Project Overview

Lift Table Replacement

Northern Dock Systems (NDS) successfully completed the removal and replacement of a lift table at Providence Health Care (Unity Health) in Toronto, Ontario. This project was critical as the lift is the only one serving the hospital’s shipping area. The installation was meticulously planned and executed to ensure minimal disruption to the hospital’s operations.

A Lift Table at the End of Its Lifespan

The old lift table had reached the end of its lifespan after years of use. It had rusted from exposure to the harsh Canadian winters, making it necessary to replace it with a new, more durable unit.

Coordination with the Customer

We provided a one-week notice to the hospital to allow for the proper scheduling of deliveries and confirmed the best day for installation with the site contact. To facilitate the installation process, both our mechanical and electrical teams were scheduled to be on-site the same day as the installation to ensure the new lift was properly connected and operational.

Removing and Replacing the Dock Lift

The mechanical work involved removing the old lift, installing the new Blue Giant Stationary Dock Lift (DL5), running hydraulic lines, and connecting power. The lift was leveled, anchored, and tested to ensure proper operation. The electrical work included installing a new disconnect switch, connecting the motor, and testing to confirm everything was working correctly.

The exterior scissor lift was installed within 1 inch of the loading platform when raised, ensuring a seamless transition from the table to the platform. NDS also handled the removal and offsite scrapping of the old lift using their flat deck truck. Before installing the new unit, the area under the existing lift table was thoroughly cleaned, and the existing side fences were retained as per the client’s request.

Safety and Longevity

The frame and deck of the lift were selected with a zinc coating for enhanced durability and longevity. The Blue Giant dock lift table features a standard powder coat finish that provides a long-lasting, rust-resistant finish available in anti-slip blue.

Safety is a priority, with a standard diamond plate and powder coat grit finish on the deck and lip to reduce slipping in wet conditions. Each table comes with personnel restraint chains and an OSHA-compliant 42″ high bolt-on steel guardrail, complete with a mid-rail and 4″ kick plate.

Final adjustments involved installing bollards at the motor for added safety and protection.

Customer Satisfaction

The project was completed successfully, with a final walkthrough conducted to ensure all aspects met the client’s expectations. The lift is now fully operational, providing a reliable solution for the hospital’s shipping area. This project highlights NDS’s commitment to quality, safety and customer satisfaction, ensuring seamless operations for Providence Health Care.