How do I complete this automotive inspection checklist?

Start by filling in the header fields (date, inspector name, location). Then work through each of the 6 sections, marking Yes/No for each inspection point. Add notes for any issues found. Finally, complete the footer section with your signature. The entire process takes approximately 15-30 minutes.

What happens if I find issues during the automotive inspection?

Document any issues in the notes field, take photos as evidence, and assign corrective actions. POPProbe's mobile app allows you to instantly assign tasks to team members and track resolution. Critical issues should be escalated immediately per your organization's procedures.

Can I use this checklist on my phone or tablet?

Yes, with POPProbe's mobile app you can complete this checklist on any smartphone or tablet. The app works offline, captures GPS location, allows photo attachments, and automatically syncs when connected. Perfect for field inspections and frontline teams.

How do I customize this automotive checklist for my organization?

With POPProbe, you can easily customize this Vehicle Lift Safety Inspection and Certification Checklist to match your organization's specific requirements. Add or remove inspection points, modify section names, adjust scoring criteria, and include your company branding. You can also set up automated scheduling to ensure the checklist is completed daily pre-use / monthly / annual certification and assign it to specific team members or locations.

What are common mistakes to avoid when completing automotive inspections?

Common mistakes include: rushing through items without proper verification, failing to document issues with photos or detailed notes, skipping sections that seem repetitive, not following up on previously identified problems, and completing inspections inconsistently. To avoid these, use a digital tool like POPProbe that enforces completion of all 35 fields, requires photo evidence, and tracks corrective actions automatically.

Vehicle Lift Safety Inspection and Certification Checklist

Automotive service lifts must be inspected periodically by a qualified lift inspector per ALI ALOIM-2020 (Automotive Lift Institute: Operation, Inspection, Maintenance, and Repair of Automotive Lifts), the standard to which OSHA defers for automotive lift safety. Annual inspections by a qualified inspector are required by ALI ALOIM-2020 Section 4.2; daily operator checks are required before each use under Section 4.1. A lift with a safety-critical defect must be taken out of service immediately

Industry: Automotive
Frequency: Daily Pre-Use / Monthly / Annual Certification
Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes
Role: Service Manager / ALI-Certified Lift Inspector / Technician
Total Items: 30
Compliance: OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 (Industrial Trucks and Lifts), ALI/ANSI ALOIM 2008 (Automotive Lift Safety Standard), ANSI/ALI ALCTV (Lift Certification and Training), ALI/ETI 9.1 Lift Installation and Service Manual, NFPA 30A (Automotive Occupancies)

ALI ALOIM-2020 Periodic Inspection Scope and Qualification (Section 4.2)

Confirm this inspection meets the ALI ALOIM-2020 Section 4.2 periodic inspection requirements. Annual inspections must be performed by a qualified lift inspector who holds a current ALI-recognized qualification. The inspection must cover the complete lift system and all safety devices. Results must be documented and retained.

Is this inspection being performed by a person who holds a current ALI-recognized lift inspector qualification (e.g. completing an ANSI/ALI ALIIM-qualified inspector programme)?
Has the lift been inspected within the past 12 months, or at the interval required by the manufacturer or high-use operating conditions if shorter?
Is the lift's nameplate, rated capacity label, and model and serial number legible and matching the inspection records?
Are the manufacturer's service manual, installation records, and previous inspection reports available for review during this inspection?
Record the lift make, model, serial number, rated capacity (lbs), date of previous inspection, and the name and qualification number of the inspector performing this inspection:

Structural, Mechanical, and Cable/Chain Condition (ALI ALOIM-2020 Section 5)

Inspect all structural members, columns, arms, chains, cables, and mechanical components per ALI ALOIM-2020 Section 5. Structural failures are the primary cause of catastrophic lift accidents. Any crack, deformation, or excessive wear in structural members requires removal from service pending repair or replacement by the manufacturer or a qualified lift technician.

Are all columns, cross-members, and frame members free of cracks, deformation, weld failures, corrosion pitting, and vehicle impact damage?
Are all lift arms, swing arms, arm extension pins, adapters, and arm stop mechanisms free of cracks, deformation, and excessive play, and are arm pivot points lubricated per the manufacturer's specification?
For chain-driven lifts, are all chains within the manufacturer's elongation limit, free of corrosion and cracked links, and correctly lubricated?
For cable-driven lifts, are all cables within the manufacturer's broken-wire discard count per linear foot, free of kinks and bird-caging, and correctly wound on the drum without cross-coiling?
Attach photo of arm adapter, column base plate, and any noted defect area (or note No Structural Defects Found):

OSHA 1910.147 Lockout/Tagout for Lift Servicing and Maintenance

Verify that written LOTO procedures are in place and used for all lift servicing and maintenance. OSHA 1910.147 applies to powered automotive lift maintenance, not just electrical work. Reliance on the lift's safety lock alone without mechanical blocking under the vehicle is an OSHA LOTO violation.

