Yes, The Subject Is Wheel chocks

Wheel chocks are devices which are intended to prevent movement of wheels on equipment and vehicles. At times when prevention of even the least amount of movement for a wheeled vehicle is critical, wheel chocks are the answer.

Wheel chocks are most commonly made of one of the materials such as rubber, steel, urethane or aluminum. Generally the top surface of the chock is an arc shaped to fit the arc of the wheel or tire, while the outer surface is squared off. The bottom of the chock often is engineered in such a way as to grip the ground. The arced top surface may also have markings which increase traction of the wheel against the wheel chocks. Wheel chocks come in sizes to fit many different types of wheels as well as one-size-fits-all designs. A handle on the side of some brands of wheel chocks makes it easier to place into position without the need of touching either the wheel or the pavement surface.

Once the wheel chock is wedged snugly against the lowest angle of the wheel, it is almost impossible for rolling or even slight movement to occur. The double traction of chock against pavement and chock against tire is a added safety feature when loading or unloading trucks or trailers.

Trucks and trailers often use wheel chocks when backed up to the loading dock since the access to the loading dock is often at an incline. The chocks prevent the truck or trailer from moving slightly at an inopportune moment creating a situation where there could conceivably be a forklift rollover accident with disastrous results. Even a small gap in the surface between loading dock and truck can cause unnecessary jarring.

Since trucks and trailers rarely can find a perfectly level place to park, wheel chocks are commonly used any time a truck or trailer is parked. They are also used anytime the driver is required to do work around or under the truck or tires. Wheel chocks for eighteen-wheelers often have small warning signs attached, reminding drivers to “chock your wheels” or conversely, reminding them that wheel chocks need to be removed before leaving the area. Wheel chocks are used on railroad cars to prevent unwanted rolling backward or forward when not being used or during loading.

In manufacturing operations or at a warehouse, whenever a pallet truck, stacker or forklift is in use, wheel chocks are recommended for safety. The additional time required to place a pair of wheel chocks into position is much less than the time required to pick up a toppled pallet of inventory items should the loading equipment slip.

Other common uses for wheel chocks include stabilizing motorcycles during trailer transport or while doing mechanical work on the bike. Chocks are also used to prevent small aircraft from moving around when parked. The wind could otherwise lift and move the planes to the extent that they could be damaged.

Mechanics and experienced drivers both know that placing a wheel chock in place when changing a tire or working underneath the vehicles helps to prevent accidents.