When a lift table lowers into a recessed pit there is often the challenge of addressing a potential pinch point. A lift table with straight 90 degree vertical toe guards on the platform sides can create a pinch point as the platform lowers into the pit. The two most common lift table options to minimize the risk of a pinch point as the platform lowers are tapered toe guards or electric toe sensors. Tapered toe guards are tapered inward 30 degrees on all 4 sides of the platform sides. Changing the 90 degree vertical toe guards to a 30 degree tapered inward design minimizes the risk of a pinch point as the platform lowers into the pit. An alternative method is electric toe sensors. Electric toe sensors are signalled by a 4 sided bar assembly that is suspended approximately 3” – 4” below the lift table platform. This 4 sided signal bar assembly is the same length and width as the lift table platform. When the lift table lowers the signal bar comes into proximity of the pit, any obstacle contacted during the downward travel such as an operators foot, debris etc. will stop the descent of the lift table. The signal bar is connected to an electric sensor switch that automatically shuts off or stops the downward motion of the lift table when contacted.
Nov 05, 2019
