Mobile yard ramps often come equipped with safety features such as safety chains and wheel chocks, but extra care still needs to be taken to prevent accidents and injury. Ten safety issues that should be considered when using a mobile yard ramp include:
1. Mobile yard ramps are constructed of steel and designed to support heavy loads. But be careful not to exceed their maximum specified load capacity.
2. When unloading always use the chocks to prevent the yard ramp moving, even if the ground appears level. Never use the mobile yard ramp on a slope.
3. The ground beneath the mobile yard ramp must be solid, ideally concrete or tarmac. Do not use on grass even if the ground seems firm.
4. Extra care should be taken in adverse weather conditions such as frost and ice.
5. The lip plate of the mobile yard ramp must be securely connected to the rear of the container or truck. Attach the safety chains to prevent any movement.
6. Drive at a safe speed when towing the mobile yard ramp to a new location. Damage can be done to the legs if driven over bumps and potholes at excessive speed.
7. If the mobile yard ramp is stored outside check for signs of rust damage before use. Regular checks should always be made of the legs, wheels, lip plate and deck surface. Any damage must be immediately repaired before further use.
8. Check the level of the hydraulic fluid on yard ramps that use hydraulic operation to adjust their height. Always look for signs of leaking hydraulic fluid.
9. Do not use the mobile yard ramp to enter the back of the lorry or container when the forklift truck is in operation.
10. Do not extend the mobile yard ramp above its specified safe operating height.
Common sense is the best advice for using a mobile yard ramp. If the yard ramp is old or damaged it is better to be replaced than risk continuing to use it. Renting mobile yard ramps is becoming a popular practice as regular maintenance is often included in the rental rates. Chase Equipment can provide more advice about renting mobile yard ramps.
