Feature Loading bays & doors
many distribution centres, simply because they prevent heat loss and save on energy bills. The installation of insulated loading bays doors has become standard practice and loading lobbies are often created by combining these external doors with inner fast action doors. There is also the possibil- ity to allow trucks to dock without opening their rear doors. Here inflat- able dock seals are engaged before the loading door is opened and then the truck doors are opened. This is particu- larly useful for the food industry and where security is a key requirement. Energy saving is not limited to the
Tom Langley, projects director for Hörmann (UK) Limited, outlines the latest developments in loading bay design
long with the basic design con- straints regarding operational activity, vehicle types and site geography, both energy effi-
ciency and long term sustainability are now becoming significant factors when loading bays are being designed. Safety, as always, remains the number one priority and is linked to operational practices and procedures, another factor that needs to be considered in the design process. Consultation with customers
The latest in loading bays A
operate. Added features such as a driver’s button, that activates a bay once a driver has confirmed his or her vehicle is correctly positioned, and an integrated forklift barrier can be added to suit site specific needs.
including operators and developers has resulted in a number of design initiatives being adopted for loading bays. Overall the greatest demand is for integrated solutions that offer added flexibility to meet both possible operational changes and, for develop- ers, the needs of potential new tenants. For many factories the number of
loading bays may be small when compared to a distribution centre for a large supermarket, however the safety and efficiency benefits apply equally. Integration of loading bay doors,
dock levellers and vehicle control measures has become a significant part of the design for many major distribu- tion centres. This helps to ensure that correct procedures are applied, since all the equipment can only be operated in the correct sequence. For smaller or less frequently used loading bays the integrated solution helps to ensure that safe operational practices are followed. For example the Hörmann dock con-
trol system links loading bay traffic lights, vehicle wheel chocks/ restraints, the door and leveller con- trols together. Only when a vehicle is correctly positioned on a loading bay with the wheel chocks or restraint in place will the door and dock leveller
S10 The flexibility of a bay to accept a
wider range of vehicle sizes and types adds to the safety of a design. The use of longer dock levellers as standard combined with telescopic lips gives two benefits. A greater range of load- ing heights can be accessed safely and the dock leveller can be positioned behind a closed insulated door when not in use, to prevent heat loss from a building. This design is particularly relevant for factories and operations where there are a limited number of loading bays. Another design technique being
utilised to add the sustainability of new builds is the use of dock houses and pedestals to allow individual bays to be dismantled and replaced easily, in order to meet changing operational needs. As an example we are currently working on a pedestal design for the interior of a traditional warehouse. The thinking here is that the dock leveller can be replaced with a scissor lift at a future date. As well as the designs that add to the
longer term sustainability there is also a need to minimise energy use. Designs traditionally developed for the chilled food industry are now commonplace in
SEPTEMBER 2013 Materials Handling & Logistics
door, dock leveller and the level of insulation it is about managing the operation and maximising the savings that can be made in the most cost effective manner. This can be through the use of energy saving LED lighting, we can even add PIR movement sensors that will turn lights on so they are only on when needed. The demand for energy saving
Energy saving can be achieved through LED lighting and PIR movement sensors
A forklift barier can be part of an integrated system
A driver’s button activates a bay once a driver has confirmed his vehicle is correctly positioned
measures prompted the introduction of the Energy Saving Compass, a free modular planning tool available
www.hormann.co.uk. This guide examines the key aspects of energy saving that can be affected by indus- trial door systems and loading technol- ogy solutions. The six themed modules give examples of well-planned loading bays and the options available, as well as an energy loss calculator. Not only can potential savings be assessed but the projected payback time for any investment can be calculated for both refurbishment and new build projects. When considering the loading bay,
one aspect that is often overlooked is ongoing service and maintenance. Ensuring that all equipment is properly maintained and working optimally is another step towards maximising effi- ciency. Extended warranties linked to service contracts can also add to the lifetime cost savings on offer. In summary, by considering current
and potential business needs a well designed loading bay area can help to reduce overall costs while improving both safety and efficiency. Hörmann (UK) Limited T: 01530 513000
www.hormann.co.uk Enter 351
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