The primary purpose of equipping a dock leveler with a foam insulated deck is to reduce condensation forming on the deck surface. Condensation forms on the dock leveler deck surface when there is a significant difference in the temperature between the inside and the outside of the facility at the loading dock area.
Condensation on the dock leveler deck assembly creates a safety hazard. Condensation on the dock leveler deck creates a slippery surface which could lead to an accidental fall for the loading dock attendant while walking on the deck surface or it could also lead to a dangerous situation causing a lift truck to slide or spin its wheels when crossing the dock leveler deck.
Dock levelers equipped with a foam insulated deck eliminates or reduces the chances of condensation forming on the dock leveler deck. Contrary to popular belief equipping dock levelers with foam insulated decks offers minimal energy savings. Foam insulated decks are very commonly utilized in freezer warehouses. In these applications the difference between the inside and outside temperatures are significant, increasing the rate of creation of condensation on the dock leveler platform.
Foam insulated decks are an option that is available on any model of mechanical, air operated, hydraulic or vertical storing Pentalift dock levelers.
During the manufacturing process the dock leveler deck assembly is first painted and then positioned upside down on the work bench. The foam insulation is sprayed onto the underside of the dock leveler deck to a thickness of 3” – 4” between the structural beams and then allowed to cure.
When the foam insulation has cured the deck assembly is then installed into the dock leveler frame assembly and the complete dock leveler is then cycle tested, adjusted as required and prepared for shipping.
This link leads to a photograph of the underside of a hydraulic dock leveler deck assembly that has been painted and then sprayed with foam insulation. Â https://www.pentalift.com/solutions/foam-insulation-2/
For additional information on foam insulated dock leveler decks or any Pentalift product please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.