Loading dock fans are one of the most popular types of systems used to provide cooling and ventilation where workers need it most. They are mounted, efficient, and powerful machines that help make these demanding environments more tolerable. Read on to learn more about how loading dock fans work, different types of loading dock fans, and why they are a good choice for helping to cool the spaces where people work. Additionally, we will also provide information about other options available that provide exceptional cooling to help make jobs more manageable and functional when temperatures start to soar.
What Are Loading Dock Fans?
Loading and unloading in docked trailers can be dangerously physical work. Loading dock fans are used to circulate the air, which can help make these intense conditions more manageable. They are not all built the same though. Depending on the environment, common loading dock fans just blow around hot air and don’t actually cool the space.
Atomized evaporative dock fans, such as Power Breezer Sky, are capable of actually lowering the temperature, and providing much needed relief for workers – keeping them more productive and working longer hours without risking heat exhaustion. This is done by passing water through an atomizer which is evaporated and controlled using smart technology, sensors, and data to cool trailers quickly and efficiently.
How Loading Dock Fans Work
Loading dock fans are made to deliver generous airflow through trailers, and some are capable of providing lower temperatures. Well-designed dock fans can transfer more than 1200 cubic feet of air, per minute. Additionally, some are so powerful and efficient, they are capable of cycling all air from a 53-foot trailer in less than four minutes.
With their wholly innovative design, loading dock fans are mounted on walls, using pivoting mounts to provide temperature cooling and flowing breezes inside facilities of focused in hard to reach spaces. These specialized mounts enable the fans to swing into a dock doorway opening, to cycle fresh air from outside into the trailer, and in the process, channeling the hot air out of the trailer.
Designed for Safety
Because loading docks are often tight spaces that require careful maneuvering, it is necessary for cooling systems to not create additional, dangerous obstacles. The design of loading dock fans ensures air circulates throughout the trailers, but at a safe distance. It also keeps them securely away from causing hazards to workers, machinery, and forklifts that may be working in the trailers.
Handling Heat for Better Worker Performance
When workers are comfortable and kept cool, they work better, and ultimately, this benefits the company because better performance and output lead to overall better numbers. As a result, it is important to think about how your company may be able to keep employees safe from the heat, for their safety, and for the company.
Depending on the size of the trailer being considered, there are various options available for the type of dock fan that will accommodate its cooling needs. Loading dock fans can be purchased in various sizes, with different airflow levels. Some points to consider when purchasing are:
- Trailer volume.
- Anticipated range of temperature differential between the trailer and facility.
- Time factor; how quickly you need the temperature differential equalized.
- Is a standard fan going to cut it? Is a mounted atomized evaporative cooling system a better option?
Loading docks are difficult areas to regulate temperatures in. They are busy, often filled with workers, and can get full of hot, stale air. This presents two separate challenges: keeping workers safe and comfortable while working at the loading dock, and cooling and ventilating the air efficiently and quickly. These issues must be maintained to ensure safe conditions and overall comfort, reducing the risks of heat-related illness and ensuring productivity among workers in comfortable temperatures. Therefore, having the right type of cooling system is essential in this work environment.
Why Having Cooling Systems in Loading Docks is Necessary
Loading docks can be exceptionally hot, stuffy, and even stagnant environments due to the lack of airflow. While these trailers are very important for the shipping and warehousing industries, there are various reasons having cooling systems in place ensures better functioning and overall better output from them. Here are some of the benefits of having loading dock fans and other types of industrial cooling systems in place in loading docks:
Profits and Productivity: Workers are less productive in hot environments, they work less efficiently, and they work less time. When a workplace is a comfortable temperature, workers are able to work longer hours in a more productive way and make fewer mistakes – all having a direct effect on your bottom line.
Having a healthier workplace: Loading docks are usually bustling, transitional workspaces and because they get very hot, they can pose various dangers to workers. Having a cooling system/ ventilation system is a major advantage to keeping the air cooler and cleaner, for the benefit of everyone working there.
Reducing product spoilage: Because loading docks are known to be hot, stuffy environments, they can affect the quality of products being stored within them. Reducing hot, stagnant air with cool, flowing air can keep the environment cleaner, fresher, and safer.
Some of the most common types of loading dock fans include:
Keeping Loading Docks Cool With the Best Technology
Working in fast-paced environments that require precision, focus, quick thinking, efficient movements, and intense physical demands need to be managed properly to protect workers and ensure they can handle their jobs. Cooling technology is a serious consideration for all companies in the warehouse, loading dock, shipping/logistics industries, and more. Loading dock fans offer cool, refreshing air to keep those working in these environments safe and secure.
If you oversee a loading dock, work in a loading dock, or work in an industry that uses them, you should be aware of what safe working temperatures are, and the options available for keeping things cool. While there is a large array of different types of loading dock fans available on the market, it is important to understand the performance and offerings each type can provide.
One such option that provides ample cooling power, in an energy-efficient manner is atomized evaporative cooling systems from Power Breezer. Used on U.S. Military bases throughout the world, by all branches, and by such large-scale operations as the largest sporting events in the world, Amazon, and FedEx. These machines offer state-of-the-art power and technology.
If you are seeking cooling technology made to support businesses at the industrial level, reach out to our team today to learn more about atomized evaporative cooling available from Power Breezer.
