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Dock Levelers
Glossary of Terms

Types of Dock Leveling Devices Covered

A dock leveling device is a manufactured structure designed to span and compensate for space and height differentials between a loading dock and a transport vehicle to facilitate safe and efficient freight transfers. The three types of dock leveling devices within the scope of the Standard are described in the following paragraphs.

dock-face mounted type: A dock-face mounted dock leveling device is permanently affixed to the face of a dock.

fixed type: A fixed dock leveling device is affixed to the dock structure and usually incorporates a mechanism to aid in positioning the leveling device with respect to a transport vehicle. Fixed types include both horizontal and vertical storing levelers.

rail dock leveling device: A rail dock leveling device is a manufactured structure designed to span and compensate for space and height differences between a rail car loading dock and a rail car to facilitate safe, efficient freight transfer or passage.

fixed type: a structure designed for stationary mounting to the dock, located at either the dock face or recessed into a pit. Placement of the bridging structure into a working or stored position will usually be aided by a mechanism incorporated into the design.

sliding type: a structure designed to be permanently mounted to a dock face with a mounting assembly that allows for lateral movement of the bridging structure parallel to the dock face. Placement of the bridging structure, either laterally along the dock or into the stored or working position, may be manual or with a mechanism designed to aid in such positioning.

consumer or user: those who use the product, but are not involved with its production or distribution.

cracks: material separations that are detectable to unaided natural vision.

deck beams: longitudinal structural platform support beams.

deck plate: top steel plate of the platform, covering the deck beams.

dock leveling device: a device affixed to a dock structure, usually incorporating a mechanism to aid in positioning the device with respect to the bed (or loading surface) of a transport vehicle, thus allowing movement of industrial vehicles between the transport vehicle and the dock structure.

grade: percentage of slope. Vertical Rise X 100%

lip: the extension member on the transport vehicle end of a dock leveling device which supports the leveling device on the transport vehicle bed and provides a smooth transition to the transport vehicle bed. Lips are usually pivotally attached to the platform portion of the leveling device.

loading ramp: synonym for dock leveling device.

manual operation: placement of a dock leveling device in its operating position by the manual effort of the dock attendant (i.e. without any powered or mechanical assistance).

mechanical operation: placement of a dock leveling device in its operating position by other than manual or powered means (for example, pulling a chain release allows leveler to pivot up using spring mechanism, then operator walks it down into position so a ratchet and pawl mechanism can hold it in place).

operating range: the maximum vertical range of travel above or below dock level.

owner: owner, lessee, person, or organization controlling the building or dock in which a dock leveling device is used.

platform: the main structural body of a dock leveling device which is mounted at the building end to provide height compensation.

powered operation: placement of a dock leveling device in its operating position by hydraulic, pneumatic, or other externally supplied power.

proper use: when a dock leveling device is applied, installed, and used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended instructions and this Standard.

run-off guard: a vertical projection running parallel with normal traffic flow at each side extremity of the dock leveling device.

shall: indicates that the rule is mandatory and must be followed.

should: indicates that the rule is a recommendation, the advisability of which depends on each situation.

toe guard: a shield mounted to the side of a platform surface to provide toe protection when the dock leveling device is above dock level.

transport vehicle: a cargo-carrying vehicle (e.g., a truck, semi-trailer, trailer, or railcar) which may be entered upon by a powered or non-powered industrial truck to load or unload material.

uncontrolled drop: unrestricted downward travel of a loaded platform.

working range: the recommended range of travel, above and below dock level, for which loading and unloading operations can take place, as defined in the information made available by the manufacturer of the dock leveling device.