5 Essential Lift
Safety Tips
Stay safe and avoid noncompliance fines
By Steve Perlstein
The vehicle lifts that are supporting the school buses in your garage can represent one of the most productive tools in your shop , or potentially one of the most dangerous pieces of equipment you own if not used and maintained properly . If there were an incident in your garage involving a vehicle lift , OSHA would ask you three questions : What did you know ? When did you know it ? What did you do about it ? Complying with the American National Standards Institute ( ANSI ), Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( OSHA ), and Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health ( PEOSH ) requirements ensure vehicle lifts are kept at the highest possible safety level . Following these safety tips ensure your technicians are kept safe and that noncompliance fines are avoided .
1 . Buy certified lifts & options There ’ s one and only one nationally recognized safety standard for vehicle lifts : ANSI-ALI / ALCTV , administered by the Automotive Lift Institute ( www . autolift . org ). The Automotive Lift Institute , working though ETL testing procedures , involves rigorous third-party testing verifying lift manufacturers meet and comply with current ALI requirements for lifts as defined by the International Building Code , which mandates that lifts be third party tested to meet these safety requirements . Most every state has building code rules that shops have to follow . To verify equipment status , look for the gold ALI / ETL certification tag next to the lift ’ s controls . Beware that using an uncertified option voids the lift ’ s certification . ANSI / ALI standards for Operation , Inspection , and Maintenance ( ALOIM 8 . Replacement Parts ) as well as Installation and Service ( ALIS 6.2.6 Repair Service Parts ) require all accessories , such as rolling jacks , truck adaptors , lighting
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