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Safe Lift Operation
Automotive and truck lifts are critical to the operation and profitability of your business. The safe use of this and other
lifts in your shop is critical in preventing employee injuries and damage to customer’s vehicles. By operating lifts safely
you can insure that your shop is profitable, productive and safe.
Safe operation of automotive lifts requires that only trained employees should be allowed to use the lift.
Training should include, buT noT limiTed To:
tProper positioning of the vehicle on the lift arms. (See manufacturers minimize wheel base loading requirements.)
tUse of the operating controls.
tUnderstanding the lift capacity.
tProper use of jack stands or other load supporting devices.
tProper use, understanding and visual identification of safety lock devices and their operation.
tReviewing the safety rules.
tProper housekeeping procedures (lift area should be free of grease, oil, tools, equipment, trash, and other debris).
tA daily inspection of the lift should be completed prior to its use. Safety devices, operating controls, lift arms and
other critical parts should be inspected prior to using the lift.
tAll maintenance and repairs of the lift should be completed by following the manufacturer’s requirements. Lift repair
parts should meet or exceed OEM specifications. Repairs should only be completed by a qualified lift technician.
tThe vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations should be used for spotting and lifting the vehicle.
lifT operaTion / safeTy
tIt is important that you know the load limit. Be careful that you do not overload the lift . If you are unsure what the
load limit is, check the data plate found on one of the lift columns or contact the manufacturer.
tThe center of gravity should be followed closely to what the manufacturer recommends.
tAlways make sure you have proper overhead clearance. Additionally, check that attachments, ( vehicle signs,
campers, antennas, etc.) are not in the way.
tBe sure that prior to the vehicle being raised, the doors, trunk, and hood are closed securely.
tPrior to being raised, make sure there is no one standing closer than six feet from the lift.
tAfter positioning the vehicle on the lift runways, set the emergency brake, make sure the ignition is off, the doors are
closed, overhead obstructions are cleared, and the transmission is in neutral.
tDouble check that the automatic chock devices are in position and then when the lift is raised, observe the chocks.
tPut pads or adapters in the right position under the contact points that have been recommended.
tThe lift should be raised just until the vehicle’s wheels are about one foot off the ground. If contact with the vehicle is
uneven or it appears that the vehicle is not sitting secure, carefully lower the lift and readjust.
tAlways consider potential problems that might cause a vehicle to slip, i.e., heavy cargo, undercoating, etc.
tPay attention when walking under a vehicle that is up on the hydraulic lift.
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