1 Thing We're Talking About: The importance of annual lift inspections

Service department lifts should be inspected annually, experts say, but the yearly checkup is often put off.

Certified Lift Inspector Ed Gibbons said that can endanger technicians and other service department staff.

A typical inspection takes about an hour. That costs a department lost time and money, but yearly lift inspection is necessary to meet federal health and safety rules, said Gibbons, president of Automotive Lift Consultant.

And it's not just old lifts that should be checked.

"I come across brand-new lifts that have failed within a week of their installation," Gibbons said. "I find loose nuts, loose anchor nuts and hydraulic fluid leaks. On older units, I'll find frayed cables, broken bolts on swing arms, lift stops that are not working and hydraulic leaks."

Gibbons won't certify lifts with such issues until he receives proof that repairs were made. "Only then do I certify that lift as compliant," he said.

Terry Dortch, president of Automotive Risk Management Partners, said Occupational Safety and Health Administration agents visit dealerships often to look for infractions — from missing equipment guards to improper equipment or spill cleanup that can cause slips and falls. And lift safety is a primary audit target.

"For too many dealers, a compliance strategy is hope — hope OSHA or other regulatory agents won't show on their property," Dortch said. "Any injury can trigger a garage keeper's insurance company, which triggers the investigation by one of these inspectors. The best remedy for these headaches, risks and dangers is to have lifts inspected annually and any recommended repairs handled promptly."

Gibbons said service managers should listen to their technicians.

"They're your canaries in a coal mine," he said. "If they remark that a lift suddenly dropped 2 inches or a swing arm is hanging up, or report fluid leaking from the lift, shut it down and get your lift inspector on it immediately."

A proper lift inspection includes an examination of the lift's structural, mechanical, hydraulic, air and electrical systems and components. Gibbons and the Automotive Lift Institute suggest:

The inspector should check all the inspection points required by the lift manufacturer and standards from the American National Standards Institute and American Lift Institute. Depending on the lift, this may include up to 120 inspection points. The inspector should also review lift labels, safety materials and documentation, including instructions, vehicle lifting information and training logs.

• The inspector should raise and lower the lift with a vehicle on it to ensure the lowering speed is compliant and to observe the lift function when it's stopped in a raised position. The inspector should also check all controls and verify that they automatically return to the neutral or "off" position when released.
• The inspector should provide a written record of all observations and findings for every inspection point and any adjustments made or parts replaced. The lift owner should keep all inspection certificates on file.