The Do’s and Don’ts of mobile column lifts

By Steve Braund
do's and don'ts of column lifts

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. Please see below our sections on the do’s and don’ts of column lifts.

The Do’s

  1. When raising vehicles on a set of column lifts, ensure the floor is stable enough to support the load
  2. Before using column lifts, make sure all jacks are lowered to the floor and all emergency stop buttons are not activated
  3. When using heavy-duty vehicle lifts don’t have less than one metre clearance between bays or other working areas
  4. Make sure the vehicle’s weight does not exceed the safe working load of the lift
  5. Ensure the work area is well illuminated and visibility is good
  6. Only use vehicle lifts in a clear space with no debris on the floor, such as bolts that have been cut off and discarded
  7. Before using a vehicle lift, make sure it is kept away from kerbstones
  8. Before using a vehicle lift, operate all emergency stop buttons in turn to ensure correct operation and listen for safety solenoid operation
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. Make sure that only trained operators use heavy-duty vehicle lifts
  12. Make sure to connect/clamp cables properly to avoid potential hazardous and damaging arch effect between socket and plug
  13. Before using a vehicle lift, ensure you operate all lifts in the lowering mode so that all carriages stop at the bottom limit switch
  14. Make sure to inspect and maintain your mobile column lifts more regularly if they are being used in wash bays

The Don’ts

  1. Never operate a vehicle lift without checking the height clearance in the workshop, ensuring there is sufficient headroom and no overhead obstacles
  2. Never allow a person to remain in a vehicle white it is being lifted
  3. If washing a vehicle lift in a wash bay never direct jets of water at the panels, switches or motors
  4. Never position heavy-duty vehicle lifts over manhole covers or drains
  5. Always push a lift where possible, pulling lifts can result in the lift toppling due to the column being top heavy
  6. Never leave the parking brake on, ensure it is released and the vehicles neutral gear is selected
  7. Never use vehicle lifts to lift people or objects other than vehicles
  8. Never overload tyres of the drive gear when using mobile vehicle lifts – the columns may take up to 7.5 tonne vehicles but tyres will take much less
  9. 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
  10. Never drive over cables – this is the single biggest cause of mobile vehicle lifts getting damaged and breaking down
  11. Never operate a vehicle lift when people are standing underneath