Background. 1. The current OSHA standards in 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(1) and (m)(7) only allow the use of wheel chocks under the rear wheels to prevent the trucks from moving while loading and unloading.

Does OSHA require wheel chocks?

OSHA is very clear when it comes to wheel chocks– use them. However, there is a hang-up. ... OSHA also says it will enforce its wheel chock requirement on all trailers and trucks that are not classified as commercial motor vehicles. Put simply, if you are not a commercial motor vehicle, you need to chock.

Do you need to use wheel chocks?

Wheel chock is important because a parking brake alone often isn't enough to keep a vehicle from rolling during a towing job. It's also important to stabilize tires and vehicles when they're being transported so they don't come loose and cause injury.

When should wheel chocks be used?

Wheel chocks are used for safety and accident prevention. Chocking, also known as blocking, is done to prevent trucks and trailers from unintentionally moving, like rolling or overturning, while workers are loading, unloading, hitching, unhitching or servicing the vehicle.

Who is responsible for chocking wheels?

The driver, dock workers, and forklift drivers share the responsibility to ensure that the truck and trailer wheels are properly chocked.

The Importance of a Good Wheel Chock - Gear Up With Gregg's

43 related questions found

How many wheel chocks are required?

OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.178 requires vehicle operators to set their truck and trailer brakes and block their wheels to prevent vehicle movement. The standard notes that chocks should be placed under the rear wheels, which means two chocks should be used – chocking just one wheel isn't enough.

Are wheel chocks required in Ontario?

Wheel chocks or blocks must be used whenever a test or inspection procedure requires the driver to leave the driver's seat with the parking brakes released. Avoid getting in the direct path or immediate area of compressed air exhausting from air brake system components.

What can I use instead of wheel chocks?

Bricks would be safe enough as wheel chocks because the rubber tyre spreads the load. (Imagine trying to chock a railway wagon with a brick however, and it would be another matter.) But all the same, the proper wedge-shaped blocks are probably best.

Do I need 2 or 4 wheel chocks?

Weight and incline grade determine how many wheel chocks you need for your RV. ... Therefore, you should use one chock per tire to make sure it does not roll away. Using four chocks also secures both the front and back end to limit movement. For smaller trailers or fifth wheels, you may be able to get away with two chocks.

Where do you place a wheel chock?

Wheel chocks must be positioned downhill and below the vehicle's center of gravity. On a downhill grade, position the chocks in front of the front wheels. On an uphill grade, position the chocks behind the rear wheels. On a level grade, position the chocks on the front and back of a single wheel.

Can I use bricks as wheel chocks?

Yes I've used a brick under All on the ground wheels at times, but as has been suggested a chock designed for such, is Way safer, so we shouldn't regularly compromise on safety when under a vehicle.

Why are wheel chocks important?

Wheel chocks are designed to prevent stationary vehicles from shifting or moving when they are not in use. They also help prevent accidents on-site and help with employee safety. Wheel chocks must be secured properly to keep trucks and other vehicles from moving, especially on a grade.

What keeps a travel trailer from rolling?

Wheel chocks are likely one of the simplest additions to your trailer or 5^th wheel, but they are an important item that every trailer and RV should have. The wheel chocks are the wedges which wedge under the tires keeping your trailer from moving.

Does OSHA apply to truck drivers?

While OSHA does not regulate self-employed truckers, it does regulate workplaces to which the truckers deliver goods and the workers which receive those goods.

Are dock plates required by OSHA?

2. OSHA Approved Dock Barriers. ... According to OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i), a dock that creates a drop of four feet or more must be guarded with a barrier. Chains are one-way employers can create a barrier, but bars are often recommended.

Are trailer jacks required by OSHA?

Response: OSHA's Powered industrial trucks standard, at 29 CFR 1910.178(k)(3), states that "[f]ixed jacks may be necessary to support a semi-trailer and prevent upending during loading or unloading when the trailer is not coupled to a tractor." OSHA's standard does not specify a particular type of jack, nor the number ...

Do wheel chocks really work?

As we've learned, they provide an uphill impediment to your car's tires, and wheels don't travel naturally uphill. What's more, a wheel chock uses friction to keep your car from sliding. So they're an all-around good investment to keep in your trunk.

How do I choose wheel chocks?

Ideally, the correct wheel chock should be about 1/4 of the tire's height. This means that if the vehicle has 36-inch tires, the wheel chock should be about 9 inches in height. This should allow the chock to fit securely under the tire.

What do you block tires with?

Never change a tire on an incline or hill; always seek a flat surface, even if it means driving on a flat tire. Use bricks, wooden wedges, or metal wheel chocks to block the wheels at the opposite end of the car from the end that is to be raised.

What are tire stoppers called?

Wheel stops are also called parking blocks, tire stoppers, wheel stoppers, and curb stops.

Do you need wheel wedges to change a tire?

Prevent your car from rolling.

Wheel wedges will also help prevent rolling. If you don't have wheel wedges, bricks or large stones will do the trick. If you're changing a rear tire, place the wedges before the front tires. If you're changing a front tire, set the wedges behind the rear tires.

Are wheel chocks required with dock locks?

Based on this directive, it appears that dock locks are acceptable for use without wheel chocks as long as the dock locks meet the criteria above.