate should be installed on the inside of the façade. To
improve safety and avoid personal injury, the up-and-over
gate can be equipped with a red flashing warning light.

4.1.2 Folding gate

Manual or electric gate that folds to the sides with two
to eight panels at one or both sides of the opening. The
gate should be automatically or manually lockable and
be equipped with windows so that loading staff can see
docking or undocking vehicles before the gate is opened Folding gate
or closed. The gate can be fitted internally or externally.

4.1.3 Rapid roll gate

At ground level, these types of gate are often
supplemented with rapid roll gates.

Using two interlocking gates – one always closed when

the other is open – an air lock can be achieved.

A: Night gate
B: Rapid roll gate, daytime
32 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

4.2 Openings requiring good

insulation and rapid roll gates
For openings where you want good insulation, When the up-and-over gate is opened, the rapid roll gate
with as little draught as possible even during will be activated and remain active as long as the up-and-
busy periods, a day and night solution or an over gate is open.
insulated rapid roll gate may be appropriate.
The rapid roll gate will open and close quickly and prevent
unnecessary draughts. When activity ceases, the up-and-
4.3 Day and night solution over gate will be closed and the rapid roll gate will be
A day and night solution is achieved by combining an deactivated. They can also be set so that if nothing comes
insulated up-and-over gate with a non-insulated rapid roll through for 10–15 minutes the up-and-over gate will close
gate on the inside or outside of the facade / building. and the rapid roll gate will be deactivated. The next time
passage is required, the up-and-over gate will open and
The rapid roll gate has a gate leaf made of fabric and reactivate the rapid roll gate.
opens at a speed of 1–2.5 metres per second. The rapid
roll gates are often self-repairing or can be reset manually 4.4 Insulated rapid roll gate
in the event of a collision.
The insulated rapid roll gate is always active and opens
and closes just as quickly as a normal non-insulated rapid
roll gate.
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 33

5. Gate dimensioning
Width of gates for loading houses at different angles.
The smaller the angle of the loading house, the wider the gate.

90° 60° 45°

≥ 3,000 mm ≥ 3,200 mm ≥ 3,400 mm

5.1 Gates for loading dock

To minimise damage to the gates caused by industrial − Small trucks with a height of 3100 mm normally
trucks, a good gate height is at least 3600 mm. A greater require a gate opening of 3400 x 3700 mm (width
height is required in the event of double stacked pallet x height). Small trucks with a height of 3500 mm
handling. The following widths should be used: normally require a gate opening of 3400 x 4100 mm
(width x height).
− 90-degree docking system: at least 3000 mm

5.3 Gates for passage at ground level

− 60-degree docking system: at least 3200 mm
The following dimensions apply to gates used in goods
− 45 and 30-degree docking systems: at least reception areas where large vehicles pass through
3400 mm the premises:

The gate opening height is normally dimensioned based − For passage at a 90-degree angle, the rule of thumb
on the highest conceivable vehicle height with additional is that the gate opening width should be equal to
space to compensate for any slope. the width of the vehicle plus approximately 2/3 of
the vehicle’s width.
Trucks are normally up to 4500 mm high (4000 mm
international transport), which corresponds to vertical − If the vehicle passes through at an angle that is not
clearance in the road network. Gates for these vehicles are 90 degrees, the width should be increased.
sized at 4000 x 5100 mm (width x height). This depends on
the slope of the ground (see illustrations in Chapter 16.).
Note: Consider the vehicle heights, based on the table
in Chapter 4 section 2, during the design phase of
5.2 Gates at ground level for smaller vehicles
the goods reception. Limited heights mean serious
The following dimensions apply to gates through which consequences for working environments.
smaller vehicles pass to load and unload goods indoors:

− Delivery vans with a height of 2500 mm normally

require a gate opening of 3100 x 3600 mm
(width x height).
34 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

