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Vehicle hoists

Risks associated with vehicle hoists include:

  • failure of lifting equipment can cause crush injuries or fatalities
  • moving vehicles on and off hoists also presents potential hazards.

Safety solutions

Prominently display equipment operating and maintenance instructions, as well as the safe working load.

Train operators in the safe use of hoists.

Ensure:

  • workers do not work under a suspended load without checking that safety features are engaged and operating correctly
  • moving parts of the hoist or its load are located at least 600mm away from any other fixed structure or equipment that moves (to avoid worker entrapment)
  • operator controls are undamaged, clearly marked and positioned for effective, safe use
  • the dropper bar (safety prop) is fitted to any in-ground, hydraulic, ram-type hoist.

Hoists must have a valid design registration number issued by a work health and safety regulator in Australia.

Use the vehicle hoist self-assessment tool to help workplaces identify risks.

Inspections

Vehicle hoists must have a regular inspection and maintenance schedule:

  • conduct pre-operational inspections daily (eg look for leaks in hydraulic and pneumatic components)
  • inspect and maintain the hoist at least every 3 months
  • arrange for a comprehensive annual inspection to be carried out by an independent, qualified, competent person
  • undertake hoist inspections in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, and with reference to Australian Standards:
    • AS/NZS 2550.9: Cranes – Safe use. Part 9: Vehicle hoists
    • AS/NZS 1418.9: Cranes (including hoists and winches). Part 9: Vehicle hoists
  • ensure electrical hoists and wiring are tested with reference to Australian Standard AS/NZS 3000: Australian Wiring Rules
  • record all inspections, servicing and maintenance in a log book which is available for all users, maintenance or inspection personnel.

Vehicle jacks

These portable devices require experience in their placement before use to minimise risk to the operator.

Associated risks include:

  • the sudden fall of vehicles due to overbalancing
  • incorrect use of jacking points
  • poor maintenance
  • leaking hydraulic fluid
  • use of jacks on surfaces that are not level or firm.

Safety solutions

Prominently display equipment operating and maintenance instructions, as well as the safe working load.

Train operators in the correct and safe use of equipment.

Ensure:

  • jacks are based on a firm, level and secure surface (preferably concrete)
  • vehicle stands are used when a vehicle is raised and wheels are chocked
  • nobody remains in a vehicle that is being jacked
  • nobody places any portion of their body under a vehicle supported by a jack.

Inspections

Vehicle jacks must have a regular inspection and maintenance schedule:

  • conduct pre-operational equipment inspections (eg look for hydraulic leaks).
  • inspect and maintain the jack at least every 3 months, in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, to ensure it can be used effectively
  • record all inspections, servicing and maintenance in a log book which is available for all users, maintenance or inspection personnel.

Vehicle ramps and stands

Common risks arise when ramps and stands are poorly placed, unsuitable for the work involved (eg load capacity), used on unstable/uneven surfaces, or poorly stored and maintained (creating weaknesses).

Safety solutions

Clearly mark ramps and stands with rated safe working load. Conduct pre-operational inspections daily.

Train operators in the correct and safe use of equipment.

Ensure:

  • axle stands are based on a solid, level and secure surface (preferably concrete)
  • vehicles are secured on ramps to prevent movement (eg use of handbrake, wheel chocks etc)
  • stand heights are not adjusted when they are bearing weight
  • only use ramps and stands in pairs
  • vehicles are slowly driven onto ramps or stands with guidance from another person outside the vehicle.

Further information

Safety Alert – Motor vehicle lift benches

Safety Alert – Working in proximity to plant hydraulic systems

Australian Standards AS/NZS 2640: Portable ramps for vehicles

Australian Standards AS/NZS 2538: Vehicle support stands