How to Secure Industrial Vehicles

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accidents involving vehicles or mobile heavy equipment accounted for around 400 deaths annually. A review of several such incidents reveals instances in which vehicles were not secured. Sadly, some of these incidents may have been easily prevented simply by using industrial wheel chocks. Chocking (or blocking) can prevent trucks or trailers from rolling or overturning while employees are working around the vehicle—loading, unloading, etc.  

Chocks generally are available in either pyramid or wedge styles, depending on specific vehicle types and needs. Proper wheel chocks should comply with all federal safety requirements as well as industry standards.  

When it comes to industrial or construction vehicles, size matters. From a small trailer to a 400-ton haul truck, wheel chocks should always be deployed. For some operators, it can be tempting to use whatever material may be on hand to chock a vehicle—cinder blocks, rocks or lumber. That’s why it’s vital to equip all vehicles with a set of chocks that are easy to access. In addition, extra chocks should be kept onsite. Although situations vary, chocks should be placed on the right and left rear axle wheels on the front and back of the wheel.  

Checkers Safety™ offers several styles of wheel chocks engineered in collaboration with safety experts to work with ground equipment, commercial and military vehicles. In addition, Checkers Safety chocks have been field-tested by expert team members under a variety of conditions to prevent non-motorized, uncontrolled movement of on and off-road vehicles. We have also worked with a third-party laboratory to certify each model meets the specifications indicated on our Wheel Chock Reference Guide.  

Finally, specific models of Checkers wheel chocks meet specifications required by:  

• Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) 
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 
• Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) 

• National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 
• U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) 

Heavy Equipment 

Manufactured with highly durable, lightweight polyurethane, our heavy-duty MC series offers the widest base for heavy vehicles such as haul trucks, loaders, and cranes for wheels with a diameter of up to 165 inches. Resistant to oils, fuels, and solvents, MC chocks are one of the top sellers in the mining industry and are approved and used by Caterpillar.  

All-Terrain 

Checkers Safety heavy-duty AT series wheel chocks are tough—made of durable, lightweight polyurethane with replaceable aluminum base plates with posi-grip cleats or anti-slip rubber traction pads. The AT series is ideal for underground mining equipment, firefighting vehicles and other large utility vehicles with chocks that are lightweight with tough urethane construction and include ANSI compliant guidelines on proper chocking procedures. Featuring recessed carrying handles and replaceable aluminum traction cleats or rubber pads, the AT series complies with SAE-J348, NFPA 1901, 1906 and 1911 standards. 

Urethane General-Purpose 

Available in singles or pairs with or without connecting ropes, our UC series is manufactured with highly durable, lightweight polyurethane and is third-party tested, certified and trusted by fleets globally. UC chocks are ideal for over-the-road trucks, trailers, pickups and utility vehicles and are available for a variety of tire sizes.  

Rubber General-Purpose  

Composed of durable rubber that make them strong and safe in industrial applications, Checkers rubber wheel chocks are resistant to damage from UV, moisture, salt and oils. A ribbed pyramid design grips the tire and road without causing tire or pavement damage, while the design also allows either side to be positioned against the tire.  

Aviation 

Checkers Safety really takes flight with a varied selection of aviation chocks for almost any type of aircraft and need—available in urethane and rubber.  

Urethane chocks typically last longer than wooden chocks and eliminate Foreign Object Damage (FOD) threats for aircraft, making them ideal for business, commercial, cargo and military aircraft. Rubber aviation wheel chocks feature a triangular design and are resistant to damage from UV, moisture, salt, and oils.  

Beyond this overview of the many types of wheel chocks available, consulting with a trained professional will help your company get a better grip on which chocks are right for your specific application. Contact a Checkers Safety team member today to learn more.