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Garages - Hydraulic Lifts - General Information

What should I know about using hydraulics? Improperly maintained or adjusted hydraulic parts can cause serious injury.

What should I know about using hydraulics?

requirement Improperly maintained or adjusted hydraulic parts can cause serious injury.
requirement Always use caution when working on a hydraulic system. Even when the system is shut down, hydraulic oil can still be under pressure.
requirement If the controls for more than one lift are in one location, they should be numbered or colour-coded to ensure operators know which control operates each individual lift.

What should I know before using hydraulic lifts?

administrative Only people properly trained in using hydraulic lifts and positioning vehicles on lifts should use hydraulic lifts.
requirement Customers and other unauthorized people should not be in the work area.
requirement Make sure that "dead stick" type controls return to the neutral or "off" position when released.
requirement Make sure that the hydraulic pressure is not higher or lower than the recommended level. High pressures can cause ruptures, while low pressures can result in the ram unexpectedly dropping, crushing people or items below the load.
requirement Use lift only for the job for which it was designed.
administrative Inspect and service controls and equipment regularly according to manufacturer's instructions.
requirement Check packing nuts and surface bolts around cylinders on hydraulic hoists as recommended in the manufacturer's manual.
administrative Inspect pistons for dirt, damage or other abnormal conditions regularly.
requirement Lubricate the hoist and check for the tightness of the fasteners.
requirement Check the hydraulic fluid level and change hydraulic oil according to the manufacturer's directions (frequency, type of oil, etc.).
requirement Check cables, lift pads and adaptors for wear.
administrative Make sure surface-mounted lifts are anchored appropriately. Inspect the anchor bolts and the floor for cracks.
requirement Check for bent arms, cracks in welds or damage or wear. Check for cracked or loose fittings that may allow the hose to detach.
requirement Replace damaged parts with those recommended by the lift manufacturer.
administrative Only properly trained lift service personnel should repair hydraulic lifts.
requirement Use lift adaptors designed for contact on the lifts.
requirement Make sure that the lift area is clean and free of oil, tools, equipment, hoses, wires, etc., before a car or truck is driven into the work area.
requirement Make sure that the weight of the vehicle does not exceed the lift capacity of the hydraulic lift.
requirement Know how to find the centre of gravity of the vehicle and where to position the vehicle on the lift.
requirement Check the vehicle's lifting points vehicle recommended by the manufacturer to examine for rust, damage or oil.

When should I not use a hydraulic lift?

Do not use the lift if it:

requirement Raises very quickly.
requirement Jerks or jumps when raised.
requirement Slowly settles down after being raised.
requirement Slowly rises, either when in use or when not in use.
requirement Comes down very slowly.
requirement Blows oil out of the exhaust line.
requirement Leaks oil at connections.

What should I do before servicing the lift?

Hydraulic fluid escaping through pinhole leaks is difficult to see, but its high pressure can puncture your skin. Have a doctor treat any hydraulic fluid skin punctures immediately.

context Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Servicing procedures vary from one hydraulic system to another.
context Lower hydraulically powered attachments to the ground or support them on suitable metal stands or blocks.
context Shut off the engine that powers the hydraulic pump.
context Move the hydraulic lever back and forth a few times to release residual pressure.
context Lock-out levers and power switches so the hydraulic system cannot be started while someone is doing repairs.
context Let the hydraulic system cool down.
context Check for leaks by passing a piece of cardboard or wood over the suspected area.
context Store hydraulic fluids away from sparks or flames.
context Clean up spills immediately.
context Do not smoke in the autobody area.
context Do not use your hands to search for leaks. Hydraulic fluid can pierce the skin, and "small" injuries can have serious consequences. Get medical help immediately.