According to Rotary Lift, technicians should inspect their lifts every day and shop managers should schedule professional lift inspections annually. Regular inspections help ensure that all the lifts in the shop are operating properly, Rotary says.
The owner’s manual will provide inspection instructions for each lift. General guidelines also are available from the Lifting It Right safety manual published by the Automotive Lift Institute, and ANSI/ALI ALOIM:2008, the industry standard that outlines safety requirements for lift operation, inspection and maintenance.
At a minimum, technicians should check the following daily:
* Lift controls are working properly.
* All locks and restraints are working correctly.
* There is no deformation or excessive wear of any lift component, including posts, arms, hoses and wiring.
* There is no damage or excessive wear on any of the lift contact points, including adapters.
* There are no hydraulic leaks.
* There are no cracks or loose concrete around floor anchors.
If you find any of these problems or if the lift makes unusual noises, or sudden movements, operates erratically or creates chips or filings during use, stop using the lift and have it repaired.
