Automotive Lift Safety Awareness

Summary

This video emphasizes the critical nature of safely operating an automotive lift, highlighting the importance of proper training, adherence to manufacturer guidelines, and regular inspections. It outlines the correct procedures for lifting a vehicle, including checking the lift's capacity, ensuring the bay is clean, and using the correct lifting points. The script also stresses the need for caution during the lift process, the use of safety equipment, and the avoidance of common hazards. The message is clear: only trained technicians should perform vehicle lifts, following strict safety protocols to prevent damage and ensure the well-being of all involved.

Takeaways

• 🔧 Always ensure you are properly trained before operating an automotive lift.
• 📖 Read and understand the operator's manual provided by the lift manufacturer.
• 🔍 Regularly inspect your lift for safety features, maintenance, and operation as recommended by the manufacturer.
• 🛠️ Perform periodic inspections and maintenance, including daily checks of cables, chains, and safety latches.
• ⚙️ Check the hydraulic fluid and torque of all fasteners, and ensure the lift is equalized properly.
• 🚫 Never lift a vehicle that exceeds the maximum capacity of the lift or has a heavy load inside.
• 🚗 When using a twin post lift, identify the vehicle's recommended lifting points and ensure they are correctly aligned.
• 🔄 Be aware of the vehicle's center of gravity and adjust lifting points accordingly for different vehicle types.
• 🚧 Use appropriately rated jack stands for heavy lifting or when removing large components, and always raise them to vehicle height.
• 📢 Communicate with colleagues when lowering the lift and ensure the area is clear before proceeding.
• ⛔ Follow safety guidelines strictly: never lift with passengers inside, never use a damaged lift, and always tag out a lift with suspected issues.

Q & A

What are the risks associated with using an automotive lift?

The risks include potential damage to customer vehicles, injury, or even death to technicians if proper procedures are not followed.

Why is it important to read the operator's manual provided by the lift manufacturer?

The operator's manual contains crucial information on safety features, maintenance, inspection, and operation of the lift, which is essential for safe usage.

How often should an automotive lift be inspected by a qualified lift serviceman?

An automotive lift should be inspected by a qualified lift serviceman at least once a year, as indicated by the inspection decal on the lift.

What are some daily maintenance checks that should be performed on an automotive lift?

Daily checks should include examining cables and chains for wear, ensuring safety latches engage and disengage fully, and checking the operation of arm restraints on twin post lifts.

Why is it crucial to check the vehicle's center of gravity before lifting it?

The vehicle's center of gravity affects its balance on the lift. Incorrect positioning can lead to instability, increasing the risk of the vehicle falling off the lift.

What should be done if a vehicle on a twin post lift does not align properly during lifting?

If the lifting points do not remain aligned, the lift should be stopped, and the vehicle should be checked and repositioned before continuing to lift.

What steps should be taken before lowering a lift after work is completed?

Before lowering, remove jack stands, tools, transmission jacks, and oil caddies. Clean up any oil spills, and ensure the area around the lift is clear.

Why should the lift be slightly raised before disengaging the locks during the lowering process?

Raising the lift slightly ensures that the locks are disengaged safely without risking the vehicle’s stability, allowing for a smooth lowering process.

What should you do if a lift is suspected to have a problem?

The lift should be tagged out and not used until it has been inspected and cleared by a qualified factory-trained lift specialist.

What are some safety precautions to never violate when using a twin post lift?

Never lift a vehicle with a passenger inside, never allow customers in the Bay Area, never use less than four arms on the lift, and never use homemade adapters like blocks of wood or bricks.

Outlines

00:00

🛠️ Importance of Safe Automotive Lift Operation

This paragraph emphasizes the critical importance of operating automotive lifts safely. It highlights that trained technicians frequently use lifts but must always follow safety procedures to avoid hazards such as vehicle damage and technician injuries. Proper training and familiarity with the lift's operator manual are essential. The paragraph also stresses the need for regular inspections by qualified service personnel and daily maintenance checks by the operator.

05:01

🔧 Regular Maintenance and Pre-Lifting Checks

This section provides guidelines for inspecting the lift before use. Operators are advised to ensure their lift has passed an annual safety inspection and perform routine maintenance such as checking hydraulic fluid, torqueing fasteners, and inspecting cables and safety latches. Special attention is given to twin post lifts, including ensuring arm restraints are fully functional and checking for proper lift equalization.

