January 9, 2006

Technical Information For The Collision Industry

LIFT SAFETY
An early issue of the I-CAR Advantage asks, American National Standard governing lift
“Does a Shop Need a Lift?” That article Construction, Testing and Validation. The
focused on the different types of lifting materials include the generic safety manual
equipment and how to consider which “Lifting it Right” and the Operation Inspec-
type would be right for your repair facility. tion and Maintenance standard “ANSI/ALI
Most repair facilities use some type of lift. ALOIM” manuals. Also available from ALI
This article will focus on the safe use of is a training video and a competency test
lifting equipment. for lift operators. These materials contain
important information and provide check-
The prospect of a falling vehicle is much lists and verification forms that can be
too heavy to take lightly. Lack of training, included in a facility’s lift safety, inspection, Figure 1–These warning labels
serve as visual reminders for
operator error, being in a hurry, and ne- and maintenance programs. All training using caution when operating
glected maintenance will cause lift-related must be properly documented, per ANSI/ automotive lifts.
accidents. Lift accidents result in serious ALI ALOIM, and retained for future refer-
consequences. ence.

OWNER RESPONSIBILITIES Owners should also ensure that all of the

necessary safety labels and instruction
Owners must provide technicians with postings are attached to the lift or located
proper training before authorizing them near the controls (see Figure 1). These
to operate lifting equipment. If the owner materials include illustrated warning labels,
does not feel comfortable delivering the and the ALI wall poster “Safety Tips.” These
training the lift manufacturer or lift service materials serve to reinforce safe lifting
company may be employed. If a facility procedures. Worn, unreadable, or lost
uses more than one type of lift, separate labels and instruction postings should be
training must be delivered for each type. replaced immediately. For frame-engaging
Technicians must know the maximum lifts, a copy of the ALI/LP “Vehicle Lifting
weight capacities, how the controls oper- Points – Quick Reference Guide” should be
ate, proper vehicle spotting methods, lift kept nearby. This manual provides vehicle
safety features, rules for safe lifting, and maker specified lifting points for passenger
good housekeeping procedures. cars, vans, and light trucks. Each annual
publication covers the most recent 20 years
There are excellent materials available to of domestic and imported vehicles.
assist in training delivery. The owner’s man-
ual for each lift contains safety and operat- TECHNICIAN RESPONSIBILITIES
ing instructions for each lift and it must be
carefully reviewed by anyone before they Technicians should maintain a constant
operate the lift. The Automotive Lift Institute awareness of the many hazards involved
(ALI) provides a variety of safety materials with lifting vehicles. Many preventive mea-
related to automotive lifts. These materials sures can be taken to minimize the chance
are included with lifts conforming to the of lift-related accidents. Be aware of what
 Lift Safety
Continued From Page 1

is going on in the area at all times and do bed vans, pick ups or limousines) or short
not allow unqualified persons to enter the wheelbase vehicles (sports cars or super
lifting area. This is especially important for economy cars).
customers who are likely unaware of the
facility’s hazards. Take the necessary precautions while the
vehicle is up on the lift. Ensure that the lift
Wear the appropriate personal protective locking devices (latches) properly engage. Figure 2–This identification label
equipment. Falling objects or debris is one Audible “clicks” as the vehicle is being includes the maximum weight
of the hazards of working under elevated raised indicate safe stopping points. When capacity for the lift.
vehicles. Safety glasses should always be the desired height is reached, slowly
worn to protect your eyes when doing lower the lift so the lift rests on the locking
overhead work. A hard hat or bump cap devices. Secondary support as described
may also be considered for protecting your above may be necessary if the vehicle
head from the vehicle underbody. is not raised high enough for the lock-
ing devices to engage or if the lift is not
The maximum weight capacity for the equipped with this type of device (such as
lift should never be exceeded. The rated with older air/oil in-ground lifts).
capacity should be located on the lift in Figure 3–This technician is gently
rocking the vehicle to verify that it
an easily seen location and kept in good Also, take into account heavy parts that is stabilized.
condition (see Figure 2). Always use the will be added or removed while the ve-
proper designated vehicle lifting points. If hicle is on the lift. Use high reach vehicle
you aren’t sure, consult the vehicle service support stands to help stabilize the vehicle
information or refer to the ALI “Vehicle for jobs that involve considerable displace-
Lifting Points – Quick Reference Guide,” ment of weight or that shake the vehicle.
to identify the correct lifting points for Never lower vehicles onto vehicle support
each vehicle. Check the lifting points and stands. If this is done, the stands may push
the lift adapters for damage or corrosion the vehicle off the lift. Always adjust the
that may affect the support of the vehicle, stands to securely contact the vehicle after
and for wet, oily, or slick surfaces that may the lift is raised to the desired height. If a
cause slippage. vehicle shows signs of falling, get out of
the way and warn others immediately. Do Figure 4–These auxiliary adapters,
Ensure that the vehicle is properly cen- not try to stabilize a falling vehicle! provided by the lift manufacturer,
are specifically designed for the lift.
tered and balanced on the lift. Position the
vehicle so that its center of gravity lies well When using drive-on lifts, make sure the
within the area bounded by the support- wheels are properly chocked. Improper
ing points of contact between the lift and chocking is a common cause of many
the vehicle. If the center of gravity is not lift-related accidents. Make sure the lift
located well within this area, the vehicle front and rear stops are working properly
will be subject to tipping. If the vehicle and use the proper chocks provided with
tips, it can slide off the lift. Do not rely on the lift. Wood blocks, bricks, or concrete
swing arm restraints to stop a vehicle from blocks are not acceptable substitutes for
sliding off a lift. Their purpose is merely chocks, contact pads, extenders, or any
to maintain the position of unloaded other type of vehicle support. Only use
swing arms. Observe all aspects of the equipment provided by the lift manufac-
vehicle when determining the center of turer (see Figure 4).
gravity. Remove items located inside the
vehicle that may affect the normal center When lowering the vehicle, make sure the
of gravity. Before fully raising a vehicle to area is clear of people, tools, and equip-
working position, raise it a short distance ment. This includes toolboxes and oil
off the ground, gently rock it to verify that drain pans that may catch under a vehicle
it is sufficiently stabilized (see Figure 3), and cause it to fall. Some types of lifts
and double-check that all supports are (parallelogram style) move fore and aft
contacting the proper lifting points. Lower when being raised and lowered. Be sure
the vehicle to the ground and reposition that the space that the lift is moving into is
if necessary. It is good practice to position completely clear. Be aware of the moving
high reach vehicle support stands under parts of the lift and ensure that these are
the vehicle to add stability, especially clear also.
when lifting long wheelbase vehicles (long

