6 Steps to Keep Winter Out

Old Man Winter will be here soon. Keeping him at bay will keep your employees happy, reduce heating costs and prevent issues with any processes which require a controlled environment. 

Inspect Weather Seals

​Most weather seals on docks and doors are visible and it’s easy to spot damage or gaps. With the door closed can you see light? If so, something is wrong. Damaged sections or slats on a door are another visible sign of possible air infiltration. Other areas of the seal, such as between sections of a door or around a door edge may not be as visible. Holding your hand up on a windy day or if your facility has negative pressure will help determine problem areas.

​Inspect Dock Enclosures

​You don’t even have to go outside for this one, as you can check it with a truck backed in and your dock door open. Don’t accept gaps in the enclosure as there are many solutions available to seal all types of trucks.

Test Area Heaters Now

Once the temperatures drop for good HVAC companies will be busy, so get ahead of the curve. Better yet, have them on a maintenance plan so this step is delegated.

Test Docks and Doors

​If your docks or doors are not working right on a nice day, how will they perform on an icy day?

​Look for Water

​During your walkthroughs for the other items keep on the lookout for water infiltration. Of course this is best to do on a rainy day. Any water leaking in through the dock equipment or doors is not right and can be prevented. As you know, water turns to ice in the winter and will cause serious issues, especially safety issues.

​Check your Records

​Do you maintain your docks and doors with a proactive maintenance program? Having a breakdown on a cold and windy day is the worst, as the door or dock could be stuck wide open.

These six easy steps will help prepare you for winter and get you one step closer to warmer weather.