Keywords

💡Automotive lift

An automotive lift is a mechanical device used in garages and service centers to elevate vehicles off the ground, making it easier to perform maintenance and repairs. In the video, the lift is central to the discussion on safety procedures, emphasizing the need for proper training and adherence to safety guidelines when operating one.

💡Safety procedures

Safety procedures refer to the set of rules and practices designed to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. The video underscores the importance of following these procedures when using an automotive lift, highlighting that they are critical in preventing damage to vehicles and ensuring the safety of technicians.

💡Operator's manual

The operator's manual is a guide provided by the manufacturer that contains instructions for the safe and proper use of machinery, including automotive lifts. The video stresses the importance of reading and understanding this manual before operating a lift, as it contains vital information on safety features and maintenance.

💡Inspection

Inspection in this context refers to the regular examination of the automotive lift to ensure it is in good working order and safe to use. The video mentions annual inspections by qualified servicemen and periodic checks by operators, such as checking for wear on cables and chains, as part of maintaining lift safety.

💡Twin post lift

A twin post lift is a type of automotive lift that consists of two vertical columns with arms that span the width of the vehicle. The video discusses specific considerations for using this type of lift, including checking the operation of arm restraints and ensuring the vehicle's center of gravity is properly aligned with the lift's arms.

💡Lifting points

Lifting points are the designated areas on a vehicle that are engineered to support the vehicle's weight when it is lifted. The video instructs technicians to check for these points, especially when using a twin post lift, to ensure the vehicle is properly positioned and secured before lifting.

💡Center of gravity

The center of gravity is the point at which an object's weight is evenly distributed, and it's crucial for balancing a vehicle on a lift. The video explains that the center of gravity varies depending on the vehicle's design, such as front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, and must be considered to prevent the vehicle from tipping.

💡Locking latches

Locking latches are safety mechanisms on an automotive lift that secure the vehicle in place once it has been raised. The video describes the importance of ensuring these latches are engaging fully and disengaging properly, as well as listening for the sound they make when the lift reaches the correct height.

💡Maintenance

Maintenance refers to the upkeep and servicing of equipment to keep it in good condition. In the context of the video, maintenance includes tasks such as checking hydraulic fluid levels, tightening fasteners, and ensuring the lift is equalized, all of which contribute to the safe operation of the lift.

💡Work height

Work height is the optimal height at which a vehicle should be lifted to allow for comfortable and safe access for technicians to perform their work. The video advises raising the lift to the desired work height after ensuring all safety checks have been completed and the vehicle is secure.

💡Jack stands

Jack stands are additional safety devices used to support a vehicle's weight when it is raised off the ground. The video emphasizes the use of appropriately rated jack stands when performing heavy lifting or working under a vehicle, as they provide extra support and stability beyond the lift itself.

Highlights

Using an automotive lift is a critical task that must be performed safely by trained technicians.

Always read the operator's manual provided by the lift manufacturer before use to ensure safety and proper procedures.

Ensure the lift has been inspected by a qualified serviceman within the past year and perform periodic self-inspections as recommended.

Daily inspections of cables, chains, and safety latches are essential to avoid accidents during operation.

Check that the vehicle does not exceed the lift's maximum capacity and ensure there are no unexpected loads inside the vehicle before lifting.

Keep the workspace clean and clear of oil spills, tools, and debris to prevent accidents.

Position the lift arms properly and follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended lifting points to ensure safe lifting.

Always check the vehicle's center of gravity and its position on the lift, as it differs between front-wheel, rear-wheel, and rear-engine vehicles.

When using a twin post lift, ensure the lift's locks click simultaneously and that the vehicle is properly balanced.

Raise the vehicle slightly and recheck the lifting points before lifting it to the desired height.

Lower the lift onto the safety latches before working under the vehicle to prevent accidental drops.

Always use appropriately rated jack stands when performing heavy lifting, prying, or removing large components.

Remove all tools and jack stands before lowering the lift and walk the perimeter of the vehicle to ensure safety.

Never attempt to repair or use a damaged lift; tag it out and call a qualified specialist for repair.

Always prioritize safety by following proper procedures, never using makeshift tools, and staying cautious during vehicle lifting operations.

