It is very common for lift tables to be installed into a recessed pit with the top of the lift table platform flush with the floor. This type of installation provides floor level platform access for wheeled equipment such as a pallet truck, cart etc.
As standard most lift tables are provided with straight (vertical) toe guards on the platform. However if the operator’s foot is on the floor but projected over the side or the end of the pit introduces a potential pinch / shear point as the underside of the platform lowers into the pit.
To address the potential shear point as the platform lowers into the pit the lift table must be equipped with one of two options, electric toe sensors or beveled toe guards in lieu of the standard straight toe guards.
Electric toe sensors consist of a 4 sided steel bar assembly that is suspended just under the platform. The 4 sided steel bar assembly is equipped with electric limit switches. During lowering if an obstruction such as the top operator’s foot contacts the underside of the steel bar assembly at least one of the limit switches open circuits and the lowering stops.
This link shows a lift table that is equipped with optional electric toe sensors. https://www.pentalift.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/DSL.pdf
An alternative to accommodate recessed pit installations is beveled toe guards that are installed on the lift table platform and are slanted inward approximately 30 degrees. Slanting the toe guards inward addresses the potential shear point as the platform lowers into the pit and provides a warning to the operator that the platform is lowering. As well the bevel tends to push objects away from anything underneath it as it lowers.
This link shows a lift table that is equipped with optional beveled toe guards. https://www.pentalift.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/LH.pdf
In summary any lift table that is installed into a recessed pit must be equipped with either beveled toe guards on the platform or electric toe sensors installed on the platform.
For additional information on pit installing a lift table please contact the Pentalift Sales Department.