Dok-Guardian Safety Barriers Frequently Asked Questions
Product Basics
Q: What is the normal application for the Dok-Guardian Heavy Duty?
A: The Dok-Guardian Heavy Duty is designed to help prevent fork trucks, pallet jacks, and pedestrians from falling off a loading dock. Other applications include any location where you are trying to protect people and equipment from material handling traffic by providing an effective physical barrier, while also providing for easy removal of that barrier when required.
Q: What is the normal application for the Dok-Guardian Light Duty?
A: The Dok-Guardian Light Duty is designed to help prevent material handling carts, pedestrians and non-motorized lift trucks from falling off a loading dock. Other applications include any location where you are trying to protect people and equipment from material handling traffic by providing an effective physical barrier, while also providing for easy removal of that barrier when required.
Q: What is the restraining strap material?
A: The three yellow restraining straps for the Heavy Duty model are made from 3/16-inch thick by 4-inch high polyester. The three black restraining straps for the Light Duty model are made from 1/4-inch thick by 2-inch high polyester. The tensile strength of each Heavy Duty restraining strap is 20,000 pounds, while each restraining strap of the Light Duty is 1,000 pounds.
Q: What is the curtain material?
A: PVC coated fiberglass
Q: Does color of the barrier distinguish the two models?
A: Yes. The Heavy Duty model has a red barrier with yellow striping and the Light Duty model has a yellow barrier with black striping so that is one way to differentiate the two models.
Impactability
Q: What happens when the barrier is impacted?
A: When the barrier is impacted, it will deflect up to a maximum of 15” (for 10'5" clear openings; see owners manual for greater width openings). In most cases, there will be little or no damage to the Dok-Guardian product.
Q: How many impacts can the barrier take?
A: The testing that we conducted has shown that the barrier can withstand over 10 impacts. This may vary depending on the type of impacts that the unit receives.
Q: In the impact video, the Warden moves when the barrier is impacted. Is that normal?
A: Yes. The Wardens will deflect when the barrier absorbs a significant impact.
Q: When you look at the barrier after impact, it looks more "floppy". Can it be retensioned?
A: Yes. If this has happened, simply cycle the curtain from the stored to "locked" position a couple of times and the curtain will be tightened up.
Applications
Q: What size openings will the Dok-Guardian accommodate?
A: Both Dok-Guardian models are available for clear width openings up to 16'5".
Q: Can the Dok-Guardians be interlocked and/or interconnected?
A: Yes. Simply request that option from your Rite-Hite representative.
Q: Does the Dok-Guardian meet OSHA regulations for loading docks?
A: Dok-Guardian Safety Barriers meet the requirements of Regulation 1910.23 regarding "Protection for wall openings and holes". Dok-Guardian is "an equivalent barrier" per 1910.23(b)(1)(i), providing protection via a curtain, or "screen" and meeting the specification of 1910.23(e)(11): "Wall opening screens shall be of such construction and mounting that they are capable of withstanding a load of at least 200 pounds applied horizontally at any point on the near side of the screen."
Q: Is Dok-Guardian intended for mezzanine applications?
A: No.
Installation & Operation
Q: How are the Dok-Guardians set up to operate when shipped?
A: Both models are factory set to pull the barrier from the left side of the opening and to be latched on the right.
Q: How much force is required to operate the unit?
A: You will need to pull with about 25-35 pounds of force, depending on the size.
Q: Can the units be changed in the field to be operated the opposite way?
A: Yes. Both models allow the installer to easily change the units so that the barrier can be pulled from the right side and latched on the left.
The Heavy Duty model includes two unique Wardens, one for the roller side and one for the latch side. They would be changed out in the field to be able to work on the opposite sides of the door opening. The Light Duty model has two of the same design base Wardens that mirror each other.
The roller assembly and latching components are simply switched to the opposite Wardens in order to reverse the operation. Instructions on making these changes are included in the Installation and Owner’s Manual.
Q: What steel thickness is used for the Wardens and how many anchors are required?
A: The Heavy Duty model uses 1/4-inch steel, with 5/8-inch steel base plates and requires 6 anchors per side for installation. The anchors are 3/4” x 5 1/4” and are supplied with the unit.
The Light Duty model uses 3/16-inch steel, with 1/4-inch steel base plates and requires 4 anchors per side for installation. The anchors are 1/2” x 5 1/4” and are supplied with the units.
Miscellaneous
Q: Can you install the Light Duty model and upgrade to the Heavy Duty model at a later date?
A: No. These are completely different units designed for different applications.
Q: Is there a UV protection to the heavy-duty restraining strap material?
A: Yes. The straps do have UV inhibitors in them which provide protection from fading and degradation.
Q: How long will it take to install the Dok-Guardian?
A: Installation time on the job site should be approximately two hours.
Q: Does any part of the Dok-Guardian system require routine maintenance?
A: No.
Q: How do you know when to replace the barrier or Wardens after being impacted?
A: The unit must be checked for damage after any significant impact. Replacement of individual components may be necessary where damage has occurred. |