Effective trailer restraint is a primary safety concern on any dock. A trailer accidentally moving away from the dock — whether due to premature departure or trailer creep (also known as dock walk) — can potentially lead to a life and death risk.
One loading dock injury, in such cases due to a lack of proper safety measures, can easily reach more than $1 million. That means trailer restraints are no longer a luxury item. Unfortunately, many companies wait until they experience a “near miss”; that is, an accident or injury that almost occurred due to a trailer that moved.
And while OSHA mandates that trailers be chocked at all loading docks, with restraints as a viable substitute, many companies simply rely on standard wheel chocks alone. However, that presents a problem due to the need to rely solely on the driver to ensure that the chocks are properly in place. In addition, it doesn’t take much force for a trailer to run over or move the chocks.
Restraints — either manual or powered — are truly the most effective solution to keeping trailers secure. They also provide a visual indication via LED communication lights that clearly confirm whether a trailer is restrained or not.
Manual or powered
Entrematic offers restraint solutions to fit nearly every need and budget. They range from manual mechanical restraints that are simply activated using a push bar to engage or release the restraint from the trailer, to powered restraints, which offer more ease of use, are push-button activated and offer multiple communication options.
We’re especially proud of our SL Series vehicle restraint systems. At the forefront of trailer restraint technology, these restraints provide design simplicity, the fewest moving parts, minimal maintenance and easy operation.
Here’s a brief look at each of our various Serco SL Series trailer restraints to help you compare the different available models for your particular operation:
Serco SL10 Series Mechanical Vehicle Restraint
This manually operated restraint is a base model that’s designed to engage the rear impact guard of a vehicle and hold the vehicle at the loading dock during the loading and unloading process. And with a control bar to activate and release the unit, no lifting effort is required.
Serco SL20 Series Mechanical Vehicle Restraint
Similar in operation to SL10, this restraint includes the addition of manually activated interior and exterior red/green LED lights for improved communication. The control bar allows dock workers to easily engage and release the restraint from the warehouse floor.
Serco SL40 Series Mechanical Vehicle Restraint
A manually operated vehicle restraint system like the SL20, but the SL40 automatically senses the actual contact between the restraint and the vehicle’s rear impact guard and communicates its status via interior and exterior red/green LED lights. The control bar allows for easy manual activation and release.
Serco SL60 Series Powered Vehicle Restraint
Provides automatic push-button activation with advanced electronics and standard LED communication systems for increased dock safety and security. Driveway or wall-mounted, SL Series powered restraints engage the rear impact guard of a vehicle and hold it in place during the loading and unloading process.
The restraint is raised and lowered automatically at the touch of a button, and the exclusive sensor bar automatically senses and communicates the contact between the restraint and the trailer’s rear impact guard. The programmable logic controller (PLC) offers more flexibility to meet the evolving needs of your facility. The SL60 will auto-reverse if no rear impact guard contact is made, signaling dock workers via the LED lights to ensure maximum operational safety.
- SL70 Powered Vehicle Restraint – Same features and operational benefits of the SL60, but also includes a trailer presence sensor.
- SL80 Powered Vehicle Restraint – Same features and operational benefits of the SL60, but with the addition of a trailer presence sensor and automatic engagement of the trailer RIG.
- SL90 Powered Vehicle Restraint – Same features and operational benefits of the SL60, but with the addition of a digital monitor and multi-code keypad lockout override to prevent unauthorized use.
Serco SLP3000 Recessed Vehicle Restraint
Ideal for new construction and remodeling applications, this recessed vehicle restraint is hydraulically activated to effectively control vehicle movement by grabbing and holding the rear impact guard throughout the loading and unloading process. It’s easily installed in a pit under the dock leveler, allowing for a clean dock face when the restraint is retracted.
This design also makes it possible to have unobstructed access to smaller delivery vehicles, trailers with hydraulic lift gates and an open drive for unimpeded snow plowing or drive cleanup. It also includes advanced safe engagement signaling and an interlock-capable control panel.
No matter what your needs are for trailer restraints, Entrematic has you covered with our unique selection of Serco solutions. To learn more from a Serco representative, call us today at 800-933-4834.