6. Loading dock
When dimensioning the loading dock, think about Dock levellers are available in different lengths and
different types of large vehicles (HGVs and large LGVs widths, and can be equipped with different lip designs.
in particular) and how they can interact with loading The most common lip designs are ‘swing’ and ‘telescopic’.
dock height, dock levellers and other local conditions. A dock leveller that is 2500 mm long can tolerate a height
Excessive differences in height between the loading dock difference of ± 250 mm between the vehicle platform
and trailer platform are unsafe because they lead to a and loading dock. There should be space for the vehicle’s
risk of slips, trips and falls as well as goods movement tailboard lift under the dock leveller.
problems. A large difference in levels between the loading
dock and vehicle platform cannot be compensated by
For safety reasons, dock levellers with automatic
using a dock leveller.
return should never be used.
A normal height range for a loading dock is 1000-1350
Many serious personal injuries have occurred to
mm, which corresponds to the trailer platform height
drivers and operatives who were crushed or trapped
of most large transport units. For some vehicles with
between motorised handling equipment (such as hand
low platform heights, the loading dock height should
pallet trucks) and automatic dock levellers.
be adjusted. Certain goods reception areas may require
several loading docks of different heights. Lifting
platforms may be used in certain cases.
A dock leveller should not slope too much, which is
why the length of the dock leveller should increase in
7. Dock leveller proportion to the difference between the lowest and
highest vehicle platform height. The dock leveller’s
A dock leveller is used to compensate for differences
maximum gradient should be 8.3% (1:12) for manual
in height between loading docks and vehicle platforms.
handling operations and maximum 10% (1:10) when it
Tailboard lifts should not be placed on top of dock
is used as an access route, for industrial lift or pallet
levellers.
truck traffic.

Clear arrow markings on control equipment for the relevant dock.

 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 35

7.1 Swing lip and telescopic lip and dock leveller

Swing lip
Dock levellers are normally 2500 mm long, which allows
the height to be varied in relation to different trailer
platform heights.

A length of 2500 mm accommodates most vehicle

tailboard lifts, to be fitted underneath the docking
platform during loading/unloading operations.

7.1 Swing lip and telescopic lip and dock leveller

Consideration Action / Attention

Load capacity  ock levellers with load capacity of

D
6, 9 and 12 tonnes or more.

Static load when calculating total

load on dock leveller; i.e. the forklifts
truck’s tare weight, pallet, driver and
Telescopic lip
cargo weight.

Lift trucks with narrow wheels

Lift trucks 
may deform the dock leveller’s
diamond plate

Width Should be at least 2200 mm

Smallest contact
surface for the lip Should be no less than 100 mm

It is the most common design and

Swing lip 
provides a smooth transition. Difficult
to use when arriving goods are
located at the far end of the vehicle
Swing lip and telescopic lip on dock leveller.
platform:
It could damage the goods
Trailer platform Length of dock leveller
Provide a smooth transition
Telescopic lip  height
between the dock leveller and lip.
This procedure results in less strain
on materials and people’s backs.
Specially designed lips made of steel Loading
dock
or aluminium are available to create height
a smooth transition between dock
leveller and vehicle platform.

It can be applied to the dock leveller.

Non-skid surface 
The compound has a sound-absorbing
effect.
Dock leveller formula

The gradient as a percentage is calculated as follows:

(Vehicle trailer platform height –

loading dock height) x100

(lengths of dock leveller + lip)

36 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

8. Safe docking
When a vehicle arrives at a goods reception, it is There are different types of “smart” control systems that
important for safety reasons that the vehicle is docked in activate the loading system functions in the correct order:
the following order: dock seal, gate, dock leveller.

a) Position the vehicle securely next to dock leveller These systems may also have outputs to a computer
system, automatic troubleshooting and user logging.
b) Activate dock seal The controls can be adjusted to suit user requirements.

c) Switch on interior lighting in goods reception

For safety reasons, dock levellers with automatic
return should never be used.
d) Open gate
Many serious personal injuries have occurred to
e) Move dock leveller into work position when a vehicle
drivers and operatives who were crushed or trapped
leaves goods reception.
between motorised handling equipment (such as hand
pallet trucks) and automatic dock levellers.
These steps should then take place in reverse order.

This applies when loading and unloading via the vehicle’s

rear doors. For side loading, there are different solutions
9. Ramp
involving hydraulic bridges equipped with longer When small differences in height occur, a ramp can
telescopic lips (up to 1000 mm long). be used. A ramp should have an incline of maximum
1:12 and a maximum height of 0.5 metres between
The gate is normally fitted on the inside of the wall and the loading dock and the vehicle platform for manual
the loading system controls are inside the gate. The handling. If the incline is greater than 1:12, then
controls should be located close to the gate so that the motorised lift trucks may be necessary. It is strongly
risk area can be monitored. If the gate is closed, it should recommended that you consult the forklift manufacturer
be equipped with a window or “peephole”.There should before using a ramp with an incline greater than 1:12.
be lighting inside the loading house. If these safety
features are not in place, the gate and dock leveller should
be interlocked so that the dock leveller cannot be moved
until you have full view of the dock leveller.
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 37

