Welding Grade

Standard vinyl material will hold up to hot flying sparks. Keep in mind there are different kinds of sparks. There are sparks from grinding metal, which the standard vinyl skirts work great for, and then there are sparks which come from other work processes which are very large and sometimes molten. Light welding which is not taking place on top of the lift table should not damage a vinyl skirt. If a hot spark hits it, then it may burn a small hole in it but more than likely bounce off. It will not start fire as it is fire retardant. For heavy welding applications, you would want our silicone-coated fiberglass material we use for weld slag. It will not be damaged from welding. It is, however, about double the price.

FDA Food Grade Lift Table Skirts

For food grade lift table bellows skirting that meets FDA requirements, we have a AS/NSZ 4020:22005 & SI-5452 made for safe contact with food. This is Title 21, SI 5113 certified. This material can be stitched or it can be heat welded (as shown below) for an even cleaner fabrication.

Other Common Questions

How does the skirt mount to the lift table?

There is a 3" flange on the top of the skirt that attaches to the side of the lift table as shown below. This is then bolted to the lift table every 12" The flange will have flat steel bar or stiff PVC in the flange pocket depending on the style of skirting you purchase.

Does the skirt need to attach at the bottom?

Most installations allow for the skirt to rest on the floor while only the top is attached. The weight of the skirt often is enough to keep the skirt on the floor. We also have optional weight bars for the bottom which can be ordered and added after the skirt is installed.

What is the difference between internal and external fold?

• Below you can see that the folds of the bellows can face outward, or inward depending on what style you want.
• Please be aware that internal fold bellows need adequate room facing inwards for the folds.
• For instance, if you have a 50" x 50" top size and a 50" x 50" bottom lift table size then an internal fold will not work.
• Pit lifts that are mounted in the floor generally always need an internal fold for them to work.
• Internal folds have the smallest foot print for conserving space.
• External folds are the most common and best option for when you are unsure that an internal fold will work.

What fold depth should I choose?

• Fold depth (as indicated in the above image as xx) is the width of the folds
• 3" folds are the most common and economical
• Smaller folds would only be needed if you have space constraints such as lift table carts and pit lifts.
• The smaller the fold the more expensive the skirting and the taller the stack up of the skirt.

Are different colors available?

Yes there are different colors available for stitched skirts and the heat bonded skirts. The standard colors are black, yellow or black and yellow together. Other colors can be requested on the fill in RFQ forms and are generally 20% more expensive.

Are there any OSHA requirements regarding scissor lift table skirts?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates workplace safety around pinch points to reduce occupational injuries. According to the OSHA definition, pinch points are points on presses and other workplace equipment where workers could get a finger or other body part caught between two moving parts. The OSHA warns that pinch points can cause severe injuries, including amputation, and regulates work practices for workers exposed to pinch points.

Scissor lift tables have scissors which are a very dangerous pinch points. Thus, if the lift table is not properly shrouded with a lift table skirt then OSHA will issue your facility a fine. This includes mobile scissor lift tables.

Are there any specific requirements for having skirting on scissor lift tables? Are they absolutely required?

If OSHA comes to your facility and finds a scissor lift table that is not skirted / guarded then you will most likely be fined. A scissor lift table is a pinch point hazard and industrial facilities have to guard against pinch points. In addition you are providing a safer work environment for your workers.

Can you please give us the OSHA Rule or reference that speaks about guarding of pinch points?

OSHA does not specifically call out lift tables in their documentation. Rather they call out pinch points and shear points which can be present with many different machines. These pinch points and shear point must be properly guarded to protect your personnel.

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"The lift table skirting is lasting longer than our previous supplier. The other supplier we used in the past fabricated their lift table guards using 18 oz vinyl and I believe that Akon's 22 ounce vinyl makes all the difference in the world. The skirts still have not worn out and they are performing greatly"

Frank - General Motors

"We are extremely pleased with the quality of workmanship, and especially pleased with the quality of the stitching. Other skirts we have purchased had stitching that was not straight and that was coming undone. The stitching quality makes all the difference in the world for longevity, and Akon seems to have the best."

George - Procter & Gamble

"The pricing and the speed of delivery were key in our decision in choosing Akon Skirting and Bellows. The product arrived on time as promised and so far the lift table bellows are performing great"

Justin - Ford Motor Company