The Combilok vehicle restraint system from Stertil Dock supports the safe loading and unloading of vehicles within numerous loading bays throughout the UK.
Communication between drivers and distribution personnel in loading bays can be poor. The Combilok was developed exclusively to reduce the risk of unintentional vehicle movement on loading bays and offers a ‘safety net’ against poor communication by holding vehicles in one place until loading or unloading is completed. Not only does this improve safety, it also eliminates damage to expensive goods and equipment and helps guard against theft. During operation, the Combilokis fully interlocked: the loading bay door cannot be opened until the Combilokis in position and the Combilokcannot be released until the door is closed again and it is safe to drive away. Totally automatic in operation, the Combilokalso overcomes any language difficulties that may arise with drivers delivering from all over the world.
Next Distribution chose Stertil Dock to provide vehicle restraint systems at all of its twelve UK distribution centres. The company trialled a number of competitive units over the course of a year and Stertil Dock’s universal Combilok performed the most successfully.
Stertil Dock has installed a total of 260 Combilok units at every loading bay serving Next’s sites. These loading bays are responsible for almost a million dock movements each year and Next intends to specify Combiloksfor any future sites. In fact, the company has already ordered another four units for a new recycling centre.
Commenting on the Combilok’s successful trial at the company’s Emsall Way site, Next Distribution’s Head of Engineering, David Swinbank, said, “The Combilokwas definitely the most versatile unit we tried, making it ideal for the wide range of vehicles in both our fleet and those of our suppliers. The Combilokis competitively priced and the installations have been very straightforward, keeping disruption to a minimum.”
Providing unrivalled efficiency and reliability, the Combilok helps companies to fulfil their health and safety obligations in loading bays. The system accommodates most types of commercial vehicles including those with ‘tail lifts’ and its ease of assembly on smooth surfaces like stelcon plates means that it’s ideal for both new and existing sites. Stertil Dock has also designed the Combilok system with a minimal number of moving parts thus making it safe, simple and inexpensive both to install and maintain.
Stertil Dock is a market leader with over 40 years’ experience in loading bays and dock areas and has steadily built an international reputation as a specialist in its field.