10. Dock seals

Dock seals are used to protect workers from weather seals should be higher than the measurement used as
conditions, as well as for transport that require unbroken the vehicle’s vertical clearance for the road, i.e. 4500 mm.
temperature chains. They enclose the vehicle when it has The dock seals’ normal maximum reversing height should
been reversed up to the dock. therefore be at least 5100 mm and the lowest height
against which they can seal is 2900 mm.
It is recommended to use inflatable dock seals with
good sealing capacity when working in severe Delivery vans are often low and the docking procedure
weather conditions. above does not apply to them. Tailboard lifts can be used
instead for loading and unloading low vehicles, subject to
By using the vehicle’s air suspension the load platform vehicle and tail lift manufacturer’s recommendations.
can be lifted into position when docking. Therefore dock

Dock seal.
38 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

11. Step bridges

There are also loading dock configurations that allow the This means reversing with the doors open is avoided,
vehicle doors to be opened after it has been reversed an action that is risky due to impaired vision and the fact
towards the platform and the dock seal has been inflated. that goods might fall out. Loading docks with a platform
equipped with a step are also useful when an unbroken
temperature chain is required.

Loading house with step bridge, allowing an unbroken cold chain.

Loading house with the option of opening Loading house with the option of
the vehicle's rear doors inside the loading opening the vehicle's rear doors inside
house. Layout sketch top view. the loading house.

Note: Space for opening doors

Note: Space for opening doors

 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 39

12. Securing a vehicle or load carrier

The dedicated driving area is normally structured so In addition to an activated parking brake, the vehicle or
that the ground slopes away from the loading dock with load carrier floor should be equipped with suitable loops
a minimum gradient of 1:100. To prevent vehicles at or other devices for securing the vehicle to the dock
dock levellers from rolling, the ground may slope 1:100 leveller using straps, which is a more secure method than
towards the dock (which requires drainage to be taken chock blocks. Drivers of motorised handling equipment or
into consideration). Vehicles or load carriers should always forklifts should make sure that the vehicle or load carrier
be secured to the dock leveller if motorised handling is secured to the dock leveller and that the load carrier
equipment or forklifts are being used to move goods via floor is dimensioned for the motorised handling aid
the dock leveller to or from vehicles or load carriers. being used.

Securing a vehicle to a dock leveller using straps.

Securing using mechanical tensioning

device with release alarm and
interlocking of dock leveller.
40 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

13. Inspection and maintenance

Gates should be certified, inspected and approved by The selection of handling equipment should be guided
the relevant authorities according to national legislation by an analysis of factors such as size, weights, number
and standards. of pallets or goods to be moved, travel distance, moving
frequency and any lifting heights.
In the European Union, gates should be CE-marked and
satisfy the safety requirements in the standard EN 13241-1. Stakeholders need to focus on prevention. A risk
For electric gates, the EU Machinery Directive also applies assessment should be carried out before the selection
if there are additional risks not covered by EN 13241-1. and use of handling equipment.

Electric gates should be inspected and maintained in Handling equipment is extremely useful, as long as it
accordance with manufacturer’s provisions. is used safely and appropriately by operators who are
appropriately trained and competent.
Gates should be inspected after installation if this is not
included in the CE marking. The gate should be regularly
Handling equipment can be dangerous. Many
serviced (at least once a year) by trained competent
workplace accidents involve people being hit or run
staff in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
over by forklift trucks (typically when the forklift is
Servicing of the gates should be logged. Gates should be
reversing) because the driver did not see them. Due to
inspected every two years or based on manufacturer's
their size and weight, injuries resulting from forklifts
instructions.
are generally very serious. Accidents are often caused
by poor supervision and a lack of training.
Hydraulic dock levellers should be CE-marked and
satisfy the safety requirements in EN 1398; they should
also be inspected and maintained in accordance with Handling equipment may be powered trucks used to carry,
manufacturer’s provisions. lift, stack or tier materials, pallet trucks, rider operated
forklifts, fork trucks, or lift trucks. They can be powered
Dock levellers should be serviced in accordance with by electric battery or combustion engines.
the manufacturer’s instructions, but at least once a year.
Maintenance should be documented. Dock levellers
Employers must make sure that forklifts are provided
should be inspected every two years.
in a safe condition for use at work. This can be
achieved by having a preventative maintenance
Self-inspection should also be carried out.
system which includes scheduled checks as per the
manufacturer’s instructions.
14. Handling equipment
Transport hazards that exist in the workplace must be Before motorised handling equipment is used on vehicles
assessed and appropriate steps taken to eliminate or or a load platform, drivers and loading and unloading staff
reduce any risks found. should check that the ground is stable and that the vehicle
load platform is secured to the dock leveller and will not
Transport operations involve a significant risk of incidents tip or move. Anyone operating forklifts should have the
and accidents involving moving motorised equipment and necessary training, authorisation and skills to drive this
handling equipment. To prevent risk it is crucial to make type of truck.
sure that the correct handling equipment is available and
that it is used correctly.
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 41

14.1 Electric pallet low-lift or high- Low-lift truck with rider.

lift truck and forklift truck
A so-called low-lift truck is an electric truck designed for
horizontal transport and slight slopes. It offers improved
ergonomics and increased productivity.

