Automotive Lift Safety Awareness Guide

Cornell Repair Shop Safety

Inspect your lift daily before operating. Never operate if it malfunctions or if it is broken in any way. Check the lifting points and adapters for damage or corrosion, and for wet, oily, or slick surfaces that may cause slippage.
Wear the proper personal protective equipment. Safety glasses need to be worn when doing overhead work. In some cases, safety goggles and/or face shields may be required.
Never allow unauthorized or untrained persons to operate the lift or be in the shop area while operating the lift.
Make sure the area is clear of people, tools, and equipment when lowering a vehicle.
Always keep eyes on the vehicle and surrounding area while raising and lowering the lift
Do Not stand in front of or around the lift/vehicle while raising or lowering the lift.
Never overload lift.
Always use all four lift adaptors with proper weight distribution being considered for safe lifting.
Use high-reach vehicle support stands to assist in stabilizing the vehicle if heavy parts are to be added or removed. Never lower a vehicle onto the vehicle support stand.
Ensure the lift locking devices (latches) are properly engaged.
Make sure the wheels are properly chocked on drive-on lifts. Only use equipment provided by the manufacturer.
Never use the lift as a jack or for any other unauthorized purposes.

Know the maximum lifting capacity of the lift you are operating. Exceeding these limits could result in failure causing injury or death.
Do not exceed individual lift arm capacity. 10,000lb capacity/4 arms = 2,500lbs each arm.
- Example: 9,000lb vehicle with 6,000lb rear axle and 3,000lb front axle.
- If your rear axle weight is 6,000lbs, then each swing arm needs a minimum arm capacity of 3,000lbs.
- 3,000lb X 4 swing arms= 12,000lb capacity.

*Note: All Machine Guards Must Be in Place and/or Properly Adjusted Before Use.

Never Modify Lift in Any Way. All repairs are to be performed with Rotary Parts Only.
Never Override Safety Mechanisms.