Vehicle Lift Safety Inspection and Certification Checklist
This vehicle lift safety inspection and certification checklist ensures automotive service lifts meet ALI/ANSI ALOIM safety standards and OSHA requirements before every use and at annual certification inspections. Vehicle lift failures cause serious injuries and fatalities every year. ALI (Automotive Lift Institute) certified lift inspectors perform annual certifications, but daily and monthly checks are the shop's responsibility. Non-certified lifts should not be used until defects are correcte
- Industry: Automotive Service
- Frequency: Daily Pre-Use / Monthly / Annual Certification
- Estimated Time: 15-30 minutes
- Role: Service Manager / ALI-Certified Lift Inspector / Technician
- Total Items: 28
- 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)
Structural Integrity and Anchor Inspection
Verify lift structural integrity and floor anchor condition.
- Lift columns straight with no visible bending, cracking, or weld failure?
- All floor anchor bolts present, not backed out, and with no concrete cracking around them?
- Crossbeams and equalizer bars straight with no cracks or corrosion damage?
- Swing arms and adapter pads in undamaged condition with no cracks or worn contact surfaces?
- Drive-on platforms or runways intact with no broken sections or hazardous surface conditions?
Hydraulic and Mechanical Components
Inspect hydraulic and mechanical systems for leaks and wear.
- No hydraulic fluid leaks from cylinder, hoses, or fittings?
- Hydraulic hoses not cracked, kinked, or chafing against metal?
- Screw thread or lead screw clean and lubricated (for screw-driven lifts)?
- Lift cables or chains lubricated and not frayed, kinked, or stretched beyond spec?
- Both sides of two-post lift rising at equal speed and height (no side running ahead)?
Safety Lock and Lock Mechanism Testing
Safety locks must engage correctly at every lift height.
- Safety locks (pawl and ratchet) engaging at multiple heights during raise test?
- Lift holds load at safety lock with no drift after pump motor stops?
- Lowering requires intentional release of safety lock - cannot lower without positive action?
- Drive-on lift vehicle wheel stops or restraint system functional?
- Overhead clearance adequate for maximum lift height with tallest expected vehicle?
Controls and Certification Status
Verify controls function and certification is current.
- Control button labels legible and controls functioning as labeled?
- Emergency stop button or kill switch functional?
- ALI certification sticker current (within 12 months) and displayed on lift?
- Lift capacity rating clearly posted and all users aware of capacity limit?
- Lift manufacturer safety manual accessible in shop for reference?
Defect Reporting and Documentation
Document inspection results and manage any found defects.
- Any defects found during inspection documented on report?
- Lift tagged out-of-service and power disconnected if any safety-critical defects found?
- Repair service scheduled for any found defects?
- Inspection log signed, dated, and retained for minimum 3 years?
- Next scheduled inspection date documented (monthly and annual)?
- All lift users notified of any operating restrictions or defects found?
- ALI-certified inspector engaged for annual certification if shop is performing monthly inspection only?
- Lift inspection and maintenance logbook updated with all findings, repairs, and next inspection date?
Related Automotive Checklists
- Hybrid and Electric Vehicle High Voltage Safety Inspection Checklist
- Cooling System Pressure Test and Leak Diagnosis Checklist
- Power Steering System Inspection and Service Checklist
- Fuel System Diagnosis and Pressure Testing Checklist
Why Use This Vehicle Lift Safety Inspection and Certification Checklist?
This vehicle lift safety inspection and certification checklist helps automotive service teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for service manager / ali-certified lift inspector / technician professionals, this checklist covers 28 critical inspection points across 5 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 28 inspection items across 5 sections: Structural Integrity and Anchor Inspection, Hydraulic and Mechanical Components, Safety Lock and Lock Mechanism Testing, Controls and Certification Status, Defect Reporting and Documentation. It is designed for automotive service 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 service 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.