Upgrading for Safety and Efficiency: Explosion-Proof Lift Table Install in High Point, NC

Challenge: Outdated Lift Tables in an Explosion-Prone Environment

The customer’s facility had long relied on a series of in-ground lift tables to move heavy drums and materials through various production stages. Over time, these aging tables had become unreliable, showing signs of wear and requiring frequent maintenance.

Recognizing the need for an upgrade, they turned to AEC for a more modern, robust solution that could meet the demands of their operation and satisfy the stringent safety protocols of an explosion proof environment.

Solution: Strategic Upgrade and Safe Installation Planning

Trace and the AEC team assessed the facility’s needs and recommended a tailored solution: Southworth lift tables, known for their rugged construction, safety features, and customization capabilities.

Southworth’s commitment to ergonomic design also made them an ideal fit, helping reduce strain and improve workflow for operators handling heavy or hazardous materials.

Equipment: Southworth Lift Tables with Explosion-Proof Options

Southworth lift tables are engineered to deliver high performance in demanding environments. Their heavy-duty design, reliable hydraulic systems, and precision controls ensure smooth, repeatable lifting for a wide variety of industrial applications.

In this particular facility, the lift tables needed to be installed in existing concrete pits and meet strict explosion-proof standards due to the nature of the products handled.

Key features that made Southworth the right choice included:

• Explosion-proof options that meet OSHA and NEC safety standards
• Custom pit-mounted configurations for seamless floor-level integration
• Heavy load capacity for large containers and equipment
• Ergonomic performance to reduce strain and increase operator safety

Hazardous Environment: Extra Caution for Equipment Removal & Install

Because the facility operates under explosion-proof safety requirements, AEC took extra precautions throughout the removal and installation process. Even something as routine as using a battery powered hand tool required a hot work permit, and all tool use was followed by a mandatory 30-minute fire watch. These aren’t just regulations, they’re lifesaving precautions, and our team took them seriously.

To safely remove the old lift tables and position the new ones, a special lifting device was brought in. This tool allowed us to maneuver the new tables into the prepared pits without introducing ignition risks or compromising floor integrity. Our technicians carefully prepped the concrete, removed the worn out lifts, and installed the new units, all while maintaining the highest level of compliance with site specific safety standards.

Key Requirement: Minimized Disruption to Production

Minimizing disruption to production was another key requirement for the customer. With proper planning, Trace Davis and the AEC crew were able to complete the installation efficiently, coordinating closely with the customer’s internal team to schedule each phase of the project for maximum uptime. From initial site evaluation to final testing, our team ensured that every detail was accounted for.

Result: Enhanced Safety, Efficiency, and Reliability

Thanks to our long-standing experience in custom material handling systems, we delivered a seamless upgrade that enhanced safety compliance, reduced maintenance needs, and improved ergonomic workflow for operators.

Completed with minimal disruption to production, this high-performance solution was tailored to the facility’s hazardous environment and illustrates AEC’s capability to design and implement diverse material handling and safety solutions.

• Enhanced safety
• Reduced maintenance
• Improved ergonomics
• Efficient installation with minimal disruption

AEC Trusted Industrial Expertise

AEC has been providing industrial material handling solutions to North & South Carolina for over 60 years. Our long-standing relationships with trusted manufacturers like Southworth allow us to design and implement systems that are tailored to your exact needs, whether you’re looking for custom conveyor system design, ergonomic workstations, or heavy-duty lift tables.