Automotive Lift Safety & Operating Guideline

1) What “ALI-Aligned” means

• Use ALI/ANSI standards as your baseline

  • ANSI/ALI ALOIM:2020 governs operation, inspection, and maintenance of automotive lifts. It requires periodic inspections by a qualified lift inspector at least annually and lays out operator training and documentation expectations.

  • ANSI/ALI ALIS:2022 covers installation and service (who’s qualified, documentation, post-install inspection).

  • ANSI/ALI ALCTV:2017 is the product construction, testing, and validation standard — the benchmark behind ALI’s “gold label” certified lifts.

• Choose ALI-certified lifts only
  Look for the ALI gold certification label (often with ETL/MET mark). If a model isn’t in ALI’s Directory of Certified Lifts, it isn’t certified.

• Use ALI training & references
  ALI’s Lifting It Right manual and Safety Tips Card distill core precautions for daily use. Keep them posted in the bay.

• Always use OEM lifting points
  Verify lift points in the vehicle manual or ALI’s Vehicle Lifting Points for Frame-Engaging Lifts (digital guide includes EVs). Never guess.

2) Roles, training, and records

• Owner/manager

  • Buy, install, and service lifts per ALIS:2022; retain install docs and post-install inspection.

  • Ensure operators are trained to ALOIM and the manufacturer’s instructions; maintain training logs accessible at the bay.

  • Schedule a qualified annual inspection for every installed lift; file the report.

• Operators/technicians

  • Read the lift’s manual and bay postings; follow ALI Lifting It Right practices and the Safety Tips Card.

  • Perform pre-use checks (see Section 3). Lockout/tagout and report defects.

3) Daily pre-use checklist (spot each item before first lift)

1. Labels & manuals present/legible (capacity, warnings, controls).

2. Structure & anchors: no bent arms, cracked welds, loose anchor bolts, damaged runways or platforms.

3. Safety devices: arm restraints, mechanical locks, slack-cable/safety latches, velocity fuses — verify function (no bypassing).

4. Hydraulic/air/electrical: no leaks, damaged hoses/cables, or tripped GFCI; guards in place.

5. Pads/adapters: correct type, not torn or missing; pinch-weld or height adapters available as needed.

6. Environment: bay floor dry/clear; overhead/underbody clearances; wheel chocks at hand for drive-on lifts.

7. Controls: operate “up” a few inches and “down” to confirm smooth motion and lock engagement.

If anything is off: Remove from service and tag until a qualified lift service tech repairs and a qualified inspector clears it.

4) Universal lifting procedure (all lift types)

1. Prepare the vehicle

   • Remove occupants; close doors; secure loose cargo.

   • Confirm vehicle weight < lift rated capacity (consider added equipment).

2. Identify lift points

   • Use OEM manual or ALI Lifting Points Guide (includes late-model/EV coverage).

3. Set adapters/pads correctly

   • Use pinch-weld adapters, frame adapters, or height extensions as specified by OEM and lift maker.

4. Spot the vehicle

   • Center mass within the lift’s loading envelope; verify fore/aft balance (no obvious nose/tail bias).

5. Raise to “clearance check” (~7–10 cm / 3–4 in.)

   • Push/pull at bumpers and rock the vehicle gently to confirm stability. If unstable, lower and reposition.

6. **Raise to working height and lower onto mechanical locks (never work on hydraulic pressure alone).

7. Use secondary supports when needed

   • If removing heavy components (e.g., engine, transmission, EV drive unit), place approved support stands/bridge jacks to keep center of gravity stable.

8. Lowering

   • Clear under-vehicle tools; raise slightly to disengage locks; lower smoothly with personnel clear of pinch points.

5) Lift-type specifics

A) Two-post (symmetric, asymmetric, super-symmetric)

• Arm restraints must automatically engage off the floor; verify before loading.

• Asymmetric: position front arms shorter to shift doors-open clearance; maintain manufacturer’s front/rear % balance window.

• Tall/light trucks: use height adapters; avoid contacting running boards, steps, or battery trays (EVs).

• Wheels-free tasks: standard for 2-post; still use stands if removing major components.

B) Four-post drive-on (incl. alignment lifts)

• Approach straight; chock wheels (especially short wheelbase vehicles). Apply park brake/park.

• Locking system: raise to a notch and set mechanical locks before working under runways. Never rely on hydraulics alone.

• Wheels-free: use approved bridge jacks and/or support stands at manufacturer-specified lift points.

C) Scissor & parallelogram

• Keep hands/feet clear of scissor linkage and articulated structure.

• Use all required contact pads; confirm platform contact pattern matches vehicle frame points.

D) In-ground (single/multi-post)

• Check top-plate condition/arm operation; respect manufacturer’s water-intrusion and ventilation instructions; keep covers in place; verify locks.