A motorised pallet lift reduces the strain on the arms,

shoulders and back.

An electric pallet low-lift truck is simple to manoeuvre

and can be used in smaller warehouses and distribution
vehicles where pallets need to be moved. It is compact,
stable, easy to use and requires very little maintenance.

An electric pallet high-lift truck can be used in smaller

warehouses for various pallet movements including
horizontal transport, stacking and loading into vehicles.
It may be useful to carry an electric pallet high-lift truck in
the vehicle for simple loading and unloading in different High-lift truck with rider step.
distribution systems.

When an electric pallet high-lift truck is used correctly,

the need for many manual lifts is removed in both
warehouses and distribution vehicles, thereby improving
both ergonomics and productivity.

Note: Check the bearing capacity of the vehicle trailer

platform, the load carrier’s connection to the dock leveller
and the function and stability of any support legs before
any industrial trucks are driven across into the vehicle.

14.2 Low-lift rider truck

When frequently used to load and unload vehicles, forklift
trucks need to be equipped with protecting devices for
the driver.

On an electric pallet low-lift truck the driver is protected

from jolts to their feet and legs during the loading and
unloading of vehicles. Low-lift rider truck at 45-degree angle,
facilitating rear view.
Having the driver’s cab at a 45-degree angle gives a view
both to the front and rear, ensuring better ergonomics. 45°
Forward view

Rear view
42 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

14.3 Forklift truck

Forklift truck.
The forklift truck is a normal type of truck where the driver
sits and drives the vehicle. It is used widely, for example
in warehouses and depot environments, and the forklift
truck has a good lifting capacity.

Employers must make sure that drivers are familiar

with the vehicle they are driving and that they have
been given appropriate instruction, information and
training to carry out required pre-checks and operate
the forklift in the correct and safe manner.

14.4 Lifting truck/pallet lift Lifting truck.

A manual lifting truck or pallet lift is appropriate for goods

handling on flat surfaces and for less frequent handling.

The most difficult part of working with a loaded lifting

truck or pallet lift is getting it to move. A significant Electric lifting.
and positive difference will be made to the working
environment if employees learn how to use this aid
correctly by pulling the lifting truck or pallet lift gently
using their leg muscles instead of straining their back.

For more frequent goods handling, motorised lifting

trucks or pallet lifts can be used. This eliminates strain on
the arms, shoulders and back when moving the goods.
A lifting truck or pallet lift is simple to use, requires
very little maintenance and can result in both improved
ergonomics and increased productivity. Lightweight
hand truck.
A lifting truck with large wheels dampens vibrations,
which means the lifting truck can overcome minor
obstacles with ease. Even road verges and kerbs can be
tackled. The strain on the driver is reduced thanks to the
electric drive motor and lift motor in combination with the
wheel setup and an ergonomic control arm.

A hand truck is better from an ergonomic perspective

when handling parcels. With the load on the hand truck, it
is easier to navigate the level differences between e.g. the
street and the kerb.
Stair-climber.
Getting a hand truck with goods up staircases can strain
drivers arms, shoulders and back. However, there are
small and easy-to-use electric stair-climbers intended for
quick transport up both straight and curved staircases.

Goods reception areas should not be designed in such

a way that stair-climbers are required. The stair-climbers
are only to be used where goods handling is not part of
regular activities, such as when making home deliveries.
A stair-climber can be used for transporting different
types of goods. A battery on charge in the vehicle – so one
battery for the hand truck and one in the charger for quick
replacement – will make sure deliveries are made quickly.
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 43

