Lift Tables & Dock Lifts
Lift tables raise and lower loads to a comfortable working height. Scissor lift tables, dock lifts and other platform lifts reduce lifting injuries, but they also create scissor-like shear points and heavy platforms that can crush hands, feet and bodies. Most injuries happen when people reach into the scissors or work underneath without support.
- General Industry
- Warehouse
- Loading Dock
Types of lifts
| Type | Use | Main hazards |
|---|---|---|
| Scissor lift table | Raises pallets and loads to work or conveyor height | Scissor shear points, crushing, load shifting |
| Dock lift | Moves loads between ground and dock level, or truck bed height | Falls off open edges, platform movement, pinch points |
| Vertical reciprocating conveyor and platform lifts | Moves loads between floors | Gate and landing hazards, crushing, falls |
| Portable lift carts and tilt tables | Raises loads for assembly or loading | Tipping, pinch points |
Lifts designed to carry people are different from lift tables made for loads only. Read the maker’s rating and instructions, and don’t use a load-only lift to raise people. See Scissor Lifts for lifts designed to carry workers, and Dock Levelers & Vehicle Restraints for loading docks.
Main hazards
- Scissor and shear points: as the platform lowers, the crossed arms close together and can crush or amputate fingers, hands and feet.
- Crush hazards under the platform: a raised platform can drop if a hydraulic hose fails, a valve leaks or power is lost.
- Falls: from an open platform edge, off a dock edge or from stepping on and off.
- Overloading and load shift: loads that exceed the rating or aren’t centered can tip or fall.
- Hydraulic hazards: high-pressure leaks can inject fluid under skin. See Hydraulic Hazards.
- Electrical and control hazards: unexpected movement from a faulty switch or accidental activation.
Built-in safeguards
- Shear guards or toe guards (skirts) around the base or scissor area, so hands and feet can’t reach crush points. Gaps should be kept small
- Maintenance support or safety prop that holds the platform up mechanically during service
- Hold-to-run controls that stop movement when you release the button, and emergency stops
- Hydraulic velocity fuses or holding valves that prevent a fast drop if a hose fails
- Guardrails or gates on open sides when the platform is raised above a set height. OSHA requires fall protection for walking-working surfaces at 4 feet or more in general industry (29 CFR 1910.28)
- Pit guarding, safety gates and interlocks where the lift sits in a pit or travels between floors
- Capacity plate showing the rated load, and a clearly marked work area
- Guards and warning labels in place and readable. See Machine Guarding.
Safe operation
- Only trained, authorized operators use the lift. Read the manual and the labels.
- Check the rated capacity before loading, and center the load on the platform. Don’t exceed the rating, and don’t overload one side.
- Keep your hands and feet out of the scissor area and away from platform edges while it moves. Use tools or handles to position loads, not your fingers.
- Look around and make sure people, cords and objects are clear of the lift before you raise or lower it.
- Use hold-to-run controls and keep your eyes on the load. Lower the platform fully before moving a mobile unit.
- Keep walkways and the area around the lift clear. See Slips, Trips & Falls.
- Load and unload on a level surface, and secure loads that could slide or tip. See Material Handling & Storage.
- Don’t ride a load-only lift table or stand on the platform while it moves.
- Don’t stand or work under a raised platform unless the maintenance support is in place and locked.
- Don’t defeat the guards, interlocks, limit switches or emergency stop.
- Don’t use it for loads it wasn’t designed for, or lift people, or use it as a ladder or step.
- Don’t lean over the edge or reach through the scissors.
Inspection and maintenance
- Do a pre-use inspection each shift: check for hydraulic leaks, damaged hoses, cracked welds, worn pins, loose guards, working controls and a clear platform.
- Tag out and report any problem. Don’t use a damaged lift. See Tagging Out Damaged Tools.
- Follow the manufacturer’s schedule for lubrication, hose replacement and inspections by a qualified technician. Keep records.
- Before anyone goes under the platform or works on the lift, use the maintenance support, and lock out power and release hydraulic pressure. See Lockout/Tagout and Blocking & Cribbing.
- Use only approved parts and don’t modify the lift without the maker’s approval.
Training
Operators should be trained on the lift’s controls, capacity, hazards, emergency lowering and the rules above, and be re-trained after changes or incidents. See Training Requirements. Many lifts follow ANSI standards, such as ANSI/ASME MH29.1 for industrial scissor lifts, so check the label and manual.
Before each use
- Lift is clean, undamaged and free of leaks; guards and toe guards in place
- Load is within the rating, centered and secure
- Hands, feet and people are clear; no one is under the platform
- Hold-to-run controls and emergency stop work
- Maintenance support used and power locked out for any work underneath
- Open edges guarded; area around the lift clear
Standards & references
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