Additionally, staging areas and associated equipment must not interfere with emergency egress routes from the building. See also WBDG Secure/Safe-Security for Building Occupants and Assets.Д®mergency Egress: Loading docks should not be used as emergency egress paths from the building. The flow of circulation into the dock should pass this control point, and access should be restricted to authorized personnel. Monitoring Ingress / Egress: A dock manager's room or booth should be located so the manager can keep the entire dock area in view and control the entrance and exit from the building. Staging Area: A staging area inside the building should be provided adjacent to the loading dock.Alternatively, consideration could be given to enclosing the entire loading bay. In very hot and cold climates, dock seals should be used at each loading bay. Weather Protection for Users and Goods: Open loading docks should be covered at least four feet beyond the edge of the platform over the loading berth to protect users and goods being loaded and unloaded. Storm Water Management: The truck's approach to the dock should be at grade or sloped away from the loading dock to prevent the collection of storm water near the dock.(See Acoustic Comfort.)ДЇlooring: Resilient flooring should be used in offices adjacent to utilitarian spaces such as loading docks. Noise levels in the dock should be moderated to promote communication among users. Absorptive acoustical surfacing will reduce the noise level in the dock but will have little effect on the transmission outside it. Unpainted heavy masonry walls provide mass. Mass and limpness/flexibility are two desirable attributes for a sound transmission barrier. Noise Exposure Mitigation: Noise reductions in the dock and noise transmission out of the dock are different design considerations. At least one well lit personnel door should be provided in addition to the overhead doors. These doors should be able to close completely and lock after business hours. Lighting: Each truck position should be equipped with adjustable lighting fixtures for the illumination of the interior of trailers.Д®dge Guards and Bumpers: Loading docks should be protected with edge guards and dock bumpers.Д®xterior Doors: Easy access overhead coiling doors are preferred for loading docks. Typical docks are built 55 inches above grade level to accommodate most trucks. If the bed height of vans and trucks varies more than 18 inches, at least one loading berth should be equipped with a dock leveler. Separate or dedicated docks should be considered for food service areas.ДЄccommodating Vehicles: Loading docks must accommodate various sizes and types of vehicles used to deliver or pick up materials from the building.

The service route from the elevator should accommodate the transport of large items.

Loading docks must be convenient to freight elevators so that service is segregated from the main passenger elevator lobbies and public corridors. This ramp should have a maximum slope of 1:12 and comply with ADA Accessibility Guidelines, ensuring that it may be easily maneuverable for deliveries on carts and dollies.ДЄdjacencies: Loading docks must be located for easy access by service vehicles and should be separate from public entrances to the building, public spaces, and other light industrial or warehouse zones.

Access: A ramp should be provided from the loading dock down to the truck parking area to facilitate deliveries from small trucks and vans.

For a complete list and definitions of the design objectives within the context of whole building design, click on the titles below. Typical features of loading dock space types include the list of applicable design objectives elements as outlined below.

This space type must be able to accommodate large vehicles, forklifts, and pedestrian traffic. However, it is also important that they are designed to ensure the safety and security of their users and the users of other nearby spaces. Loading docks are utilitarian spaces that should be designed for function and durability.