With the winter season approaching, it’s an important time to solidify your preventative maintenance practices in your shops. With this in mind, lift manufacturer Stertil-Koni recommends 10 top tips for the safe operation of heavy-duty vehicle lifts during cold winter months.

“Safety is always mission number one in the service bay,” said Dr. Jean DellAmore, president of Stertil-Koni. “That is precisely why we suggest using a well-planned safety-first approach so that shop technicians can perform their duties efficiently, ergonomically and with complete confidence. It also creates a positive workplace atmosphere, helps improve worker retention and contributes to greater longevity of the vehicles being serviced and the maintenance equipment the techs operate.”

The 10 tips developed by Stertil-Koni are as follows:

1. Certification is Significant – Consider purchasing lifts certified by the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI). The ANSI/ALI ALCTV (current edition) is the standard for automotive lifts. This lift certification program makes it easy for buyers to choose lifts that meet all safety requirements for construction, testing and validation. The ALI gold label is the only guarantee that a lift has been independently proven to meet stringent industry standards.
2. Lift Choice and Capacity – Know in advance the weight of the heaviest vehicle to be lifted and make certain that the lift selected is certified to meet or exceed that capacity. Also, confirm the height of the vehicle is appropriate for your shop’s ceiling height.
3. Learn the Lift – Well-trained lift operators should know the lift’s use and abilities, prior to powering up. Proper training ensures safe and efficient operation and prepares the user for an emergency situation. Keep a copy of the manufacturer’s lift manual nearby at all times.
4. Safety First – During lift set up check the perimeter of the lift to confirm that nothing is obstructing its path and there are no hazards in the lifting area. Lift the vehicle no more than 12 inches off the ground, pause, and do another sweep of the area to further check that there are no impediments.
5. Stability is Key – Always place lifts on a firm foundation and on level ground.  This is especially important with Mobile Column Lifts – as they can be easily relocated for operation both inside and outside of the maintenance shop. When outside, check for wind loads.  Further, select a lift with an “electronic synchronization” system.  As the lift goes into motion and continues through the full-range up to its maximum height, vehicles should rise smoothly, even those with unequal weight distribution, such as fire trucks and pumpers. Assure that the lifted vehicle itself is level.
6. Adhere to Proper Lifting Points – At all times, use designated lifting points on the vehicle. For inground lifts, operators should check that the contact points are properly positioned.
7. Technician Protection – Lift vehicles to a proper height so technicians can move about freely, safely and comfortably underneath the vehicle. Verify lifts are locked in position before standing under the vehicle.
8. Maintain a Lift Maintenance Schedule – Make sure lifts receive annual inspections by a certified ALI lift inspector.  Also, use factory or manufacturer-authorized technicians to service and repair your lifts.
9. Create a Culture of Safety – Publicly and prominently post  service bulletins, safety messages, and continuously update the skills of all technicians.  This is vital to a smooth-running maintenance facility.
10. Accessorize your Lift – Utilize lift accessories specifically designed to help ensure fleet maintenance operator safety and proper ergonomics. One example is a high lift wheel dolly, which allows wheel removal and adequate alignment of dual tire assemblies and brake drums to be completed efficiently and accurately, without back strain.