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 Lift Safety
Continued From Page 2
that the lift is properly maintained and the
Do not try fixing or altering a lift. If the potential for lift failure is reduced. Techni-
lift is not working properly, do not use cians should be properly trained to inspect
it. Report problems to your supervisor the lift every day before it is used. This
and inform others not to use it until it has includes, but is not limited to, checking
been repaired. Only trained profession- cables, sheaves, lift pads, and adapters for
als are qualified and authorized to repair damage or wear. Examine lift arms, welds,
or modify automotive lifts. This includes and castings for bends, cracks, or breaks. Figure 5–It is also necessary to
overriding safety devices. Do not override When inspecting surface-mounted lifts, ensure that the vehicle is properly
check anchor bolts for tightness and torque stabilized when using other types
the lift controls by using blocks or wires to of lifting equipment such as this
hold the control open to save time when specifications. Also inspect the floor around bench rack.
raising or lowering your lift. Automotive the anchor bolts for cracks. Cracks in the
lifts are designed for lifting vehicles. They concrete floor around the mounting bolts
should not be used as a jack. Using the lift may require replacement of that particu-
for unintended purposes could result in lar floor section or the lift to be moved to
personal injury or damage to equipment. another location. The technician should stop
using the lift and inform a supervisor if prob-
It is important to use the same amount of lems are identified or suspected. The owner
caution when using service jacks, frame must have the lift repaired before it is put
racks, or any other type of equipment that back in use. The appropriate lock out/tag out
raises and supports vehicles (see Figure 5). procedures per OSHA 1910.147 should be
Although they may not raise the vehicle as observed to ensure that the lift is not used or
high as other types of lifts, the potential for energized before repairs are made. Figure 6–This label indicates that
failure exists. If the vehicle is not properly the lift is ALI/ETL certified.
stabilized, the vehicle may cause personal Worn or damaged parts should be replaced
injury or damage to the vehicle, tools, or only with parts supplied by the lift manu-
equipment. Always chock the wheels and facturer. Parts availability may be another
use the appropriate vehicle support stands consideration when purchasing a new lift.
to properly support the vehicle before
getting underneath or working around the Owners must schedule the maintenance
raised vehicle. procedures recommended by the lift manu-
facturer. Qualified in-house technicians
CERTIFICATION AND formally trained for this task may perform
MAINTENANCE some basic maintenance procedures. The
lift manufacturer or maintenance contractor
Owners purchasing a new lift should make should be consulted for training the ap-
sure it is ALI/ETL certified (see Figure 6). propriate technician. More comprehensive
ALI/ETL certification is a program accred- inspections, scheduled maintenance, and
ited by ANSI and sponsored by the ALI that repairs should only be done by qualified lift
requires independent third party testing for service companies.
automotive lifts. The testing is witnessed
by a nationally recognized testing labo- CONCLUSION
ratory and ensures that the lift meets or
exceeds the American National Standard Before rushing to get a vehicle off the floor,
governing lift design and construction. This consider for a moment what may happen if
certification is also recognized in Canada. that vehicle were to fall. Personal injury and
Canada’s Ministry of Labor requires in the damage to the vehicle or the lift itself can
Province of Ontario that lifts be certified be minimized if the proper precautions are
when acquired and that they be inspected taken. This article touches on some impor-
annually in accordance with ANSI/ALI tant safety concerns but is only intended as
standards. a reminder for automotive service facili-
ties to be aware of the potential dangers
The lift manufacturer’s guidelines should involved in using automotive lifts. Always
be followed for inspection and scheduled follow lift manufacturer specific recom-
maintenance procedures. Daily, weekly, mendations and refer to ALI publications for
monthly, semi-annual, and annual inspec- general guidance.
tions are commonly required to ensure

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