Butler Buildings would like you to unload your trailers the safe way. There is a myriad of issues to keep top-of-mind when accepting the delivery of your Butler materials. Is everything on the manifest also on the truck? Is it being delivered to the correct location? Are the Shadowall Wall Panels the correct color? Are the gutters and downspouts on this tuck or the other truck? There are so many different factors that race through your mind before accepting a delivery—but safely unloading trailers or trucks should be at the top of your list of priorities.
It does not matter if it is a load of steel beams, MR-24 or Butlerib II Roof Panels, or some hardware crates, unloading trailers has many hazards. Most of us have seen or heard of items falling off a trailer during the unloading process. Taking the time to follow the proper precautions can save a life, injury, or damage to a much-needed part.
Safety Tips:
At the end of a commercial flight, you will hear a message about using caution when opening overhead bins, since items may have shifted during flight. The same holds true for a load traveling down a highway at 70 mph. So a load should always be examined for stability prior to putting oneself in harm’s way. Visually check to see that the stacks are in vertical alignment and the wood dunnage is still in place.
Having the correct equipment is essential too. Lifting equipment should be of the appropriate capacity for the material being lifted and one of the correct designs for site conditions. Operators of the lifting equipment should be trained and familiar with their operation.
Prior to unloading, a general plan should be developed on how to best remove the layers, where the parts will be placed, and the best route of travel. Chose a level spot for unloading trailers and have a route. Pick a route that is free of dips and drops that could cause a load to shift. The area where materials will be relocated should be level and stable to help avoid other issues.
Before removing anything, watch out for the people around you such as helpers, drivers, and other employees. Truck drivers are usually in a rush to be unloaded and, sometimes, will try to “help” with the unloading process. The lift operator should ensure that no one is near the trailer when they are removing materials. Otherwise, a simple mistake could seriously injure someone. It is best to let the driver know that you want and expect him to remain in the cab of the truck during the unloading process. This will be one less issue the lift operator has to worry about.
Contact Us:
Taking a couple of minutes to think about what could go wrong and making a plan on how to avoid those hazards can end up saving time and help to ensure that your crew is unloading trailers without injury or damage. The Butler Buildings company and its employees want your construction project to run as smoothly and safely as possible. Please contact us if you have any questions or need help with your upcoming project.
Have A Plan
Excerpts from Building Success Spring 2011 (a Butler Manufacturing Company publication)