6 Best Practices for Bucket Trucks Wheel Chocks Safety and Compliance
Are your crews using wheel chocks correctly? Keeping your bucket truck from moving unexpectedly while on the job sounds like common sense, but sometimes we underestimate how important the proper wheel chocks are for ensuring reliable stability.
The Importance of Wheel Chocks
Wheel chocks are wedges placed against a vehicle’s wheels to help prevent unexpected vehicle movement, an especially vital concern for heavy trucks, which can pose significant hazards if not immobilized correctly. When wheel chocks are used properly, they help keep the truck stationary, protecting workers from potentially life-threatening situations.
Wheel Chocks Best Practices
- Select the Right Chocks: The type and size of wheel chocks should match the specific vehicle and its wheel diameter. Chocks come in various materials, such as rubber, polyurethane, and metal. Each may have advantages in certain applications and environments. Also, don’t substitute things that aren’t designed/intended to be chocks, like blocks of wood, stones, or concrete blocks.
Number of Chocks: In some scenarios two chocks might not be enough. Drivers and operators should consider whether more than two chocks are needed when parking on steep slopes or when tire to ground contact is reduced.- Positioning: Place the chocks against the center of the tire’ treads to maximize contact. For heavy trucks on level ground, place chocks on both sides of the same wheel to guard against movement in either direction.
- Surface Considerations: Ensure the surface where the chocks are placed on a stable, flat surface. Uneven or slippery surfaces can compromise the effectiveness of the chocks. It’s also a good idea to use larger or extra chocks on particularly soft ground,
- Application: Apply the parking brake before positioning your wheel chocks. The parking break is the first line of defense in maintaining truck stability, and you should treat wheel chocks as a backup in case it fails.
- Inspection and Maintenance: Regularly inspect wheel chocks for wear and damage. Any wheel chock should be replaced if it shows signs of deterioration or damage.
Relevant OSHA Regulations
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific regulations concerning the use of wheel chocks for heavy trucks. According to OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(1), all trucks and trailers must have their wheels chocked when parked to prevent accidental movement during use. Additionally, OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.178(m)(7) requires that powered industrial trucks be chocked while being loaded or unloaded.
These regulations emphasize the critical role of wheel chocks in workplace safety. Failing to comply with these regulations increases the risk of serious injury-causing accidents for workers or legal penalties and increased liability for companies.
Benefits
Proper use of wheel chocks is not just a safety best practice; it is an employer’s responsibility that helps prevent accidents and protect workers. By selecting the right chocks, deploying them correctly, adhering to OSHA guidelines, and offering comprehensive safety training, companies can ensure a safer working environment for everyone involved.
When it’s time to get new wheel chocks for your bucket truck, visit the Supply Store or contact your account manager for more information. If you do not have a Supply account manager, call 1-877-GO-ALTEC to connect with us today.
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Altec Supply Top-Rated Wheel Chocks:
Rubber Wheel Chock, 9.88 x 7.75 x 5 in, Single
Polyurethane Wheel Chock – 10 x 8.5 in, Single