E) Mobile column lifts (MCL)

• Use matched, communicating columns on rated surfaces only; program axle weights; verify synchronous lifting and lock engagement on each column.

• Always pair with stands/cribbing when wheels-off or removing heavy components.

6) EVs, hybrids, and special vehicles

• Never lift under battery trays or high-voltage components; use OEM-specified points only (guide covers EVs 2000-2023+).

• Disable auto-level/air suspension per OEM; set parking pawl properly.

• For unibody performance cars with low ride height, use low-profile pads or ramp extenders to reach proper points without body contact.

7) “Never” list (from ALI safety teachings)

• Never exceed the lift’s rated capacity or defeat safety devices.

• Never work under a vehicle supported only by hydraulic pressure — locks or stands must carry the load.

• Never lift with people inside, or with open doors/loose items that can snag.

• Never guess at lifting points — use the OEM/ALI guide.

8) Inspection, maintenance & who can inspect

• Annual inspection minimum by a qualified lift inspector per ALOIM:2020; keep the latest inspection on file for each lift.

• Use ALI’s “Find a Certified Inspector” directory to locate an ALI Certified Lift Inspector (Check360 program).

• Perform manufacturer-specified periodic maintenance (cables/chains, locks, hydraulic fluid, anchor torque). Document everything.

9) Buying, installing, and verifying your lift

• Buy ALI-certified models (verify via ALI’s Directory of Certified Lifts).

• Installation per ALIS:2022 by qualified service techs; follow slab, anchoring, electrical specs from the lift OEM; complete post-install inspection before first use.

• Mark capacity & keep manuals at the bay; post ALI Safety Tips where techs can see them.

10) Quick reference: Operator pocket steps (post this in each bay)

1. Read OEM lift points & choose adapters.

2. Pre-use check (structure, locks, pads, leaks, anchors, labels).

3. Spot & center the vehicle; chock if drive-on.

4. Raise a few inches; shake-check for stability.

5. Raise to height; lower onto locks.

6. Add stands if removing heavy parts.

7. Clear the area; lower smoothly.

Helpful ALI resources (for your safety board)

• Lifting It Right (illustrated safety manual).

• ALI Safety Tips Card (13 essential reminders).

• Vehicle Lifting Points Guide (digital; includes EVs).

• Directory of Certified Lifts (verify the gold label claim).

• Find a Certified Inspector (annual inspections).

Notes & compliance reminders

• This guideline summarizes ALI-aligned best practices. When in doubt, defer to the lift manufacturer’s instructions and the ANSI/ALI standards themselves. Obtain and keep a copy of ALOIM:2020, ALIS:2022, and (for purchasing/specifying lifts) ALCTV:2017 on site.

A floor jack properly used to lift a BMW i7.

11) Hydraulic Floor Jack – Safe Use (Shop & Mobile)

Applies to mobile tire services provided by Sparky X Mobile Tire Shop in Toronto & GTA.

A) Pre-use checks

• Rating: Jack’s capacity ≥ expected load on the corner/axle you’re lifting (see “Capacity math” below).

• Condition: No leaks; saddle pad intact; handle secure; release valve smooth; wheels/casters roll freely.

• Ground: Flat, solid, and clean. On hot asphalt, gravel, or pavers: use a steel plate or 18–24 mm (¾–1 in) plywood under the jack. Never use bricks/cinder blocks.

• Lift points: Confirm OEM-specified jack points; never lift under battery trays, EV high-voltage components, plastic aero shields, exhaust, oil/trans pans, or thin sheet metal.

B) Capacity math (quick)

• Corner lift: Choose a jack rated ≥ 25–30% of GVWR for most passenger cars, ≥ 40% for heavier trucks/SUVs.

• Axle lift: Use the axle’s GAWR (from door jamb). Jack must exceed the supported portion of that GAWR.

• Stands: Ensure stands’ combined rating comfortably exceeds the supported load (check if rated per pair or per stand).

C) Lifting procedure

1. Secure the vehicle: Park/gear in P (or 1st gear), parking brake on, wheel chocks on the ground-side (opposite) wheels.

2. Position the jack: Center the saddle under the OEM jack point (use pinch-weld pad or frame adapter as needed). Align the handle so you can stand clear of the vehicle’s path.

3. Preload & check: Pump until the saddle just contacts; ensure pad is square, then lift 2–3 cm (1 in) and shake-check stability.

4. Raise to height: Lift only as high as needed to place stands or remove the wheel. Keep your body out from under until stands are supporting.

5. Place stands: Position at OEM-approved support points (not rockers unless using proper adapters). Set both stands to equal height; lock pins/teeth fully.

6. Lower onto stands: Open the release valve slowly so the vehicle fully rests on stands (not the jack). Lightly re-snug the jack to “kiss” the load without carrying weight—this adds redundancy.

