Pentalift News Blog
Safety Requirements of Pit Installed Lift Tables
January 30, 2013, 3:14 pm - Safety Requirements of Pit Installed Lift Tables It is common for lift tables to be installed into a recessed pit, pit installation provides floor level access both on and off the lift table platform. Per ANSI MH29.1 Safety requirements for Industrial Scissor Lifts toe protection must be provided along the entire unprotected sides and ends of the platform if the lift table is pit installed. The two most common methods of providing toe protection are electric toe sensors and beveled toe guards. Electric toe sensors are installed below the platform edge and if an obstruction is met during descent the platform will be brought to rest. Beveled toe guards are provided as a physical alert. Beveled toe guards are tapered inward and are approximately 30 degrees from vertical to eliminate potential pinch points. The bevel angle pushes items in its path away.
The Importance of Loading Dock Bumpers
January 14, 2013, 2:18 pm - Dock bumpers are a very important component of loading dock installations. Dock bumpers are the target for the backing truck / trailer. The dock bumpers also absorb the forces of the backing truck /trailer when it makes contact with the facility. The impact force from the backing truck / trailer can exceed 200, 000 lbs. Once parked at the facility the truck / trailer bed will move up and down as the weight of the lift truck and load is driven onto and off of it. This movement is referred to as “float”. It is important the dock bumper have the correct physical size and appropriate face material to accommodate the “float” range present at the installation. Steel faced bumpers provide a very effective loading dock bumper solution. Improper bumper selection and application may result in damage to the facility and truck / trailers as well as create safety concerns. Refer to the Pentalift web page for more bumper information http://www.pentalift.com/loading-docks/prodinfo-dock-bumpers.php. A Pentalift representative can assist with proper bumper selection and application.
Description of Electrical Line Loss
January 9, 2013, 2:05 pm - Line loss is a decrease in the power supply from the source to the destination. As electricity flows energy is lost due to the heating of the conductor, caused by electrical resistance. AC motors that are utilized in dock levelers and scissor lifts, perform best with line loss less than 5% of the motors requirement. It’s important to determine the distance from the power source to the motor, identify the voltage specified and then calculate the proper gauge off wire to minimize line loss to the electric motor. Line loss is generally more of a concern with lower voltages such as 115/1/60. Line loss concerns increase as the amperage draw increases. With Loading Dock and Lift Equipment, increased hydraulic power unit motor horsepower sizing is the most common reason for amperage draw increases. For additional information http://www.energyaction.com.au/line-loss-factors.html
3 Best Ways to Increase Safety at the Loading Dock
December 19, 2012, 1:14 pm - Loading docks are usually a busy hub within a company and could have several health and safety risks associated to them. There are several ways to mitigate some of these risk and create a safer work environment at your loading dock. Below are 3 ways to increase the safety at the Loading Dock area. 1. Installing vehicle restraint safety systems improves communication between the dock attendant and the truck driver. This also prevents unscheduled vehicle departures. 2. Winterize your dock area by replacing worn or damaged dock seals and adding weatherseal to the dock levelers. This minimizes snow entry and the subsequent melting thereby reducing slip hazards at the loading dock area. 3. Have dock equipment serviced on an ongoing basis to avoid dock attendants working with compromised equipment resulting in the potential for injury. This equipment includes your dock leveler, vehicle restraints, and bay doors.
Pentalift Introduces New RainStop Dock Seal – The Dock Seal prevents water entry into loading dock area
November 21, 2012, 3:46 pm - Pentalift is please to introduce its new RainStop Dock Seal. The RS800 RainStop seal is specifically designed to prevent the entry of rain into the loading dock area. The entry of rain into the facility causes product damage and slippery and unsafe conditions. The Pentalift RainStop Dock Seal utilizes a stiffly sprung five and a half inch foam filled header curtain to create a positive seal on the top of the trailer. The RainStop Dock Seal diverts the water from the top of the trailer and away from entering your building. The RainStop Dock Seal can be ordered separately for existing applications or in conjunction with a new dock seal. Click on this link to view the Pentalift RainStop dock seal web page
