Guidance on Dock shelters (FEM - October 2024)

ID 23864 | 23.04.2025 / Attached

Intention of this Guideline

To provide users, architects, contractors and suppliers with an awareness of the benefits and specific characteristics of the different Dock shelter types used in the loading dock area.

A dock shelter is a device that is used in a loading dock area to seal the gap between the dock door opening and the truck during loading or unloading.

It is mounted on the outer perimeter of the dock door opening.

The dock door opening is only partly covered by the docked vehicle, leaving an unwanted gap. Sealing this gap may be done for the following reasons:

Ergonomics

- Reduction of temperature variations
- Reduction of wind, draughts, ingress of dust and airborne pollutants.
- Can help reducing outside noise getting in or vice versa.

Safety/Security

- Reduction of the ingress of water which can cause slippery wet floors
- Making unauthorised access through the loading area past a docked vehicle more difficult.

Hygiene

- Where handling food, helps keeping out dust, vermin and insects.

Saving energy

- Providing savings in energy, reducing whether heating or cooling costs.
- The climate change that we see occurring today and the resulting need to stop using fossil fuels and consume as little energy as possible, are a good reason to consider the use of dock shelters.

Cost Savings

- The ingress of the before mentioned matters can lead to damage of the goods that are transported, which may lead to high costs.
- Better ergonomics lead to higher efficiency and less sick-leave, both saving costs.

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Table of contents

Introduction

Intention of this Guideline

Nomenclature

What is a Dock Shelter

Why use a Dock Shelter

Dock Shelter Types

Type I Shelter - Compression Seal

Type II Shelter - Wipe Seal

Type III Shelter - Touch Seal

Type IV Shelter - Combined Seal Types

Additional Remarks

Water Ingress

Bottom Seals

Appendix

Shelter type Selection Flowchart

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Fonte: FEM