Here is a glossary of a few key terms we talk about in our product specifications and case studies. Let us know if you want to know more or have any questions by chatting to us on our live chat (bottom right-hand corner), or emailing [email protected].
Glossary of Key Terminology
Lifting & Handling Terminology:
When our customers first approach us, we’re often asked to clarify and explain some of the jargon we use within the lifting and handling industry. As a result, we’ve created this glossary of key terms to help you understand the lifting and handling industry and some of the terminology we may use throughout the buying process. As the experts though, we’re always on-hand to explain things further so please don’t hesitate in contacting us if you have a question:
| Terminology | Definition |
| Aperture | The inside of the core on a reel, roll or coil. |
| ATEX Environments | An abbreviation of Atmosphere Explosible. This is the term commonly given to categorise potentially explosive environments. Certain models we supply cannot be used if working in certain ATEX graded atmospheres however as some can, it is always best to contact us with your requirements and we’ll discuss the best solution for your application and environment. |
| Boom | The extending arm of a crane or lifting trolley. Can be used to lift reels from the aperture or with a crane attachment to lift from afar. |
| Bridging Plate | A piece of metal which fills the shaft gap between the floor and the lift’s platform. It is sometimes referred to as a dock plate. This makes it easier for operators to wheel and manoeuvre loads in and out. |
| CAD | Computer Aided Design – Used by our Technical Design team to bring your 2D drawings to life in a 3D drawing on screen. Advanced Handling use the latest version of SolidWorks to ensure drawings are as realistic and accurate as possible. |
| CE Marked | Demonstrates that the solution/piece of equipment conforms with EU health and safety standards. This is a legal requirement and every Advanced Handling solution carries this. |
| Competent Person | During a Thorough Examination, a competent person is required to carry out regular health and safety checks. This means a person who has training, knowledge and experience within the place of work to be able to identify any potential issues with a piece of equipment or with the way it is used. |
| Cross Member | When we refer to a cross member, we mean between the wheels which supports the chassis. |
| EN1570 | European standards which outline the safety requirements for industrial scissor lift tables or machinery which lifts and lowers goods. |
| Fully Clad | Is when a lift is fully enclosed with solid, non-perforated paneling on all sides. |
| Hydraulics | When fluid under pressure is used to drive a piece of equipment/machinery such as a goods lift or scissor lift. |
| Interlocked Gates | This is a safety feature whereby the gates electromechanically lock when the lift is in use or not in its parked position preventing access. |
| Limit Switch | We refer to a limit switch when we talk about our Goods Lifts. This is the feature that slows a lift down when it is reaching it’s upper limit and helps the lift come to a controlled stop as opposed to an abrupt stop which might not be comfortable for the operator and cause damage to the load. |
| LOLER | Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 – These are the rules companies operating lifting equipment must abide by. To find out more about LOLER, click here. |
| Maintenance Safety Bar | A feature of our scissor lift tables. A bar which simply flips down and is locked into place to eliminate any slight risk of a table lowering whilst it is being worked on. |
| Manual Handling | When you’re lifting or handling something without using a lifting aid of any description. The regulations surrounding manual handling are controlled by the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992. |
| Mesh Clad | Is when a lift is enclosed on all sides with perforated paneling. |
| One Touch Latching | Push one & release to run. |
| Operator | A single individual trained to use the lifting solution. |
| Pit-Mounted | A pit-mounted solution is when the solution for example a scissor lift table or goods lift has been installed within a dug out pit which means the platform can be level to the floor. This makes it extremely easy to load and unload as well as store away when not in use in the case of a scissor lift table. |
| Platform | The top of a scissor lift table, the floor/bottom of a mezzanine goods lift or the solid attachment on a stacker or Pronomic Lifting Trolley to carry boxes or trays on. |
| Powder Coated | A dry coating process used to finish metal using powder applied electrostatically and then cured with heat or UV light creating a more durable finish. |
| Push to Run | Push & hold button down to run. |
| PUWER | Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 which is the regulations for making the employer responsible for ensuring their equipment is always safe to use. To find out more about PUWER, click here. |
| Stroke | The difference between the maximum lift height and the height at its lowest point – think of it like its extension or reach. |
| Thorough Examination | Is a systematic and detailed examination of a piece of lifting equipment to ensure it is safe it is safe to use. For more information on Thorough Examinations, click here. |
| Unladen Weight | How much something weighs without being loaded. This often needs to be taken into consideration when the lifting solution is being loaded onto something else prior to being loaded itself. |
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