Wheel Chocks

A wheel chock is a wedge placed hard against a tyre to stop a parked vehicle or item of mobile equipment rolling. It is used during loading, unloading, servicing, inspections and whenever equipment sits on a grade.

Rubber is the most common material for general duty wheel chocks. Rubber grips the ground surface, stands up to weather and fuel exposure, and absorbs impact as the tyre settles. Heavier applications may call for other materials.

Match the chock to the tyre diameter and the vehicle’s gross weight. A chock has to be tall and deep enough to hold the tyre it sits against, so larger heavy equipment tyres need correspondingly larger chocks.

This depends on the grade, the vehicle weight and your site procedure. Chocks are commonly used in pairs, either side of the same wheel or on wheels at each end. Follow the procedure set for that vehicle class.

Position the chock hard against the tyre on the downhill side, square to the direction of travel and in full contact with both the tyre and the ground. Clear loose material from the spot before placing it.

No Australian rule names wheel chocks specifically. WHS duties require controlling the risk of unintended vehicle movement, and site procedures or load restraint requirements set when chocking is mandatory.

Yes, provided the chock is sized for the tyre and the machine weight. Light vehicle chocks are not suitable for mining trucks or large mobile plant. Check the rating and dimensions against the equipment.

No. A wheel chock is a secondary control that backs up the park brake rather than replacing it. Apply the park brake, select the correct gear or park position, then chock the wheels as the procedure requires.

Inspect wheel chocks before each use and check them regularly for splitting, chunking, rounded edges and loss of grip on the base. Replace any chock that is cracked, deformed or no longer sits flat against the tyre.

Wheel chocks hold less reliably on gravel, sand and loose surfaces because the base can slide or dig in. Clear loose material first, or park on firmer ground where possible. Assess both the grade and the surface.