Whether you’re new to using mobile column lifts or consider yourself a professional there are a few common things lots of users forget to do from time to time when using column lifts.
The Do's:
- When raising vehicles on a set of column lifts, ensure the floor is stable enough to support the load
- Before using column lifts, make sure all jacks are lowered to the floor and all emergency stop buttons are not activated
- When using heavy-duty vehicle lifts don’t have less than one metre clearance between bays or other working areas
- Make sure the vehicle’s weight does not exceed the safe working load of the lift
- Ensure the work area is well illuminated and visibility is good
- Only use vehicle lifts in a clear space with no debris on the floor, such as bolts that have been cut off and discarded
- Before using a vehicle lift, make sure it is kept away from kerbstones
- Before using a vehicle lift, operate all emergency stop buttons in turn to ensure correct operation and listen for safety solenoid operation
- Ensure lifts are paired left/right directly across from one another on the same axle, and check the selection mode – single, group/pair or all
- Turn the main switch to the off position when lifting or lowering of a vehicle is complete, or operate an emergency stop button to prevent any unauthorised operation of the column lifts
- Make sure that only trained operators use heavy-duty vehicle lifts
- Make sure to connect/clamp cables properly to avoid potential hazardous and damaging arch effect between socket and plug
- Before using a vehicle lift, ensure you operate all lifts in the lowering mode so that all carriages stop at the bottom limit switch
- Make sure to inspect and maintain your mobile column lifts more regularly if they are being used in wash bays.
The Don'ts:
- Never operate a vehicle lift without checking the height clearance in the workshop, ensuring there is sufficient headroom and no overhead obstacles
- Never allow a person to remain in a vehicle white it is being lifted
- If washing a vehicle lift in a wash bay never direct jets of water at the panels, switches or motors
- Never position heavy-duty vehicle lifts over manhole covers or drains
- Always push a lift where possible, pulling lifts can result in the lift toppling due to the column being top heavy
- Never leave the parking brake on, ensure it is released and the vehicles neutral gear is selected
- Never use vehicle lifts to lift people or objects other than vehicles
- Never overload tyres of the drive gear when using mobile vehicle lifts – the columns may take up to 7,500kg vehicles but tyres will take much less
- Never forget your operator pre-use checks and remember to carry out separate pre-use checks for small wheel adaptors, light vehicle adaptors and support stands
- Never drive over cables – this is the single biggest cause of mobile vehicle lifts getting damaged and breaking down
- Never operate a vehicle lift when people are standing underneath.