Operators of heavy-duty trucks must follow OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.178 when they are towing or loading equipment onboard their vehicle as well as setting brakes and blocking wheels after an accident has occurred with the trailer in tow
The key points that require attention include: placing chocks under both rear sets (one per) so they can't move
Putting a block between the front two tires will prevent forward movement unless towed at high speeds where four total may be needed depending upon size.
Also, it's always best practice to secure the trailer to the truck after parking by chaining it down.
This will help prevent theft as well as movement in high winds.
You should never assume that because you have put the truck in park and set the emergency brake that the trailer can't or won't move.
Chances are if it's not chained down, it will.
Now that you know how many chocks you need for a trailer, be sure to always have them on hand when loading or unloading your equipment.
And, as always, practice safe driving!
Limitations:
It’s necessary to recollect that wheel chocks aren’t a standalone resolution to preventing trailer movement at the platform. There area unit various limitations that have got to be taken into account:
Can insert wet or icy weather
Often don’t give decent restraining force to forestall trailer movement
Easily broken, misplaced, or stolen
In some cases, it's more effective to use a Truck Wheel Lock. A truck wheel lock is placed over the steering wheel of the truck and physically prevents the driver from turning the wheel. This is an extra measure of security to make sure that your trailer stays put!
So, there you have it. You now know how many chocks you need for a trailer. Be sure to always have them on hand and practice safe driving!
How many wheel chocks?
How many types of wheel chocks you ought to use per trailer depends on many variables. think about the following:
Location and parcel of land
Composition of space (asphalt, gravel, mud)
Grade or slope, if any (front to back, facet to facet, or both)
Is the trailer hooked up to the truck/tractor?
What is being loaded thereon (a ton of feathers vs. twenty loads of steel)?
Is the trailer loaded/unloaded with a power-driven raise truck?
Type of "parking brake" (air, hydraulic, or spring mechanical)
Is the driver with the truck throughout the process?
Time of year and time of day
Weather conditions (rain, snow, ice, wind)
Are you maintaining or repairing the trailer itself?
The number of wheel chocks you employ depends on these and other conditions. as example, if you're storing a trailer that's not hooked up to a truck/tractor for an extended period of time in an outdoor lot during the winter months in Michigan, you would like to use more chocks than you'd if you were merely unloading the trailer for a short time on level ground in Texas.
In this situation, you need to use two chocks—one on either side of your vehicle.
When parking next to other vehicles or structures that might restrict its movement (like poles), it's best not to be too cautious about using them all and just make sure none are left behind!
If you have any questions about how many chocks you need for a trailer, be sure to ask a professional. And, as always, practice safe driving!
If you have any doubts, always err on the side of using more chocks than you think you need. When in doubt, use four chocks – two for the front wheels and two for the back. If you're still not sure, consult your trailer manufacturer or a qualified mechanic.
Bottom line:
You can never be too safe when it comes to preventing your trailer from moving.
Be sure to always use at least two chocks – one for the front wheels and one for the back. And, if you're ever in doubt, consult a qualified mechanic or the trailer's manufacturer.
Now that you know how many chocks you need for a trailer, be sure to always have them on hand when loading or unloading your equipment. And, as always, practice safe driving!
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