W.E. Carlson—Trends & Issues: Loading Dock Fires Caused by Hot Trailer Marker Lights

Loading Dock Fires

Cause of Fires: Hot running semi-trailer rear clearance and/or identification lamps compressed against traditional form dock seals without fire-resistant (not to be mistaken for fire-retardant) protection, leading to loading dock fires.

The problem has risen dramatically since 1999, corresponding with the enforcement of NHTSA regulations requiring trailer marker lights. In fact, during the first 18 months of tracking, Frommelt identified more than 100 reports throughout the U.S. and Canada of dock seals burning from the heat of trailer marker lights. Beyond the severe safety implications, costs of a single dock fire can include repair/replacement of dock seals, damage to buildings, destruction of the parked trailer and its contents, destruction of facility contents, evacuation costs, and costs of lost productivity.

What Causes Dock Seal Fires?
How Do I Know if my Dock Seals are at Risk?
Fires on the Loading Dock: What Your Company Should Know
Loading Dock Seal Fires and Developing the Technology to Reduce Them
Recent Dock Seal Fires

Vehicle Restraints	Loading Dock Levelers	Truck Levelers	Loading Dock Seals & Shelters	Loading Dock Accessories
Loading Dock Upgrades	Loading Dock Conversion Kits	Pre-Fabricated Buildings	In-Plant Offices	Mezzanines
Vertical Lifts	Ergonomic Lifts	Barrier Systems	About W.E. Carlson	Northern Illinois Loading Dock & Door Distributor
NW Indiana Loading Dock & Door Distributor	Material Handling Solutions	Loading Dock Safety Systems	Whole Body Vibration	Smooth Transition Dok System
Environmental Solutions	Facility Productivity Solutions	Loading Dock Design	Loading Dock Maintenance	Loading Dock Repair
Industrial Door Maintenance	Industrial Door Repair	Loading Dock Equipment	HV/LS Industrial Ceiling Fan