The construction industry has many potential hazards, so it’s important to take the proper precautions. Whether you are operating lift and tilt tables or you are just walking across the site, you should always have your wits about you and follow health and safety procedures.

Lift and tilt tables are an essential piece of equipment for many construction projects, helping you load and move heavy items. If you are planning on using a lift and tilt table, keep reading this guide to learn how to do it safely.

What is a lift and tilt table?

Lift and tilt tables or scissor lift tables are specialised pieces of equipment created to assist with material handling, ergonomics as well as accessibility in industrial, construction or warehouse settings. The lift function allows the table to be raised or lowered to various heights, allowing users to adjust the height to their particular needs. 

This feature is typically powered by hydraulics, meaning it can lift heavy loads easily. It also uses pneumatics or electric motors to provide a smooth and controlled adjustment to height. The tilt function allows the table to be tilted to various angles, making it useful for multiple functions. In an industrial setting, tilting makes parts and loads easier to access.

Why use lift and tilt tables?

Lift and tilt tables enable users to experience a more ergonomic method of doing their job. They are typically used in applications where heavy loads need to be lifted or sorted and the lift and tilt table allows you to lift items and tilt them closer to make moving and transferring much simpler. Here are some basic tasks that are made easier by lift and tilt tables:

• Loading and unloading pallets
• Positioning heavy equipment for manufacturing or maintenance
• Adjusting assembly line stations for different worker preferences
• Transferring materials from one level to another
• Transporting heavy office equipment 

When using lift tables, workers can benefit from better ergonomics, allowing multiple employees to share the same workstation, without compromising on health or comfort. 

How do lift and tilt tables improve ergonomics and safety?

The study of biomechanics in the workplace is called ergonomics and ergonomic interventions can reduce injury rates, improve productivity and create a safer, happier workplace. The human body is complex with many biomechanical principles. If certain work processes go against these principles, it can lead to injury and accidents. If you want your staff to work efficiently, this must be done without things that cause pain or discomfort. 

Certain tasks are repetitive and, over time, this can lead to disaster. Rather than giving employees a task and the wrong tools to do it, lift and tilt tables make it much easier to work safely. Scissor lift tables are the industry standard for variable-height workstations. These surfaces stand on pantographic legs which attach at a pivot point. When a user engages the power, hydraulic or pneumatic pistons push the base of the legs horizontally along the frame. Through the pivot, this action moves the table surface up and down.

Safety guidance for lift and tilt tables

If you will be operating a lift and tilt table, here are our safety tips.

Inspection

Before you even begin using the lift and tilt table, it’s important to check all components are working properly. First of all, check the hydraulic oil for any leaks and that the level is appropriate, if needs to be topped up, do that. You should also check the battery fluid for any leaks and that it has maintained the right level, you can add distilled water if necessary. Meanwhile, ensure that all labels are clear. Legible and properly positioned.

Secondly, check the components of the scissor lift table for any damage, improperly installed or missing parts as well as check the wiring, cables, hydraulic hoses, joints, hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic valve blocks, battery packs and any other essential items for any signs of wear or tear. Keep an eye out for any cracks in welds or structural parts as well as dents or damages and ensure that all structural parts and other key parts are complete. Have a look at all related fasteners and pins and make sure they are in the correct position and tight.

Safe operation

Before you begin, you must understand the table’s weight limit. If a cargo does not indicate a clear weight, estimate it. If the weight exceeds the maximum load of the lifting platform, stop using it, or it could lead to damage to the scissor lift table or even cause an injury to the operator. Loads should be placed in the centre of the lifting table and you should never place loads off to one side or they may fall or cause the table to tip.

Troubleshooting

Should you find yourself in a situation where the power has gone out, all you need to do is stay calm. There are emergency buttons to deal with this situation and the scissor lift table cannot move, it will, however, slowly lower to the bottom relying on its self-weight. You can also use a tool to hold the support spool and press the spool firmly in. The lift table will then be able to be lowered. Utilise the emergency stop if you ever notice abnormal functioning from the lift and tilt table.

When using the hydraulic scissor lift table, if you notice any abnormal noises or short-term abnormal speed, this is usually because of a lack of oil or looseness in the lifting table. You will need to get this repaired as soon as possible. Something could be wrong with the hydraulic system so check the hydraulic oil, filter or hydraulic valve.

Safety tips summarised

• Inspect your lift table for broken or loose parts regularly. If there are any problems, contact your technician.
• Do not overload the lift table as this can cause it to tip over or break which could result in serious injuries.
• Do not hang items over the table. This will lead to an unbalanced load and cause the table to tip over.
• Always centre loads.
• Avoid pinch points and keep fingers and hands away from these areas, especially scissor lift tables.
• Check the equipment capacity and make sure you are using the correct lifting equipment for your environment.
• The table needs a strong surface or grip traction, you will also need to check that the table has sufficient load-bearing capacity for the load you are lifting.
• Wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE). Trained operators should supervise lifting and lowering operations and they should also be equipped with the correct PPE.
• Ensure proper balance and a flat and even ground.