2 Dock Safety

21 General

Safety does not begin at the tailgate of a truck; it begins on the dock. Contractor personnel must adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Wear proper clothing — if a particular article of clothing is required or prudent, then wear it.
2. Avoid horseplay, scuffling, and other non-work activity while on Postal Service premises.
3. Do not throw mail, empty equipment, or other items that will endanger the safety of others.
4. Do not climb onto or across hand trucks or other rolling equipment.
5. When passing through double doors, stay to the right, be alert, and obey signs.
6. Dispose of waste, trash, and other debris in the proper receptacle.
7. Do not stack mail or equipment in such a manner that vision is restricted or the load is not stable.
8. Do not block exits.
9. Do not run on Postal Service premises.
10. Do not jump from the platform to the ground; use the steps.
11. Do not smoke in nonsmoking areas. Smoking is prohibited in all Postal Service–owned and contracted buildings and while loading or unloading any vehicle.
12. When handling sacks, keep the hasps and strings under control.
13. Watch for low overheads.
14. Do not use defective (red-tagged) equipment.
15. Wear protective footwear, and secure loose clothing while working near machinery.
16. Do not wear jewelry, dangling necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or scarves while working around machinery.
17. Tie or otherwise secure long hair while working around machinery.
18. Remember to check and set dock plates before entering a vehicle. Chock wheels when necessary.
19. Observe dock and traffic markings.
20. Store dock plates in an anchored, upright position.
21. When using dock plates, secure them in position to keep them from slipping or sliding away.
22. Always be aware of moving vehicles and equipment on the dock.