Vacuum lifts use a vacuum system by which suction and vacuum lifting work to move heavy objects. This lift system allows you to move heavy items with push button operation using a range of detachable suction style attachments. It depends on the unit used to operate the vacuum lift as to the distance the item can be moved. They are either power or battery operated and the larger the attachment contact area and the greater the vacuum pressure, the larger the load that can be moved.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people with difficulties lifting or handling heavy equipment, especially in awkward postures or where task repetition is required, there is a large range of vacuum lift designs available that can be adapted to the task. Some uses to date of vacuum lift technology include lifting and moving: sacks, drums, boxes, concrete kerb sections, landscaping blocks such as limestone, slabs, pipes, panelling and steel plating. Various gantry system and end suction attachments are available depending on the type of work environment, space available and product to be lifted.
Vacuum lifts can be used as one person portable units or be attached to vehicles such as cranes, forklifts, diggers or chain hoists (Palamatic Materials Handling 2006; PalPharma Handling Solutions 2006; The Vacuum Lifting Company 2006).
Relevant links
References
Palamatic Materials Handling 2006, Vacuum Tube Lifters, Palamatic Handling Systems, Chesterfield, viewed 30 November 2007, < http://www.palamatic.com/materials/techguide.php?d=15>.
Palamatic Materials Handling 2006, Vacuum Lifting – How it works?, Palamatic Handling Systems, Chesterfield, viewed 30 November 2007, <http://www.palamatic.com/materials/techguide.php?d=23>.
PalPharma Handling Solutions 2006, PALPharmaVac – Pharmaceutical Specification Vacuum Lifter-Vacuum Lift, PalPharma, Derbyshire, viewed 30 November 2007, <http://www.palpharma.com/filter.php?l=16>.
The Vacuum Lifting Company 2006, Vacuum Lift Information, The Vacuum Lifting Company, Kilmarnock, viewed 30 November 2007, <http://www.vacuumliftinguk.co.uk/>.