for runway lifts , and special lifting pads , to be ALI / ETL certified . ALI / ETL standards (& ANSI standards & building code standards ) require all accessories , such as drive-thru runways , rolling jacks , truck adaptors , lighting for runway lifts , and special lifting pads , to be certified . Although certification is good for the life to lift , older models may not meet the most current standards , which typically change every five to seven years . Some lifts and options that were certified in 2000 wouldn ’ t pass the 2011 standard .
2 . No locks = liability You ’ ve heard the phrase , “ Never use a jack without a jack-stand .” The same is true for vehicle lifts . Always raise the vehicle and then lower it onto the lift ’ s mechanical locks as suggested by the manufacturer and required by ANSI . Refer to ALI safety manual Lifting it Right or the manufacturer ’ s operating instructions for detailed information . When you ’ re walking through the shop , make sure techs are using the proper procedure . An easy way to visually verify the locks are being used is to include a weight gauge on your lift . The weight gauge must be made by the same manufacturer so it will be properly calibrated to the lift cylinder size . When you walk by a lift and the weight gauge reads anything but “ 0 ”, the tech in that bay hasn ’ t lowered the lift onto the mechanical locks .
3 . It ’ s easy to overload Manufacturers of the most common lift – two post , side-by side lifts – mandate that none of the four swing arms be overloaded . Unfortunately , overloading of lifts happens more than realized . For example , some may think that a 12,000-pound rated lift that ’ s loaded with an 11,500-pound vehicle isn ’ t near capacity . They would be wrong . If this vehicle has a front axle weight of 4,500 pounds and back axle weight of 7,000 pounds . The per-arm capacity of a 12,000-pound rated lift is 3,000 pounds . If the heavier rear end of a vehicle weighs 7,000 pounds , each swing arm needs a minimum arm capacity of 3,500 pounds for safe lifting . Multiply this example by four swing arms and the minimum capacity of your lift for this vehicle should be 14,000 pounds . It ’ s easy to see why two-post , side-by sidelifts are often overloaded , even though the total lift capacity hasn ’ t been exceeded . Look around your shop and determine if any lifts are being overloaded based on the heavy rear ends of certain vehicles .
individual . Failing to do so exposes your shop to liabilities that could be associated with an injury if an accident were to happen . Contact your manufacturer or garage equipment sales company to schedule an inspection .
5 . Training and testing Like any product , lifts vary in style , type , capability , longevity , and warranty . ANSI requires technicians to be trained annually in proper lift use . This may seem unnecessary , yet think of everyone who drives a forklift in your facility who is required to take and pass an annual safety test . The test results are added to each employee ’ s file in case of a forklift incident . The same applies to vehicle lifts . Contact the Automotive Lift Institute , your lift supplier , or a local lift inspection company for a copy of the 20-minute Lifting it Right video hosted by legendary NASCAR driver Richard “ The King ” Petty and his son , Kyle . Require your technicians to watch the video and pass a written test on lift operation and safety . And remember – our lifts are available on nationwide government contract , making them a perfect fit for publicly-operated school districts .
Steve Perlstein serves as sales & marketing manager for Mohawk Lifts , Amsterdam , NY . Visit www . mohawklifts . com for more information .
4 . Inspect equipment annually ANSI / Automotive Lift Institute ALCTV Standard for Automotive Lifts – “ Safety Requirements for Construction , Testing , and Validation ” requires technicians to perform a daily operational safety check . ANSI also requires an annual inspection by a qualified
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