Is there a written machine-specific energy control procedure for each lift make and model in this shop, identifying all energy sources (hydraulic, electrical, pneumatic) and the steps to isolate and verify each?
Are mechanical blocking devices (safety stands or jack stands) rated for the vehicle weight used whenever workers work under a raised vehicle, in addition to engaging the lift's safety locks?
Are all personnel performing LOTO on lifts trained as authorized employees under 1910.147(c)(7)(i), with training records available?
Is the LOTO programme reviewed at least annually per 1910.147(c)(6), with the review record showing the date, the procedure reviewed, and the employee whose LOTO application was observed?
Are all LOTO devices (locks, tags, hasps) individually keyed or coded so that no single lock can be removed by anyone other than the employee who applied it?

Hydraulic System Integrity (ALI ALOIM-2020 Section 5.3)

Inspect hydraulic cylinders, hoses, fittings, valves, and fluid per ALI ALOIM-2020 Section 5.3. Hydraulic system failures are a primary cause of uncontrolled lift descent. Any oil seepage or hose deterioration must be repaired before the lift is returned to service.

Are all hydraulic cylinders free of external oil seepage at rod seals, piston seals, and weld seams, and within the manufacturer's specified stroke length?
Are all hydraulic hoses free of abrasion, kinking, external cracking, bulging, and chafing at fittings and clamps along the full hose length?
Is hydraulic fluid at the correct level, free of milky discoloration (indicating water contamination), and of the type specified in the manufacturer's manual?
Do velocity fuses (where fitted) stop descent within the manufacturer's specified drop distance on sudden pressure loss, tested per the manufacturer's test procedure?
Record the hydraulic fluid type used (brand and grade), the current fluid level (OK/low), and any hose or cylinder conditions noted:

Safety Locking Devices and Rated Capacity (ALI ALOIM-2020 Section 5.2 / ALCTV-2017)

Verify that mechanical safety locking devices engage automatically at all carriage positions without operator intervention, and that the carriage rests securely on the engaged latch under load. A lift whose safety locks do not automatically engage is immediately dangerous and must not be used.

Do mechanical safety locks engage automatically at each latch position as the carriage rises, without requiring the operator to manually activate the lock?
Do safety lock release mechanisms (foot pedal, cable, or electric release) function correctly, releasing smoothly with the carriage descending under controlled hydraulic pressure rather than dropping suddenly?
For two-post lifts, do both column carriages rise and descend synchronously, with the equalising system preventing more than 3 inches of height difference between columns?
Is the rated capacity of the lift clearly posted, and is there an operator procedure to verify vehicle weight before raising?
Record the result of the safety lock engagement test at each latch position (number of positions tested, all passed or failed positions noted):

Electrical System, Grounding, and Inspection Records (29 CFR 1910.303 / ALI ALOIM-2020 Section 6)

Verify electrical supply wiring, dedicated circuit, and grounding meet 29 CFR 1910.303 and the lift manufacturer's installation specification per ANSI/ALI ALCTV-2017. Confirm that open manufacturer service notifications have been checked and that inspection records are complete.

Is the lift's electrical supply on a dedicated circuit of the correct amperage, and is the lift connected to its designated circuit rather than a shared circuit with other high-draw equipment?
Is the lift chassis and motor housing properly grounded to the building ground system, with the ground conductor intact and confirmed by meter measurement at both the lift and the supply panel?
Has the manufacturer's website or the ALI open service notification list been checked for any open service notifications or safety recalls applicable to this lift's make, model, and serial number?
Does the inspection record include the date, inspector name and qualification, each item inspected with pass/fail result, any out-of-service conditions, and the next inspection due date?
Record any out-of-service conditions found and the date on which the lift was tagged out of service, or enter No Out-of-Service Conditions:

Related Automotive Checklists

Why Use This Vehicle Lift Safety Inspection and Certification Checklist?

This vehicle lift safety inspection and certification checklist helps automotive teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for service manager / ali-certified lift inspector / technician professionals, this checklist covers 30 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: daily pre-use / monthly / annual certification.

Ensures compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.178 (Industrial Trucks and Lifts), ALI/ANSI ALOIM 2008 (Automotive Lift Safety Standard), ANSI/ALI ALCTV (Lift Certification and Training), ALI/ETI 9.1 Lift Installation and Service Manual, NFPA 30A (Automotive Occupancies), UK PUWER 1998 Regulation 6 Inspection Requirements, India IS 15900 Hydraulic Vehicle Lift Standards. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Vehicle Lift Safety Inspection and Certification Checklist cover?

This checklist covers 30 inspection items across 6 sections: ALI ALOIM-2020 Periodic Inspection Scope and Qualification (Section 4.2), Structural, Mechanical, and Cable/Chain Condition (ALI ALOIM-2020 Section 5), OSHA 1910.147 Lockout/Tagout for Lift Servicing and Maintenance, Hydraulic System Integrity (ALI ALOIM-2020 Section 5.3), Safety Locking Devices and Rated Capacity (ALI ALOIM-2020 Section 5.2 / ALCTV-2017), Electrical System, Grounding, and Inspection Records (29 CFR 1910.303 / ALI ALOIM-2020 Section 6). It is designed for automotive operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed daily pre-use / monthly / annual certification. Each completion takes approximately 15-30 minutes.

Who should use this Vehicle Lift Safety Inspection and Certification Checklist?

This checklist is designed for Service Manager / ALI-Certified Lift Inspector / Technician professionals in the automotive industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.