ALI CHECK360 INSPECTIONS

You know that you need to get your vehicle lifts inspected every year, but where do you find qualified lift inspectors and how do you know if the lift inspections they provide are thorough?

 Start by hiring an ALI Certified Lift Inspector. Inspectors who are certified by ALI have been tested and found qualified to inspect any automotive lift in the field, regardless of age, model, manufacturer or location. But don’t stop there. Tell the inspector that you want a Check360™ Certified Lift Inspection – and don’t settle for anything less.

 Check360 is a comprehensive inspection process that is backed by ALI as meeting all the requirements outlined in the national safety standard covering automotive lift operation, inspection and maintenance, ANSI/ALI ALOIM:2020. A Check360 Certified Lift Inspection includes extensive examination of the lift structure, electrical and mechanical components, as well as review of training logs, operating instructions and safety materials.

 Only ALI Certified Lift Inspectors can perform Check360 Certified Lift Inspections, but simply hiring a certified inspector doesn’t guarantee you’ll get a Check360 inspection. Some inspection companies offer multiple tiers of inspection, not all of which meet the ANSI standards. That’s why it’s important to ask for a Check360 Certified Lift Inspection by name.

 At the conclusion of a Check360 lift inspection, the ALI Certified Lift Inspector will provide a thorough report of the results, including any concerns and recommendations. The inspector will apply an exclusive Check360 Certified Lift Inspection label to every lift that passes inspection. The copyrighted label features the distinctive Check360 mark in the center, the ALI Certified Lift Inspector hologram, a serial number matching the lift inspection report, and the inspector’s individual four-digit ID. There is a new label color every year and all unused labels must be accounted for at the end of the year.

 If your lift inspection label doesn’t have two holograms and the Check360 mark, you did NOT receive a Check360 Certified Lift Inspection.

 When you get a Check360 Certified Lift Inspection, you get the knowledge, comfort and assurance that your lift has been inspected in compliance with the national safety standard and industry best practices. And since Check360 is the only lift inspection backed by ALI, you’re not just taking the inspector’s word for it.

ANSI standards mandate that a qualified lift inspector inspect all vehicle lifts at least annually. Many companies will tell you that their inspectors are qualified to perform these inspections. But the only independent verification of lift inspector qualification in North America is the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) Lift Inspector Certification Program.

ALI Certified Lift Inspectors:

• Have been independently tested and certified by ALI as qualified to inspect any vehicle lift, regardless of manufacturer, brand, model, type, age or location.
• Have passed two rigorous exams covering electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic principles, as well as basic automotive lift design and use. The exams are administered by an independent testing agency.
• Have properly completed 12 practical experience inspections using ALI-approved inspection procedures and forms.
• Follow industry standard lift inspection processes and use standardized lift inspection documentation to ensure that every lift receives a consistently thorough inspection.
• Have signed the ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program Participant Code of Ethics .
• Are employees of firms that have signed the ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program Inspector Code of Ethics .
• Can apply serialized ALI Certified Lift Inspection Program labels to every lift they inspect. Labels provide code enforcement officials with instant proof of the last time a lift was professionally inspected. Each label includes the year of inspection and the individual inspector’s unique ID number.
• Are eligible for Associate Class Membership in ALI. Associate Class Members receive ongoing lift inspection training.

CAR LIFTS ARE USED IN VEHICLE REPAIR SHOPS, CAR DEALERSHIPS, AND HOME GARAGES. DEPENDING ON YOUR NEEDS, YOU CAN USE A CAR LIFT TO STORE YOUR VEHICLE OR LIFT YOUR CAR FOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR.

As a mechanic, lifts are used constantly throughout the day to get underneath cars for necessary repairs. Over time, you will likely need to tighten a car lift’s bolts and pins, lubricate its posts, and tighten anchor bolts. In addition, you’ll need to check all the parts to ensure everything is in working order.

Car lifts need regular maintenance, like any mechanical equipment, to ensure continued safety. While monthly maintenance is recommended for any car lift, an annual inspection is critical for many reasons. 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN AUTO LIFT INSPECTION? 

