By Jobbers Equipment Warehouse dba Total Facility Solutions

08/22/2011
Have You Scheduled Your Annual Lift Inspections?


Sure, you see them every day, but when was the last time your vehicle lifts were thoroughly inspected by a qualified lift inspector?


The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) recommends that all vehicle lifts be inspected by a qualified inspector at least annual, “in order to ensure reliability and allow the continued safe operation of the lift.” Additionally, an increasing number of local building codes and other regulations in the United States and Canada require annual lift inspections.



“It makes for responsible business sense to have your lifts inspected each year,” say Ron Ahearn, owner of Jobbers Equipment Warehouse. “A qualified inspection identifies any problem areas that should be addressed before they escalate into a costly repair failure. The inspection will give you the time to plan and schedule needed repairs at your convenience, reducing downtime and preserving income.”
The ANSI/ALI ALOIM-2000 national standard covering safety requirements for lift operation, inspection and maintenance also outlines a number of minimum inspection points that should be examined on any lift. These include but are not limited to:

• Examining all accessible structural components including welds, for any evidence of overloading, misuse or abuse.
• Examining electrical components and wiring.
• Checking the lift controls to ensure accessibility, an unobstructed view of the lift and an automatic return to the neutral of off position when release.
• Locating appropriate lift documentations, safety instructions, vehicle lifting information, lift safety labeling and capacity labeling.
• Confirming adequate clearances around the lift.
• Checking all fastening devices for tightness and proper fit.
• Checking the lowering speed over the full down travel of the lift.
• Operating the lift through its full cycle and checking the operation of the positive stop.
• Checking to see if the lift lacks engage in the fully extended position.
• Checking all lubrication points for cleanliness, integrity of fitting and presence of lubricant.
• Checking all chains and cables for excessive slack.
• Checking all potential pinch points.

At the conclusion of the inspection, the facility owner will receive an inspection certificate and annual log book, which should be posted on or near the lift or kept with other lift records.



Aside from being a requirement, lift inspection are real benefits to the facility owner. Insurance companies look favorable upon clients that take the responsibility to manage their liability exposure by having lifts inspected. By being proactive, you’ll reduce your risk to frivolous lawsuits, should an accident occur.



Let the professional at JOBBERS EQUIPMENT WAREHOUSE d/b/a TOTAL FACILITY SOLUTIONS help you manage, maintain, and certify the very equipment that helps generate and produce profits in your service department on a daily basis.


Jobbers Equipment Warehouse

d/b/a Total Facility Solutions
5440 NW 78 Ave.

Miami, FL 33166
800-274-8730
www.liftandaircompressor.com