15. Traffic management

Vehicles and trailers need a lot of space to manoeuvre for reversing. The area in front of a loading dock should
safely. This is why access routes should be planned with allow for sufficient space for parking of other vehicles,
workplace transport safety in mind. In general for left and should allow sufficient space for the driver to exit the
hand drive vehicles, it is recommended to plan left hand vehicle cab and make their way to the driver refuge.
turns and vice-versa for right hand drive vehicles – in
order to mitigate blind spots while manoeuvring. Different For a loading dock at a 90-degree angle to the dock, it is
types of traffic should be separated from each other and, recommended that the vehicle path should correspond to
most importantly, separated from vulnerable road users twice the length of the vehicle.
and pedestrians.
Therefore, a 25.25 m vehicle combination requires
Access routes to goods reception areas, as well as driving 50.00 m of free space in front of the dock, plus space for
areas, should be planned so that reversing is avoided or walking, exiting the vehicle and parking. There should be
minimised. Vegetation around access roads and driving suitable reversing lines to facilitate reversing to a loading
areas should be designed so that it does not block the dock, and the distance between vehicles should be
driver’s view, depending on the season. Driving areas approximately 1.5 m, allowing the rear doors of
should also be planned so that they facilitate safe driving the vehicle to be opened before it docks with the
behaviour, good drainage, lighting, signs, vision and ice loading house.
and snow clearance.
15.1.1 Vehicle routes for 25.25 m
15.1 Vehicle routes vehicle combinations
When a vehicle is reversed up to a loading dock, vehicles Easy driving can be achieved by ensuring an outer radius
should only use designated and signposted vehicle of 15 metres* and that the space outside the vehicle
routes. Routes will vary depending on vehicle dimensions. route is kept clear of obstacles. The goods reception
Premises should set out one-way systems to remove area should also have the same loading capacity -
the risks of injury and collision from reversing vehicles. single/boggie/triple axle loads - as the vehicle route.
If reversing is unavoidable due to premises constraints,
*Directive 96/53/EC amended by Directive 2015/719/EC indicates a swept
then this should be done safely, and in a designated area
circle having an outer radius of 12.50 metres and an inner radius of
5.30 metres.

Truck with trailer or dolly with semitrailer, 25.25 metres.

15
R=

R=
15
44 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

15.1.2 Vehicle routes, 360º and 90º turns

Note: that vehicle routes may vary depending on the

vehicle design, wheelbase, varying loads and ground
surface. R=12.5 metres.

Swept paths may vary depending on the vehicle

manufacturer, wheelbase, loads, ground surface, etc.
5
12.

R=12.5
R=

Swept path for vehicles,

90° turn, 12.5 m.

Swept path for vehicles,

360° turn, 12.5 m
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 45

15.1.3 Vehicle routes, street corner test 90º

The inner radius should be empty of obstacles for easy
manoeuvre of vehicles. Note: that 15 metres for the outer radius
is recommended for easy manoeuvre of
vehicle combinations.

Swept path, street corner test.

Rigid truck with full trailer.
8.5 m

8.5 m
*Directive 96/53/EC amended by Directive 2015/719/EC indicates a swept
circle having an outer radius of 12.50 metres and an inner radius of
5.30 metres

Vehicle route, international vehicles Vehicle route, modular vehicles combination

combination with 18.75 m vehicles length. within 25.25 m vehicles length.

7.2 10.
m 5 m

12.5 m
m
m

0
3

2.
5.

12
.5
m

Swept path, international vehicles, 18.75 metres. Swept path, modular vehicles, 25.25 metres.
46 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

16. Moving between different slopes

In cases where there is limited space in front of loading When moving from a flat surface to a downwards slope,
docks, the loading docks can be angled to reduce the the vehicle’s overhang will be raised. In the reverse
vehicle route in front of the loading docks. If the loading situation, when moving from a flat surface to an upwards
docks are angled, the gate width should be increased. slope, the vehicle’s middle section will be raised.

When planning vehicle parking bays with level Note that installations and signs suspended from the
differences, remember that a vehicle requires more ceiling may encroach on a vehicle’s manoeuvring space
vertical clearance on a slope than on flat ground as well and that an empty vehicle is higher than a loaded vehicle.
as when moving between different slopes.

1. When driving down a ramp into a

building, i.e. downhill, the vehicle's
overhang will be raised.

2. When moving from a flat

surface to a downwards slope, the
vehicle's overhang will be raised.

3. When moving from a flat surface

to an upwards slope, the vehicle's
middle section will be raised.

4. When the goods reception approach is

on a slope, remember that vehicles might
damage the goods reception's façade or
canopy when reversing.
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 47

17. Help reversing

To facilitate safe reversing, it is important that loading − The white lights can also be supplemented with red
docks look like they are angled to the left in relation to the lights.
façade when the driver looks in their left rear-view mirror
when reversing.
The lights also function as stop lights, since they
switch to red when the load carrier has reached
17.1 Limited visibility at goods reception a position where it can park in front of the
docking system.
− The docking system should be lit using external
lighting.

