Safety Standards & Safe-Use Guidance
Wheel chocks are a critical part of preventing unintended vehicle movement. This page summarizes general standards and safe-use practices for common applications (commercial fleets, industrial sites, and aviation/GSE).
Important: Requirements vary by industry, vehicle type, slope, surface condition, tire size, and operating procedures. Always follow your organization’s safety program and the equipment manufacturer’s guidance.
Referenced Standards
Depending on the application and operating environment, wheel chock requirements may be referenced by standards such as:
- NFPA 1901 (Fire Apparatus)
- NFPA 1906 (Wildland Fire Apparatus)
- SAE J348 (Wheel Chocks)
Core Safe-Use Practices
Chock Placement
Place chocks firmly against the tire tread (front and/or rear depending on slope and procedure).
Correct Size
Choose chocks based on tire diameter/width and vehicle weight class, not just “looks close.”
Surface Conditions
Wet, icy, oily, loose gravel, and painted floors can reduce friction and require extra controls.
Inspection
Inspect for cracks, excessive wear, missing rope, damaged traction surfaces, or hardening.
Standards & Guidance (By Use Case)
- Follow your company’s SOPs for securing parked equipment, dock operations, and maintenance procedures.
- Use additional controls where required (brakes, dock locks, wheel restraints, cones, or lockout procedures).
- Confirm the chock design matches your surface and tire type (pneumatic vs. solid, tread pattern, etc.).
- Tip: For sloped surfaces, chock the downhill side according to your SOP.
- Use chocks as required by ramp procedures and aircraft/operator policies.
- Place chocks firmly against the tire tread in the correct direction of roll (fore/aft placement per procedure).
- High-visibility markings and rope connections can improve handling and reduce trip hazards.
- Always follow airport, airline, or operator requirements for chock timing and placement.
- Chock before unhitching or lifting with a jack.
- Use chocks on both sides where appropriate, especially on inclines.
- Avoid using damaged or makeshift blocks that can slip or crumble.
Care, Storage & Replacement
- Store out of direct sunlight and extreme heat when possible (UV and heat can accelerate aging).
- Clean oils/chemicals that can reduce friction or degrade materials.
- Replace chocks showing cracks, deformation, severe wear, or compromised traction surfaces.
Need help selecting the right chock?
Tell us your tire size, vehicle type, and operating surface and we’ll recommend the best option.