Overview from a distance
So how can the risk of slipping be prevented? The employers' liability insurance association stipulates that trucks must be secured with wedges during loading. The truck driver must place the wedge on the wheel and this must be checked by the loader before loading begins. In practice, this is often a problem: the loader always has to go outside first to see whether a wedge is in place. The Arnold flag wedge was developed to enable this to be determined from a distance. The stable flag is red on the side facing the driver and green on the side facing the ramp. If the loader sees the green flag next to the truck, he knows that the wedge is there and can load.

The flag pole is also an ergonomic handle that allows you to grip the wedge without bending down. The wedge itself is robust and has an anti-slip, replaceable underside. It is available for both the driver's and passenger's side. Another solution: the so-called Arnold E-wedges. These wedges are characterized by the fact that they only release the ramp or door control when the wedge sends a signal. The connection between the ramp and wedge is available both as a patented wireless solution without a battery and on a robust spiral cable with a quick-release coupling. What the systems have in common is that the loader can see from large LED lights on a control box whether the wedge has been activated. An external traffic light next to the gate shows the truck driver a red light as long as the loading process is running.

If the wedge is removed prematurely, an alarm sounds and the inside traffic light and the display on the control box turn red. The wedge can only be removed without an alarm when the loader acknowledges the end of loading by pressing a button - this is signaled to the truck via the external traffic light so that it can remove the wedge and drive off. The wedge is part of a modular system so that various sensors and functions can be used and expanded at any time, even as standard.

It is also possible to use automatic systems for loading, such as the Arnold anti-roll system, which is being used in more and more large systems. It is characterized by its robustness and ease of operation. The loader only has to press a button on the control box to raise the wedges and press a button to lower them at the end of loading. As the ramp is only released after securing, it is impossible to forget. Procedure: The truck docks, is loaded by the forklift and then drives off. To ensure that this does not happen too early, a traffic light indicates when the wedges have disappeared back into the floor.

Compliant with regulations and practical: safety jacks
If, on the other hand, the trailer is parked for loading without a tractor unit, there is a risk of it tipping over forwards. This is why there is a requirement to secure it against tipping. A frequently chosen but inadequate and not permitted solution is a pallet stack. The use of so-called safety jacks complies with regulations and is simpler. With large castors and a comfortable handle, they are easier to use and can be easily moved and placed by anyone without a forklift. They are available in different versions, so that a suitable solution is available depending on budget and frequency of use. Hot-dip galvanized versions are particularly durable and very convenient with a 2-gear winch, such as the new Safety Jack 6, which also has a reflective surface so that it is easy to see even in the dark.

Safety Jacks are also available in a variant to prevent the rear section from springing in too far. The patented solution has the same operating concept, but is tailored precisely for rear use. A Safety Jack 9 is positioned at the rear end on both sides. This means that the truck cannot deflect any lower than the height of the height-adjustable Safety Jack. This is so narrow that there is still room for it in the usually very narrow gaps.

Selecting the right solutions
Every loading zone and every loading application presents users with individual challenges. It is therefore important to seek advice on the various solutions and, if necessary, to test them with sample systems to determine which variant is best for your own employees and trucks. Arnold Verladesysteme supplements its range of portfolio solutions with individual adaptations as required.