The Need for Safety Skirts

More Than Just an “Add-On”: Why Safety Skirts are a Manufacturing Necessity

When customers first see the accordion-style safety skirts on Herkules and EnKon equipment, the question of “necessity vs. cost” often arises. In an era where economics can discourage purchasing extra options, some view these skirts (also known as aprons or bellows) as an unnecessary expense.

However, looking at the data reveals a different story. Statistics show that hand and finger injuries remain the most frequent—and preventable—incidents in commercial environments, with approximately 80% of these injuries caused by pinch points. Because workers must often stand within inches of a lift’s base to access materials, the risk of accidental contact with moving scissor arms is extremely high.

Protecting Your Operators

The primary function of a safety skirt is to create a physical barrier between the operator and the dangerous “pinch points” of a lift or tilt table. By completely enclosing the scissor mechanism, these skirts:

• Prevent Crushing & Amputations: They shield hands, feet, and loose clothing from being caught in shrinking spaces as the lift lowers.
• Ensure OSHA Compliance: Global safety standards, including OSHA and ISO 14120, require machine guarding to prevent access to moving parts.
• Reduce Liability: Effectively eliminating these hazards helps companies avoid the staggering costs of workers’ compensation claims, regulatory fines, and operational shutdowns.

Protecting Your Investment

Beyond personnel safety, skirting serves a critical mechanical purpose by shielding the lift’s vital functions from the harsh plant environment.

• Debris Shielding: They keep dust, metal shavings, and debris from obstructing precision rollers and bushings.
• Reduced Maintenance: Preventing the ingress of contaminants prevents premature wear on hydraulic seals and precision machine parts, significantly extending the equipment’s lifespan.
• Environmental Stability: For specialized needs, we offer fire-retardant polypropylene, chemical-resistant TPU, and even steel materials for high-heat or washdown applications.

Customizable for Any Workflow

Safety skirts are designed to expand and compress seamlessly with the lift’s movement. Depending on your cycle rates and environment, you can choose from several mounting options:

• Velcro Attachments: Ideal for standard environments; these are easy to install and can “pull away” if accidentally caught by a forklift, preventing a total tear.
• Bolt-On Versions: Feature a flat-bar mount for the most secure, longest-lasting attachment in high-cycle or high-impact areas.
• Reinforced Folds: Skirts can be ordered with steel rods or aluminum extrusions embedded into the folds to maintain their shape and resist the rigors of heavy industrial use.

At Herkules Equipment, we believe safety is not an “optional” feature. We recommend safety skirting on all our systems to ensure that your facility remains safe, compliant, and productive.