A lift table is a device that employs a scissors mechanism to raise or lower goods and / or persons. Typically they are used to raise large, heavy loads through relatively small distances. Common applications include pallet handling, vehicle loading and work positioning. Lift tables are a recommended way to help reduce incidents of musculoskeletal disorders (www.hse.gov.uk/msd) by correctly re-positioning work at a suitable height for operators. Lift tables lend themselves to being easily adapted to a specific use. They can work in hostile environments, be manufactured in stainless steel and have equipment like conveyors, turn-tables, barriers and gates easily added to their deckplates.

Lift tables can come in a vast array of configurations and can be built to suit various highly specialized industrial processes. The most common lift table design incorporates hydraulic cylinders and an electrically powered pump to actuate the scissor lifting mechanism. Lift tables can also be driven by pneumatic sources, trapezoidal threaded screw drives, push chains or by hydraulic foot pump when the load is not heavy. Lift tables can be mounted in a pit for floor-level loading, especially useful for access by manual pallet-pump trucks and the mobility impaired or wheelchair users.

In Europe there is a published standard BS EN 1570: 1998 + A2: 2009 Safety requirements for lifting tables. Work is already being undertaken to revise this standard and possibly split it into 3 parts. It specifies the criteria for the raising and lowering of goods and / or persons associated with the movement of goods carried by lifting tables. When using lift tables for uses not covered by International / Regional standards eg EN1570 then further consideration may need to be given to the associated Risks and hazards.

Lift tables are widely used as wheelchair lifts and to assist with raising and lowering mobility impaired persons. In this case special attention needs to be given to the extra features and precautions that should be taken to assist a visually or mobility restricted person.

Common uses of lift tables include

• Vehicle loading and docking operations
• Mobility impaired access
• Work positioning and ergonomic handling
• Load positioning eg when integrated into conveyor systems
• Materials positioning in machine feeding applications
• Pallet and roll cage handling

The most common types of accidents involving a scissor lift

• Caused by misapplication of the machine, obstacles
• Misuse of the equipment
• Lack of Maintenance

Industries that commonly use lift tables include;

Woodworking

Metalworking

Paper, Printing and Publishing

Warehousing and Distribution

Light assembly

Heavy Machinery and transportation

Major manufacturers & Distributors include;

Atlas Lifts http://www.Atlaslifts.com

Dynamic Loading System http://www.dynamicloading.com

Ozismak SMZ Lifts http://www.ozismak.com

B&W Lift table installers http://www.bandwliftservices.co.uk

Bolzoni Auramo http://www.Bolzoni-Auramo.com

Disabled Access Equipment http://www.powerlifts.com

Electro Kinetic Technologies http://www.ek-tech.com

Marco AB http://www.marco.se

Hymo AB http://www.hymo.com

EdmoLift AB http://www.edmolift.com

Herkules Equipment Corporation http://www.herkules.us

Lift Products http://www.liftproducts.com

Power-Lifts http://www.powerlift.co.uk

Southworth Products http://www.southworthproducts.com

Stainless Steel Lifts http://www.stainlesssteellifts.co.uk

Bishamon Industries http://www.bishamon.com

Bahrns Material Handling Equipment http://www.bahrns.com

Presto http://www.prestolifts.com

Unidex Inc http://www.unidex-inc.com

DACO Corp http://www.dacocorp.com

PKS Engineering http://www.pkslifts.com

Tecmach lifts http://www.tecmach.co.uk

Air Technical Industries http://www.airtechnical.com

UK lifts http://www.lifts-UK.co.uk

Midland Pallet Trucks http://www.midlandpallettrucks.com