7. Stability check: Gentle push at bumper; if there’s movement, re-set stands/jack.

8. Work zone: Keep tools clear of the lowering arc. If removing heavy components (brake/hub assemblies, subframes, EV drive units), add secondary supports to prevent CG shift.

D) Lowering

1. Clear tools/people; reinstall wheels hand-tight if they were removed.

2. Raise slightly to free the stands; remove stands.

3. Lower smoothly; remove chocks last.

4. Torque wheels to OEM spec with a calibrated torque wrench; follow your shop policy on re-torque after 80–100 km.

E) Pro tips (floor jacks)

• Central jacking points (front/rear crossmember or differential housing) are vehicle-specific—use only if explicitly allowed by the OEM.

• On EVs/low cars, use low-profile or long-reach jacks and pinch-weld puck adapters.

• Never “spot” or balance the vehicle on a jack; jack = lifting, stands = holding.

• Don’t use impact guns on the release valve; close it finger-tight only.

12) Jack Stands – Selection & Setup

A) Choosing stands

• Rating & labeling: Confirm whether rated per pair or per stand; label your stands accordingly in the bay.

• Contact surface: Use V-heads for axles, flat/saddled heads for frame rails; add pinch-weld adapters for unibodies.

• Height range: Stands must reach operating height without over-extending.

B) Placement principles

• OEM support points first. If unavailable, use structural members (boxed frame rails, reinforced pinch welds with adapters).

• Symmetry: Keep left/right height equal; avoid twisting the body.

• Surface: Same rules as jacks—solid, flat, and reinforced on soft surfaces with plates/plywood.

C) “Never” with stands

• Never rely on pawls/teeth without the safety pin (if equipped).

• Never stack wood blocks atop stands; keep the stand head directly on the approved point.

• Never place stands under suspension links, control arms, or sway bars unless OEM specifically says it’s a lifting/support point.

13) Scissor (OE Emergency) Jacks – Roadside-Only Use

Treat scissor jacks as temporary, single-point emergency tools for changing a flat on the roadside, not for under-vehicle work.

A) When to use

• Only for roadside tire changes on level, firm ground. If the shoulder is soft or sloped, call roadside assistance.

B) Pre-use checks

• Rated capacity meets the vehicle’s requirement (see owner’s manual).

• Condition: Screw turns smoothly; saddle pad intact; jack is not bent/rusted.

• Kit readiness: Wheel chocks (use stones/wood if nothing else), lug wrench, reflective triangles.

C) Procedure (roadside)

1. Safety setup: Park well off traffic, hazards on, cones/triangles out. Transmission in P/1st, parking brake on, chock opposite wheels.

2. Break lugs loose (~¼ turn) before lifting.

3. Locate the OEM scissor-jack point (reinforced pinch-weld notch or pad).

4. Raise slowly with the hand wrench; never use power tools. Stop once the flat clears the ground.

5. Wheel change only: Swap wheel; hand-tighten lugs in a star pattern.

6. Lower fully, remove jack, then torque lugs to OEM spec as soon as practical.

D) Do-not list (scissor jacks)

• Do not crawl under the vehicle—ever.

• Do not use with impact tools or cheater bars.

• Do not use on slopes, gravel, grass, or hot soft asphalt without proper cribbing.

• Do not use for shop work—switch to a floor jack + stands.

14) Special vehicle notes (applies to jacks & stands)

• EVs/Hybrids: Use only OEM jack points; avoid battery trays and orange-cable zones. Disable air/auto-level suspension per OEM before lifting.

• Unibody performance/low cars: Use pinch-weld pucks and low-profile equipment; protect side skirts.

• Body-on-frame trucks/SUVs: Frame rails are primary support points; axle tubes can be supported with V-head stands if OEM permits. Differential lifting/support is OEM-dependent.

• Rust belt caution: Corroded pinch welds and rails may not support rated loads—relocate to a sound structural point or use a different method.

15) Quick “Pocket” Checklists (print for each bay/van)

Hydraulic Floor Jack (up & on stands)

• Chock → Brake on → OEM jack point → Pad/adapter set

• Preload & shake-check → Raise → Place paired stands → Lower onto stands → Stability check

• Work → Raise off stands → Remove stands → Lower → Torque to spec

Scissor Jack (roadside tire change)

• Safe location → Hazards/triangles → Chock → Break lugs loose → OEM jack point

• Raise by hand → Swap wheel → Hand-tighten star → Lower → Torque to spec

16) Inspection & Maintenance (portable equipment)

• Monthly visual: leaks, bends, saddle pads, labels legible.

• Quarterly function: lift/hold/lower check; jack purge/bleed per maker; lube scissor-jack screw per OEM.

• Annual documented check: jacks and stands tagged with ID, rating, service date; replace worn pads/adapters.

• Storage: Jacks fully lowered, release valve closed finger-tight; keep adapters/pucks with the jack.