A well-lighted personnel door is also essential. Trailer restraints may be required if forklifts are expected. Overhead coiling doors are typical for loading docks. Note that if the truck box is sloped toward the dock platform and exposed to rain, water may drip off the back of the truck roof and onto the crew.Īdditional considerations include industrial quality adjustable lighting for each vehicle, edge guards and bumpers, a hose bib, shore electrical power, cable pass-throughs for connections to and from the interior of the building, non-slip floor surfaces, and exhaust removal for enclosed docks. Where a loading space is angled toward the building, a heavy duty drain slot and cover should be provided, with the drain not under the typical wheel location. The more level the truck box the better, with the accommodation of a slight angle to facilitate drainage away from the building. Recommendations for the allowable maximum slope for the truck box vary from 2% to 10%. Long-standing OSHA guidelines indicate a dock height of 44” to 48”. For docks with multiple bays, at least one bay should be equipped with an industrial quality dock leveler. Photo by Paul Sanow, ASTC.Various industry resources recommend loading dock heights ranging from 44” to 55” above wheel level. Multiple doors, dock levelers, and adequate lighting. Loading Dock at Adrienne Arsht Center, Miami, FL. For facilities that may have frequent deliveries by small trucks or vans, a 1:12 ramp to accommodate carts and dollies may be needed. To facilitate personnel access to the dock level, a stair should be provided. A venue with frequent catering service may require a separate loading dock as simultaneous food service and show loading can create conflicts.ĭepending on the weather and climate, the type of venue, the capability of the crew, and the frequency of loading and unloading, the loading dock can be flush to the loading doors, have a covered exterior loading platform, or be entirely enclosed.
A single truck? Three to six trucks for a Broadway-style touring house? Space for catering deliveries, tour buses, a broadcast vehicle, and a dumpster? It is important to get this right. The first decision is how many vehicles need to be accommodated for the venue. Here are some recommendations to consider when designing your next loading dock. Moving audience members through level changes in the lobby and auditorium is often easier than moving scenery and other heavy equipment between the loading dock and the stage. Photo by Paul Sanow, ASTC.ĭid you know that the loading dock typically drives the design of the building? True, especially with performing arts buildings. Back when touring shows were more modest and loaded into train cars.
Stage level is the upper door, served by a jib pulley. A more challenging loading dock at an early 20th Century Vaudeville house.
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