Transcripts

using an automotive lift is a common

task that trained Automotive lift

technicians perform numerous times every

day however it's a critical task and

should be done in a safe manner

employing the proper procedures there

are many hazards to be avoided to reduce

the risk of damage to customer vehicles

and injury or death to

technicians this video is an aid to

point out some of the dangers involved

and the proper procedures required to

operate an automotive lift

safely there are right ways to lift a

vehicle and wrong ways before you lift

any vehicle make sure that you are

properly trained in the operation of

Automotive

lifts it has the potential to be

dangerous work and training is a must

always read the operator's manual

provided by the manufacturer of the lift

it's important that the operator be

familiar with the safety features

maintenance inspection and operation of

each lift before

use check that your lift has been safely

inspected by a qualified lift serviceman

within the past year most Automotive

lift service companies affix a decal to

the lift that states when the next

inspection is due besides the all

important annual inspection perform the

periodic inspection and maintenance as

stated by the manufacturer yourself put

your safety in your

hands for example make a daily

examination of the cables and chains for

wear and ensure the safety latches are

engaging and disengaging

fully if you're using a twin post lift

check the operation of the arm

restraints and make sure they disengage

and engage

fully once a month torque anchors to

manufacturer specs check the hydraulic

fluid check the torque of all Fasteners

check that the lift is equalized

properly on a twin post lift the locks

should click

simultaneously check hoses for cracks or

chafing and check the condition of the

superstructure only a trained operator

who has performed the manufacturer

recommended maintenance and inspection

on a lift that has been inspected by a

lift service specialist is ready to lift

a

vehicle first check that the vehicle you

are about to lift does not exceed the

maximum capacity of the lift look inside

the vehicle check for unexpected loads

never lift a vehicle that has a heavy

load

inside then check that the bay is clean

and tidy clean up any oil spills tools

and

debris if you're using a twin post lift

make sure that the lift's arms are

located in the home

position have your spotter stand at the

front but to the side of the vehicle to

avoid being hit in the event of an

accident Drive the vehicle into the

lifting

area if you're working on a twin post

lift it's very important to know the

vehicle manufacturer's recommended

lifting

points they can be found in the shop

manual for the vehicle or can be

obtained by the automotive lift

Institute when using a twin post lift

the vehicle's center of gravity or its

balancing point is a great consideration

typically the center of gravity on a

front-wheel drive car is located under

the steering wheel yet on a rear wheeel

drive vehicle its center of gravity is

located under the front

seat however this is not the rule for

vehicles with engines in the rear the

center of gravity is a great cause for

concern in using a twin post lift and

has to be spotted midway between the

front and rear

arms on a four poost hoist it's

important to chalk the front and back of

at least one

wheel with the vehicle in position you

are now ready to lift activate the

lift's Ascend

controls the lifts controls are hold to

run style or momentary which means the

action should stop when you let go of

the button or valve on a twin post hoist

raise the lift so that the pads are 1 in

from the vehicle's lifting points check

the lifting points if they're aligned

raise the lift until the vehicle is one

foot from the ground recheck the lifting

points if they remain aligned go to the

rear of the vehicle and Shake It

moderately recheck the lifting

points if all is good raise the lift to

the desired work

height never look away from a vehicle in

motion always be aware and constantly

survey the lifting vehicle listen for

the Locking

latches when you achieve your correct

lift height you must now lower the lift

onto the safety

latches then and only then can you

proceed to work under a

vehicle if your work includes any heavy

lifting prying pulling or you're going

to remove a large component you must use

four appropriately rated jack

stands always raise the height of the

stands to the vehicle and never lower

the vehicle to the

stands whether your job is finished or

you need to do a job at a lower height

when lowering the lift be sure to remove

your stands tools transmission jacks oil

caddies and clean up any oil

spills it's good practice to announce to

your colleagues in the next Bays that

your lift is descending raise the lift

slightly and disengage the lift's

locks it's important to walk the

perimeter of the vehicle if your lift

has a dual point lock

release remember don't walk under the

vehicle with the safety latches

disengaged lower the vehicle

return arms to the home position and

drive out of the bay knowing the job was

safely

done never lift a vehicle with a

passenger

inside never allow customers into your

Bay Area never try to support a fallen

vehicle clear the area and announce the

danger danger to others never use a

damaged

lift never use less than four arms on a

twin post lift to lift a

vehicle never jury rig the momentary

controls or locking

latches never use homemade adapters

blocks of wood or bricks are not lift

accessories never repair a lift yourself

in fact tag out a lift that you suspect

has a problem

and do not use it until it has been

looked at by a qualified Factory trained

lift

specialist remember lifting a vehicle is

a critical task and has the potential of

danger it should only be performed by a

trained operator who uses care

consideration and proper procedures

associated with Automotive lift safety

be cautious and lift safe

[Music]