Safety Instructions of Using Auto Lifts

Car lifts are used to raise a vehicle on a stable platform, allowing automotive mechanics unrestricted access to inspect and repair the underbelly, transmission and wheels of the vehicle. Multiple vehicle lifts are standard equipment in most auto repair shops. In addition, some automobile fans install lifts in their homes for vehicle storage.

Prior to 1920, only service pits were obtainable for repairing and doing preventive maintenance on the undersides of vehicles. The hydraulic auto lift was invented in the 1920’s to reduce the time and equipment needed to hoist vehicles off the ground. Depending on the design used, .today’s vehicle lifts can raise up to 50,000 pounds and can cost between $9,000 and $45,000. Installation not included.

Today, there are major manufacturers of heavy lifts: Mohawk Resources Ltd. of Amsterdam, NY; Advantage Lift Systems based in San Diego, CA; and Rotary Lift in Madison, IN. Electric controls for lifts are standard, and lift features vary according to cost and model. They vary depending on where they make contact with the vehicle, usually the axles, frame or wheels. They include single-, two-, four-post, and scissors lifts. The single- and two-post lifts are ideal for tiny trucks and cars. The four-post auto lift is used for most commercial and transit vehicles. The scissors lift saves space by having the posts in the midst of the lift, operating like an open pair of scissors.

In the beginning, there were no industry standards and vehicle lifts varied in design and construction. After World War II, there were only fifteen auto lift manufacturers in the United States. They recognized the necessity to create standards to guide the industry. In 1947, the U.S. government issued its first set of standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration developed its own regulations in 1974.

Despite changes in the design of lifts over the years, lots of injuries and accidents occur yearly. This is usually due to human error than any flaw in the lift design. The simplest things often lead to catastrophe. Auto mechanics sometimes fail to keep the lift area free of debris, grease/oil and obstructions. Not paying close attention when working around the lifts or allowing untrained individuals to make use of them are more potential issues. Some forget to wear the right safety gear, including goggles, a hard hat, and steel toed boots.
Over the years, the structure of the automobile body has changed. Vehicles historically in the past built onto underbody frames are now being constructed in to frameless or antibody styles. Lifts have evolved to better handle the structure of newer vehicles. Rotary, for example, has developed the stage lift. It’s telescoping sections, giving it a greater range of extension and retraction than other lifts. As a result, it can reach a broader range of vehicle pickup points. It’s become the preferred lift of lots of vehicle manufacturers, including Honda, Volkswagen and Audi.

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Mistakes made before the vehicle is lifted are accidents waiting to happen. The lift arms must be properly positioned before the vehicle is raised. If the middle of gravity of the automobile is not on the middle of the lift, cars may tip off. With some vehicles, removing or installing items may cause a critical shift in the vehicle’s middle of gravity & lead to instability. Mechanics ought to always refer to the lift manufacturer’s recommendations. If there is not ample overhead clearance space, the vehicle may be crushed. Mistakes also occur when the transmission is not in neutral, doors are not securely closed or the ignition is not turned off. Some repairmen fail to lock the lift in to place before going under it. Others raise the automobile while somebody is inside the vehicle.
Proper use & maintenance of the equipment is essential. Blocking or overriding the controls is risky. The manufacturer’s rated capacity is shown on the nameplate affixed to lift. Despite this, some mechanics use the lift to hoist vehicles that exceed the weight limit.

Numerous accidents occur in the coursework of the lifting method. The vehicle ought to be loaded on a lift carefully. Mechanics ought to be positive that the lift supports are in contact with the manufacturer’s recommended lifting points. When a secure contact is made, the lift can be raised to the desired working height. If work will be completed under the vehicle, the lift ought to be raised high for its locking tool to be engaged.

Before lowering a lift, the mechanic ought to be positive that everything is removed from under the vehicle. Locking devices ought to be disengaged before the lift is lowered.