Having a car hoist has become an essential tool in the operation of a modern workshop, and many car enthusiasts find that it makes a great addition to their garage, warehouse or man cave.
At Tufflift, we want to ensure that our customers have a safe and pleasurable experience when using hoists while ensuring maximum productivity in a commercial environment, or the most enjoyment as a car enthusiast in their home settings.
That’s why we have put together this list of safety tips for using car hoists. Read on, and stay safe!
General Tips
- Ensure that your hoist meets current safety standards and comes with Australian Standards Certification. In a commercial environment, hoists are required to have a WorkSafe Design Registration.
- Keep your workspace clean and tidy and ensure that anyone using the hoist has been trained on how to operate the hoist safely.
- Always keep the surrounding area of the hoist clear and debris free, especially while the hoist is being operated.
- Whilst the hoist is operating, ensure that the area is clear of personnel, equipment, or objects. This will help to prevent avoidable accidents and injury.
– Never exceed the maximum capacity of your hoist model. Never attempt to raise a vehicle that exceeds the hoist’s rated capacity. Overloading the hoist can lead to serious accidents and injuries, or at the very least damage your hoist making it unsafe to use.
- The maximum capacity of a hoist is typically listed on the hoist manufacturer’s ID plate. Check the capacity before using the hoist to avoid overloading.
– To lift the vehicle safely and avoid vehicle damage, ensure that you use the vehicle manufacturers nominated pick up points when using the hoist. If you are unsure of where they are located, check with the manufacturer.
– Before lifting a vehicle, allow sufficient clearance around the vehicle (e.g., Walls, ceiling height, roof trusses, beams, or objects) to avoid property, hoist, or vehicle damage. There should also be sufficient space to allow the vehicle to be safely driven on and off the hoist. The hoist installation manual should be referred to for further information on the hoist dimensions.
– If you are using a car hoist, keeping it well maintained for safety is important. This means regularly checking for wear and tear and ensuring all the parts are in good working order. It is a good idea to have an experienced hoist technician conduct annual inspections on your hoist. In commercial environments, it is mandatory to have annual inspections conducted. The operations manual will have daily, weekly, monthly and annual checklists for your reference.
2 Post Car Hoist
Make sure the car weight is correctly distributed on the hoist, as an incorrect weight distribution can cause the vehicle to tip over. Tip – raise the vehicle 150mm from the ground move to the front of the vehicle and push on the bonnet to ensure stability before raising the vehicle to working height.
Ensure your hoist is installed on the correct concrete base in accordance with the hoist manufacturer’s recommendations, including concrete depth and PSI rating.
In order to ensure stability of your concrete, it is important to ensure that your hoist is installed on the correct concrete base in accordance with the hoist manufacturer’s recommendations. Additionally, the manufacturer’s instructions regarding cracks and expansion joints should be followed as well.
When working with a 2 post car hoists:
- Adjust the lifting arms until the lifting adapters are under the manufacturers pick-up positions.
- Carriage locks
Tip – you should hear both carriage locks ‘click’ in unison as the hoist is being raised, if the clicks are not in unison, it is an indication the balance cables will need adjusting. - Ensure both carriages are level Tip – uneven carriages could mean that the balance cables require adjustment
- Arms should lock in position the moment the carriage leaves the ground.
- Ensure your clear floor model has an overhead safety bar fitted, this will ensure that there is no chance of vehicle damage for taller vehicles.
- When the hoist and vehicle reach your desired working height, always lower the hoist on to the mechanical locks before commencing your repairs. Check the stability of the vehicle again prior to commencing repair or maintenance work underneath the vehicle. Never work on a vehicle or leave the vehicle unattended on the hoist unless it is resting on its mechanical locks
- On a 2-post hoist the hydraulic rams will do the lifting and take the load, therefore the hoist should also be fitted with a hydraulic system anti-burst valve, this will prevent any sudden or rapid decent should you have a hydraulic system failure.
- When lowering the hoist, ensure that all personnel and objects are clear.
- On completion and when the hoist is fully lowered, the arms will now be unlocked, position the arms and adapters to provide an unobstructed exit before removing the vehicle from the hoist area, you can drive the vehicle away.
When working with a 4 post car hoists:
- On a 4 post hoist be mindful of ceiling height. Unlike the 2 post clear floor hoists, there is no overhead safety device to protect your vehicle. Tufflift can fit a height limiting switch for specific vehicles.
- Ensure the vehicle is centred on the lifting platforms, this will keep the weight evenly distributed
- There are mechanical locks in each column
Tip – you should hear all 4 platform locks ‘click’ in unison as the hoist is being raised, if the clicks are not in unison, it is an indication the balance cables will need adjusting. - Ensure both platforms are level
Tip – uneven platforms could mean the mechanical locks require adjustment - When the hoist and vehicle reach your desired working height, always lower the hoist on to the mechanical locks before commencing your repairs. Never work on a vehicle or leave the vehicle unattended on the hoist unless it is resting on its mechanical locks.
- On a 4-post hoist the cable will do the lifting and take the load, therefore your 4-post hoist should be fitted with ‘slack or loose’ cable locks.
- The hoist should also be fitted with a hydraulic system anti-burst valve; this will prevent any sudden or rapid descent should you have a hydraulic system failure.
- When lowering the hoist, ensure that all personnel and objects are clear.
- You can drive the vehicle away from the hoist on completion, and when the hoist is fully lowered.
Conclusion
We hope that you found these tips helpful. Remember, at Tufflift Hoists Australia safety is our top priority. It is important for us to ensure that our customers enjoy using their hoist as much as possible, while maintaining an experience that is safe.
If you have any questions about our products or how to use them safely, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help!