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The Condensed Lift Tables Buyer's Guide
By Bill Pedriana, Jr.
Lift tables are used to raise and position materials for a worker in such a way as to reduce potential injuries in a wide array of industries. Lift tables are designed to impose proper ergonomic principles into common work functions, and thus the selection process of this equipment is very important to achieve the maximum benefit of their application.
By following the few basic steps outlined below, proper equipment selection can be easy to understand and achieve.
Step 1: Identify the characteristics of the materials being handled.
How heavy is the entire load that is in need of being positioned?
Models commonly support loads ranging from 1,000-6,000lbs in 500lb increments.
What are the dimensions of the entire load?
You will want to select a lift table top size that supports the majority of the load, while being careful to not get a table to small for stability sake, or too large whereby the top may overhang the load to such a degree as to force workers to have reach.
Additional considerations include:
How will the load be placed on and off the equipment being selected?
If the load consists of individual items what is their weight and size?
Step 2: Identify what exposures to workplace injuries exist in the work area.
How often will the operator be required to lift a load?
The more items an operator handles the more likely RMI (repetitive motion injuries) are to occur. Thus the more repetitions of a job task the more exacting you will want to be with ergonomically correct placement. Electro-hydraulic lift tables typically provide the most exact product placement versus weight sensitive devices or pneumatic models, which often neglect variability in operator height or item dimensions, variable weights and move inconsistently making it hard for the operator to place the load correctly.
Additional considerations include:
How far will an operator be required to reach to retrieve or place a load?
How far will an operator be required to carry a load?
Step 3: Identify the characteristics of where the work will be done.
What physical restrictions may hinder proper access to the equipment?
Typically a lift table will take up only slightly more space than the load it is handling. However, certain design concepts may take significantly more floor space, which without proper consideration can lead to additional hazards to the operator.
Additional considerations include:
Are their any special environmental variables that may effect the equipment?
Where can operator controls be placed in the work area?
What power supply is available in the work area?
Step 4: How to select a lift table that will perform.
Can the unit be tailored to meet my specific application?
Many manufacturers have moved toward mass marketing lift tables in national catalogs and over the Internet. While this has created many benefits, much of the necessary tailoring required to meet the ergonomic criteria of a specific application has been lost in the pursuit of more streamlined manufacturing. If an application dictates specifications outside standard configurations, seek out a manufacturer that will supply a lift table to meet your specific needs. Only then will you truly reduce the exposure of potential injuries, which is time and money well spent.
Additional considerations include:
How is the basic table constructed?
What components are preferable to other components?
About the Author
Bill Pedriana Jr. of Lift Products Inc., has worked as a systems integrator and consultant in the field of material handling since 1985. The full version of this Buyer's Guide can be found at http://www.liftproducts.com
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