An auto lift inspector must confirm that all components are in working order and that your lift is safe. The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) Lift Inspector Certification Program is the only independent certificate for lift inspector qualification in North America. While some may claim that their inspector can inspect lifts, choose one that is ALI certified. 

During an auto lift inspection, the ALI-certified inspector: 

• Examines all accessible components for evidence of overloading or misuse
• Checks the electrical wiring and components
• Reviews the lift controls to ensure accessibility
• Locates the safety instructions, lift safety labeling, capacity labeling, vehicle-lifting information, and any documentation
• Verifies adequate clearances around the lift
• Checks that all fastening devices are tight
• Operates the lift and checks the operation of the positive stop
• Verifies that the lift locks engage in the fully extended position
• Checks all lubrication points for cleanliness and required lubrication
• Checks all chains and cables for excessive slack

Every manufacturer provides specific instructions for correctly and thoroughly inspecting each lift. ALI inspectors are extremely qualified to inspect your lift, regardless of manufacturer. 

An annual auto lift inspection by a certified lift inspector allows you to keep a safe working environment and your business in compliance, among numerous other benefits. 

Keeps a safe work environment 

Safety is the priority when a mechanic stands underneath a car weighing a minimum of 2,000 pounds. One minor issue with a lift can cause severe damage to the vehicle, the lift, and the mechanic. 

An annual auto lift inspection (at the very least) will ensure that your lift is safe and trustworthy and your work environment is safe for your employees. 

Identifies repair needs 

An annual inspection lets you identify repair needs before the issue becomes problematic. An inspector will review the lift from top to bottom and inspect every detail to ensure it’s in working order. 

Issues that arise will be noted so you can fix or repair the necessary parts. Using a car lift that hasn’t been appropriately inspected is a safety hazard to your employees and a liability for your business. 

Maintains employee trust 

Mechanics want to feel safe in their job, and standing underneath a vehicle that weighs at least 2,000 pounds is a significant risk. 

An annual inspection lets employees know that the car lift is safe and reliable, maintaining employee trust. 

Confidence for vehicle owners 

Vehicle owners will have confidence in mechanics who follow safety protocols for their working environment, including inspecting auto lifts. 

Vehicle owners take pride in their cars and don’t want to worry that the lift will malfunction while maintenance is done. A safe car lift provides confidence for customers. 

Stay on top of manufacturer-recommended timelines 

Every manufacturer has recommended timelines for maintenance and inspection. Following their specific recommendations keeps every part of the auto lift working in the best possible way. 

Extends the life of the lift 

If you let wear and tear affect your lift without inspection and repair, your car lift will not live a long life. 

However, an auto lift inspection allows a certified technician to inspect your lift, giving it a thorough workup. This complete workup allows everything to be tightened, greased, adjusted and fixed. 

An annual inspection extends the life of your auto lift. 

Keeps your business in compliance 

The American National Standard (ANSI), which outlines the safety criteria for proper vehicle lift operation, inspection, and maintenance, mandates that every lift be inspected at least once a year by a certified lift inspector. 

If you fail to meet these requirements, your auto lift will fail to comply with ANSI. Therefore, to keep your business in compliance, it’s required to have your car lifts inspected on an annual basis (at the very minimum). 

Peace of mind 

Nothing is better than peace of mind as a business owner, employee, or customer. An annual (at minimum) inspection of your car lift provides peace of mind to everyone- the mechanic standing under the lift, the customer whose vehicle is on the lift, and the owner responsible for the lift’s safety and operation. 

Lowers the risk of injuries 

Your employees are less likely to be hurt at work if you inspect your lift machines regularly. The inspector will check the emergency controls, steering, brakes, electrical systems, and hydraulic systems to ensure they are in good working order. The inspection also includes searching for physical problems such as corrosion, inspecting hooks for abnormalities, and determining the gauges’ accuracy. These actions lessen the likelihood of the device failing and causing an accident.