Essential Guide to Chocks: Safety and Efficiency in Semi-Truck Maintenance
When it comes to maintaining a safe and efficient semi-truck maintenance shop, chocks are a small yet essential piece of equipment that can’t be overlooked. Whether your team is working on trailers, trucks, or other heavy vehicles, the importance of proper wheel chocking extends beyond compliance—it’s a cornerstone of workplace safety.
Why Chocks Are a Maintenance Shop Must-Have
Chocks play a critical role in preventing accidental vehicle movement during maintenance. These simple devices act as physical barriers, ensuring a vehicle remains stationary even under challenging conditions. Improper chocking—or neglecting to use them altogether—can lead to accidents, property damage, and even injury, all of which are costly and disruptive to operations.
When Should Chocks Be Used?
Whenever a vehicle is parked for maintenance or loading, wheel chocks should be in place. According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations, chocks must be used when vehicles are parked on inclines or in situations where unintentional movement could occur.
Some best practices for chock use include:
Positioning: Always place chocks snugly against the center of the tires.
Double-Chocking: Use chocks on both sides of the tires for maximum stability.
Inspection: Ensure the chocks are in good condition, free from cracks or excessive wear.
Correct Type: Match the chocks to the vehicle's weight and tire size for optimal performance.
Materials and Design: Which Chocks Are Best?
Chocks come in a variety of materials, such as rubber, polyurethane, and steel, each offering unique benefits:
Rubber Chocks: Durable and affordable, ideal for most fleet vehicles.
Polyurethane Chocks: Lightweight and weather-resistant, perfect for outdoor use.
Steel Chocks: Heavy-duty and built for the largest commercial vehicles.
To determine the best type for your shop, consider your fleet's vehicle weight, tire sizes, and operating environment.
Avoid Costly Downtime with Proper Chocking Practices
In the fast-paced world of fleet maintenance, unplanned downtime is the enemy. Neglecting proper chocking procedures can result in vehicle damage or worker injuries, causing delays that impact your shop's efficiency. Training your technicians to use chocks consistently will safeguard your operations and uphold workplace safety standards.
Lite-Check’s Commitment to Safety and Maintenance Efficiency
At Lite-Check, safety and efficiency are central to everything we do. While our advanced diagnostic tools like the Inspector 930 and Sentry Fleet Management Software are the stars of trailer testing and diagnostics, we also emphasize the importance of safety equipment like chocks in maintenance routines.
By integrating Lite-Check’s cutting-edge tools into your workflow alongside safety essentials like chocks, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the “One Person, One Tool, One Process” standard.
Invest in Safety—Protect Your Fleet and Team
When it comes to maintaining semi-trucks and trailers, no detail is too small. Chocks might seem like a minor addition, but their role in protecting your team and vehicles is invaluable. By emphasizing their use and keeping them in top condition, your maintenance shop will stay compliant, efficient, and accident-free.
Ready to take your fleet maintenance to the next level? Contact Lite-Check at info@lite-check.com or 509-535-7512, and explore how our innovative diagnostic tools can transform your operations.
Check it!
Want to ensure your fleet is operating safely and efficiently? Pair your chocking protocols with the Inspector 930, Lite-Check’s comprehensive diagnostic tool for trailer lighting, ABS, brakes, and air systems. Learn more about the Inspector 930 here.