17.2 Saving energy and increasing

Note that any risk of glare should be avoided.
safety at goods reception
The closer together vehicles are parked, the better the
lighting between the vehicles needs to be, even − The dock leveller gate can be interlocked so that it
at dusk. cannot be moved until the truck is in position.

− Yellow reversing lines provide guidance for the drivers A light signal can also be set up inside to indicate when a
and permit safer reversing. vehicle is in position in the loading house.

The reversing lines should align with the vehicle tyres, − Further technical help to prevent accidents in
not with the outer edge of the trailer. It is also a good connection with reversing is available and should
idea to have distance markings on the ground to help be used.
the driver judge the distance when reversing up to a
loading dock. There are electronic sensors that can be mounted to
loading docks that detect whether someone is moving
− Reversing lines may be difficult to see if they are in the reversing area. Corresponding functions
covered by snow, worn away or it is dark outside. designed to be mounted on the rear of trucks
have been developed.
To facilitate reversing, visual support can be provided
to the driver using lights mounted on the front of the
docking system that indicate the position of the
reversing lines. Reversing and stop lights.

− The distance between the reversing lines should be at

least 700 mm for the driver to be able to move around
in the loading and unloading area.

Note that this is a minimum measurement. The

desired distance between the vehicles – and the
reversing lines – should be significantly greater. At
least 1,500 mm is required between the vehicles to
allow the vehicle’s rear doors to be opened and to
facilitate reversing by improving the rear view.
48 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

17.3 Help reversing

Swept path in dedicated driving space when reversing towards a loading dock.
Area for cleared snow
Fence
3,500 3,500

Waiting lane

Overtaking lane
Outer wall to site boundary 66,000

Free space for maneuvering 57,000

Vehicle route in dedicated driving

Reversing line

area when driving backwards to the

loading dock.

Degrees Number of metres

30 degrees 19 m plus free lane
and parking
45 degrees 30 m plus free lane
and parking
60 degrees 38 m plus free lane
and parking
90 degrees 50 m plus free lane
and parking
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 49

17.4 Help reversing

Illustration of reversing lines in dedicated driving space.

Vehicle width 2,600

1,500 mm of space is required

between the vehicles so that the
vehicle's rear doors can be opened
just before docking to facilitate
reversing.

Please note that reversing lines

are painted using reflective
yellow road paint so that they
are easier to see in the winter.

Dock seals for 2,600 mm vehicles

require a fitting space of 3,600 mm
to close tightly around them.

Dock
leveller
50 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

18. Fire safety and theft prevention If the external wall – including doors, gates and windows
- satisfies class EI 30, i.e. resists fire for 30 minutes,
There are various safety risks associated with goods
combustible material can be stored directly adjacent to
reception areas and these depend to a varying extent
goods reception. Alternatively, if you need to store such
on the nature of the business that the goods
material in the goods reception area, install an automatic
reception serves.
fire alarm with smoke-detector controlled fire doors or
roller shutters of class EI 30 that will close in the event
Everyone – both property owners and tenants – should
of a fire, or install an automatic sprinkler system.
work systematically to prevent fires. The starting point for
this should be the existing fire risks.
18.2 Pallet fires
A systematic work method means ensuring knowledge
Pallets burn with a very high energy output and fires
of fire prevention is maintained and developed within
spread very quickly in a warehouse where pallets are
the business. The scope of this systematic fire prevention
used. Experience shows that pallet fires generate large
work is governed by the nature of the business operating
quantities of radiant heat, which means there is a risk of
inside the building or facility and how this develops
the fire spreading to nearby buildings and businesses.
and changes.
This is why large areas need to be set aside in order to
maintain a safe distance. If pallets start to burn, it is very
Communication is most important between those who
important to limit the fire quickly.
own, use or visit the building.

