Wheel chocks play a vital role in preventing unnecessary and accidental movements of a vehicle when parked. The wedge-shaped tool prevents vehicles from slipping, rolling, shifting, or sliding when not in operation. They are popular across various industries, including aviation, mining, construction and others, enabling better grip for stationary vehicles and increased safety. Different types of wheel chocks are available for cars, trucks, RVs, vans, and heavy-duty vehicles.
As one of the leading wheel chock suppliers, FSP Oz Products has created a guide for better understanding wheel chocks and maximising workplace safety at mining sites. Wheel chocks are crucial for creating a safe working environment on mining sites, especially in regards to hauliers, milling machines and conveyors that are constantly operating in different directions.
Using and Understanding a Wheel Chock Properly:
When used correctly, wheel chocks are efficient safety devices. However, the process of chocking wheels is not always as simple as it seems. There are various factors that the end user has to consider for chocking the wheels correctly, to ensure the safety of both the workers and the vehicles. For correct wheel chocking, you need to consider several factors. It’s not possible to test a pair of wheel chocks with a specific vehicle on a specified grade of surface and assume that the wheel chocks will be sufficient to hold the same truck every time.
Selecting the right wheel chocks is complex as there are countless variables to consider for each specific application. Detailed testing at each location is essential to ensure that the specific wheel chocks can meet the specific chocking requirements. Moreover, regular inspections of wheel chocks are required to determine whether there is a need for replacement caused by cracking, chipping, or other types of deterioration. Wheel chocks made from high-density polyethylene require no maintenance. Below are the three significant factors to consider when selecting your wheel chocks.
Know the Tire Diameter:
Choose your wheel chocks based on your vehicle’s tyre diameter.
Know Your Surface:
The surface of the wheel chocks should be decided based on what type of ground you will be placing your wheel chocks. You should invest in wheel chocks that are designed to adhere to all types of surfaces.
Know the Gross Vehicle Weight:
You need to take the gross operating vehicle weight into account when selecting the wheel chocks for your specific requirement.
A Guide to Correct Placement of the Wheel Chocks
While chocking the vehicle, always follow these rules for optimum safety and efficiency:
- Make sure that the chock is centred and squared with the tyre.
- Carefully place the chock against the tyre tread.
- Always use chocks in pairs.
- You should place the wheel chocks downhill and below the vehicle’s centre of gravity.
- Place the chocks in front of the wheels on a downhill grade.
- Place the chocks behind the rear wheels on an uphill grade.
- Place the chocks on the front and back of a single wheel on a level grade.
Choose wheel chocks made from heavy-duty plastic for their durability, affordability, longevity, and ease of use. There are also several other materials wheel chocks are made from. Let’s take a look:
Different Types of Wheel Chocks:
Rubber Wheel Chocks:
Rubber is one of the most common materials used in wheel chocks. Rubber wheel chocks are highly durable and affordable, however they are not the best option for withstanding harsh working conditions and extreme weather, and may need frequent replacement.
Polyurethane Plastic Wheel Chocks:
Polyurethane plastic wheel chocks are also highly popular across industries. Compared to rubber chocks, they have better resistance to cuts, blunt damage, wind damage, water damage, and corrosion. In addition, plastic wheel chocks are lightweight and very strong.
Aluminium Wheel Chocks:
Aluminium wheel chocks are used for heavy-duty vehicles. Some aluminium wheel chocks are exclusively designed for long-term storage and can be used as a part of units designed for mounting motorcycles.
Steel Alloy Wheel Chocks:
Steel alloy wheel chocks are the strongest of all and are ideal for the heaviest vehicles. However, compared to wheel chocks in other materials, steel alloy wheel chocks are more expensive. If you need to invest in steel alloy wheel chocks, make sure you purchase ones that are treated for corrosion resistance.
Wheel chocks are available in different sizes, surface textures, and extra features.
Here are the essential things to remember about using wheel chocks:
- Get the right chocks for the job
- Put the truck, car, or van into park
- Wedge the chocks under the backs of the wheels
- Place additional chocks at the front of the wheel
- Never use damaged chocks
- Never drive over chocks
Buy Wheel Chocks from a Leading Supplier of Mining Safety Products:
Wheel chocks play a vital role in operational safety in the mining industry. Choosing the right wheel chocks and using them properly is crucial. Make sure you invest in wheel chocks considering the diameter of the wheels, surface the vehicle will be on, and gross vehicle weight. Compared to wheel chocks made from other materials, plastic wheel chocks are affordable, durable, and long-lasting.
FSP Oz Products is a leading manufacturer and supplier of heavy-duty mining products across Australia and overseas. We manufacture wheel chocks using advanced technology, making them highly durable and long-lasting. Our wheel chocks improve the functionality of your mining operations and enhance safety. We also provide high-quality machine chocks and chock accessories.
Contact FSP Oz Products for more information on wheel chocks.
