Vacuum lift education and training is essential for operating vacuum lift systems and vacuum lifting equipment. Vacuum lifting is necessary for proper handling of boxes, packages, and cartons. Vacuum lift training is essential as vacuum lifts can be complex if the lifting system requires more than 500 pounds of lifting. There are four main types of vacuum lift systems. These are electric, mechanical, hydraulic and air-powered. Electric vacuum lifters have an electric motor that creates power, while mechanical and self-powered do not need electric or air to operate. In a like manner, hydraulic vacuum lifts contain a hydraulic motor, while air-powered lifts have air cylinders that supply the lifting action.

Vacuum lift education and training has several components. First, training classes, either in class or online, in ergonomics is essential to understand the correct movement and lift. By doing so, the vacuum will be efficient. As such, vacuum lift training and education is vital for a company or individual involved with vacuum lifts. Vacuum lift education and training can help an organization:

1. Learn about how a vacuum lifting system and vacuum lifts work

2. Find vacuum lift suppliers training

3. Learn about manufacturers of vacuum lifts and safety standards

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Learn about how a vacuum lifting system and vacuum lifts work

Training information about vacuum lifters is available on the Internet. Many vacuum lift suppliers provide information on vacuum lifts online.

I recommend: Anver is an educational leader of industrial vacuum lifts information and has operation procedures and technical information on how mechanical vacuum lifters work. Hydraulics Pneumatics provides general information about hydraulic vacuum lifts.

Find out how to safely install and use vacuum lifting equipment

Vacuum lift training information is also available on the Internet. There are books and online literature that can help a company better understand how vacuum lifts work and what it takes to use and maintain a vacuum lift for their business.

I recommend: ASME International has information about installation, testing and maintenance of lifting devices, including vacuum lifting devices. EXAIR Corporation gives an explanation of how vacuum lifts work and also offers a video demonstration.

Learn about OSHA training for vacuum lifting equipment

A company must gain an understanding of how vacuum lifts work and what their components are. As such, it is essential to have knowledge of manufacturers of vacuum lifts and OSHA occupational safety.

I recommend: JJ Keller & Associates provides OSHA safety training on vacuum lift technology. OSHA Institute of America has on-site and online construction safety training programs to help a crew safely operate machinery such as vacuum lifts.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Safety regulations regarding proper lifting and handling of materials and heavy objects are usually included within guidelines for vacuum lifts. Vacuum lift manufacturers are required by law to adhere to safety regulations. Vacuum lifting involves an industrial process that has many procedures that need to be followed. Organizations usually consult directly with federal and state safety offices to gather information on these practices. In turn, the federal and state offices maintains a list of organizations that comply with all federal, state, and local government standards.

In use since the late 1970s, vacuum lifters and vacuum lift systems have become essential to proper materials handling. Vacuum lifting equipment of all shapes and sizes lifts and moves a complete range of finished products and raw materials. You can easily find industrial vacuum lifts to manage the materials particular to your business, regardless of the shape, size or surface of your products. Whatever your materials handling needs are, a quick look online will reveal a wealth of solutions. Your ideal vacuum lift may be available already. If not, rest assured that someone will design and manufacture it for you.

Vacuum lifts pay off in the workplace. Workers benefit substantially from a safer, more ergonomic process, while businesses see savings in both time and money. Here are some additional benefits:

1. Vacuum lifts minimize damage to products and raw materials.

2. Consistent use of vacuum lift equipment can reduce Workman's Comp claims and their associated costs.

3. Vacuum lift systems increase efficiency, saving your business time and money.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy from a vacuum lift distributor or vacuum lift manufacturer

You can easily browse vacuum lifts by their applications and specifications online before you buy. Most vacuum lift distributors and manufacturers have extensive websites with photographs, videos, brochures and online quote capability. Consider a distributor located in your geographical area -- their trained staff can visit your business, analyze your needs and recommend the best vacuum lift products. In addition, a distributor will often offer training, installation, plus service and repair contracts that can save you a lot of headaches over the life of the product.

I recommend: The L.K. Goodwin Company is a material handling equipment distributor with a website where you can shop for vacuum lifts, such as heavy duty industrial vacuum lifts.

Buy a vacuum lift for small loads

Light lifting can be even more dangerous than heavy lifting, because discomfort may not show up until long after the damage begins. There are vacuum lifters designed for loads as small as 10 lbs.

I recommend: Vacutrade USA designs and markets the Microlex, a small, one-handed vacuum lift that handles loads up to 75 lbs.

Buy a vacuum lift custom manufactured for your business

If the materials your company needs lifted and moved don't fall neatly into any standard categories, custom manufactured vacuum lifting equipment may be your best choice. Many manufacturers' websites feature pictures of the custom vacuum lift equipment they've designed, and most welcome the challenge of meeting your specific needs.

I recommend: The VLS Corporation is experienced in developing non-standard solutions to material handling problems.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Remember to check into used vacuum lifting systems. Buy from a reputable vacuum lift supplier, dealer or manufacturer and you can save a lot of money.