Pallets should be stored so that a fire, regardless of efforts

Fire risks can be handled in two different ways. The first
made by the emergency services, does not spread to
is to prevent fires from breaking out, and the second is to
nearby buildings or materials. It is the distance between
minimise the damage caused by fire.
buildings that affects how many pallets can be stored. To
make sure that heat radiation from a pallet fire does not
A fire needs air, combustible material and heat to start.
ignite neighbouring buildings, the distance between the
It is important to identify potential ignition risks. Some
pallet store and buildings should vary depending on the
examples of ignition risks that may arise in connection
method of storage.
with goods reception activities are described below. The
main principle is to prevent fire from spreading from and
To reduce the risk of arson, all storage of pallets should
into buildings.
take place in an enclosed and monitored area. Storage
should preferably take place in several smaller locations
18.1 Loading docks with combustible material as opposed to a few larger locations. The stacking height
increases both the maximum energy output in the event
The general rule is that combustible material should not
of a fire and the speed at which the fire grows, and should
be kept in a goods reception area because arson is often a
therefore be as low as possible.
spur of the moment crime. If combustible material is kept
nearby, it is a basic requirement that there be access to
Sections of wall that face pallet stores should be built to
a 6 kg powder extinguisher and indoor fire hydrant.
satisfy the necessary fire resistance class if it is thought
It is also important that employees are trained to use
that the radiation level will exceed 15 kW/m². If there is a
this equipment.
long heat radiation exposition, woods will light a fire at
13 kW/m².
Combustible material should be kept in a lockable,
fireproof store or at least six metres away from the
Emergency services should be able to easily gain access
building. This also applies to refuse container areas.
to put out any pallet fires. Contact the fire emergency
Other distances may apply depending on the goods
services for help in planning a goods reception area that is
reception’s structural design.
as fireproof as possible.

Factors that may affect the spread of a fire in a building

When heat radiation of 15 kW/m², the following distance
include canopies, which might catch fire and bring in flue
applies to a storage height of 5.7 metres:
gases, and leaky eaves that might release flue gases into
the roof space. Storage area [m x m] 20x20 25x25 40x40 50x50
Distance [m] 28 35 48 58
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 51

18.4 Fire control systems

18.4.1 Passive fire control systems: handheld

extinguishers and indoor fire hydrants
There should be handheld powder extinguishers just Handheld fire extinguishers and indoor fire hydrants
inside gates or similar openings at the goods reception. should not be blocked by obstacles. Equipment for
They should be displayed clearly so that they are easy to fighting fires also needs to be available outside. This setup
find. Other extinguishing substances may be used if the depends on local circumstances. One option is to have a
environment is extra sensitive to powder. 6 kg fire extinguisher next to every gate and a hand truck
with various extinguisher types on it that can be rolled out
There should be an indoor fire hydrant adjacent to the quickly when needed.
loading dock.

Fire hydrant

Fire extinguisher
52 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

18.5 Evacuation
Emergency exits in goods reception areas and Burglars often try to break in through goods reception
warehouses should be avoided since there is a areas. With this in mind, it is better if several shops can
significant risk of them being blocked by goods. set up a joint, staffed goods reception. At goods reception
areas without staff, the drivers can be told via the entry
If the goods reception nevertheless houses an phone where to leave the goods. A locked room with a
emergency exit, the points below should be included one-off code is often used. Such a room may have CCTV
in the control system that forms part of the systematic cameras installed for extra security.
fire prevention checks:
There should be information inside the goods reception
• Emergency exits should not be blocked. gate clarifying the areas in which external and internal
employees are allowed to enter.
• Emergency exits should have fluorescent or illuminated
exit signs with an emergency power function. Special attention should be paid to how gates and other
access routes to and from goods reception areas are
• Emergency exits should have doors that open outwards organised. A loading house with locked external gates is
in the direction of escape with steps to ground level a good solution. The area outside goods reception should
off a landing just outside the door. Gates for vehicle be enclosed with a fence and gates. Containers should not
traffic and doors with shutters are not acceptable as be accessible to unauthorised people. It should only be
emergency exits. possible to use them from inside the warehouse.

• Emergency exits should be easy to open. They can be Maintaining order on the loading dock and a good
equipped with emergency exit pads or panic bars. overview are crucial to reducing the risk of theft at
goods reception areas. The lighting should be good and
• Emergency exit doors should be alarmed during the day preferably controlled using a so-called twilight switch.
to reduce the risk of unauthorised access. If emergency
exit doors are also used during ordinary operations,
18.7 Gates with intruder protection
they should be equipped with card-readers so that
authorised employees can use them without triggering Up-and-over gates can be reinforced with steel sheeting
the alarm. on the inside of the gate leaf and equipped with an
approved safety lock and intruder-proof window or
• An emergency exit should be at least 90 cm wide. peephole. Specific industry agreements govern this.

• Emergency exits that lead out into the open should be

18.8 Secure site with CCTV
equipped with a device preventing goods from blocking
the emergency exit from the outside. This might be If people are inside the goods reception area for longer
a prohibitory sign on the outside of the door stating periods of time, restrooms may be required. CCTV is
“Emergency exit: do not block” and a fixed railing two increasingly used to prevent theft. Experience shows
metres in front of the door so that goods and vehicles that recorded material is of great help in understanding
cannot block the door. what happened, both in instances of crime and accidents
at work. Note that permission is required for CCTV
cameras. A decision to install a camera should be made
18.6 Security
in consultation between the parties, and the safety
The safety of employees may depend on the functions representative should participate in the decision.
built into a goods reception area. The person responsible
for a property with a goods reception area should The area outside the goods reception gates should be
therefore carry out a risk assessment based on the equipped with CCTV cameras so that before a gate is
relevant activities so that both accidents and crime opened, it is easy for employees to see who is outside. The
can be prevented and danger minimised. gates can also be equipped with intruder-proof windows
or peepholes so that staff can see reversing vehicles and
make sure that there are no unauthorised people outside.
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 53

Entry phones can be supplemented with CCTV cameras so There should be personal attack buttons and CCTV
that employees can see who is entering. Goods reception cameras adjacent to goods reception gates. Portable
gates left open are a big problem. To avoid this, equipment alarms are recommended for employees.
is available that can close the gates automatically.
Safety devices such as lighting, cameras and railings
Gates at ground level can be equipped with automatic are also important measures for preventing crimes
closing that stops if there are any obstacles in the gate such as arson.
opening. Notification of open or unlocked gates can be
sent to central surveillance.

A safe goods reception.

ds
uar
wg
Sno
ts ng
Ligh ersi
Rev e light Computerise
gat Security Control

CCTV camera,
entry phone

Removable
safety rail

S te
p ec ga
ve lac ure tic
hi es d p a
cl fo a m
es r rk to
in Au
g

Light mast
CCTV camera
54 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

19. Lighting
Light plays a major role in reducing the risk of accidents It is particularly important that this is considered when
both during manual goods handling and in connection loading and unloading involves driving forklift trucks into
with manoeuvring vehicles. Lighting is a factor that also dark vehicles.
contributes to reducing the risk of theft and the risk
of unauthorised access. It is important that lighting is good when reversing.
Light masts in the yard are insufficient, since there will
300 lux lighting is normally used for transport routes. This be shadows behind the vehicle. Reverse lights should
intensity of illumination is insufficient in dark and dirty be dipped so that the driver is not dazzled when looking
areas or even where the transport route is also used for into their rear-view mirror. Dock levellers should not be
storage on shelves or similar. used without a good overview. Lighting is required in the
loading house, since otherwise it will be dark when a truck
Goods reception staff are prone to adaptation difficulties, reverses up to it.
for example their eyes do not have time to adjust to the
difference in brightness when moving between different Lighting is often required inside the loading unit
areas or going from outside to inside. during loading and unloading. In cases such as these,
the light should be directed at the ceiling to avoid
dazzling employees.

Adjustment for eye adaptation sections painted using

light colours

Light Lighting directed downwards prevents the risk of glare

and shadows at night

General lighting
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 55

Lighting directed Docking light with

upwards to prevent glare swing arm
56 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

20. Waste sorting and return goods

Without safety being compromised an efficient goods more companies achieving environmental certification.
reception should: This might be environmentally hazardous waste, paper,
wood, glass and metal or, in certain cases, infectious
• have space for storing return goods, for containers and waste. Certain fractions might be combustible and
compactors for storing various fractions. constitute a fire hazard depending on the storage method.

• permit traffic with various transport vehicles. The storage of sorted materials should take place in such
a way that employees can leave materials in dedicated
containers without needing to enter areas where vehicles
20.1 Waste sorting storage method
are moving. It should be possible to store and dispose
The need to transport waste sorted into various fractions of various fractions without conflict arising with other
to recycling plants is increasing in line with greater businesses that use the goods reception.
consideration being shown for the environment and

Containers of sorted material are emptied

using container tippers.
 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight 57

20.2 Return goods

Even if customers are offered the chance to recycle without goods traffic needing to operate in areas where
various types of return goods, it is important that the customers and others might be.
loading and unloading of return goods can take place
See also Chapter 3, section 3 (Superstore)
and 4 (Preschool, school).

Return crates with conveyor belt from returnable glass.

Storage for wheeled cages, bread trays and pallets.

58 Safe and Efficient Goods Reception for Road Freight

References

• 
T YA - the Vocational Training and Working Environment Council (Transport
Trades), Sweden; Bättre varumottag! Version 3, 2016.

• 
Health and Safety Authority Ireland (HSA) - information on
managing vehicle risks at work :www.vehiclesatwork.ie
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