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2020 MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY & SERVICES GUIDE HOT TOPICS

Train Your Technicians Properly Safety starts from the top and works its way down to your technicians. If your Service Manager or Fixed Operations Director understands the lift intimately and can communicate its nuances to your staff, you’re in good shape. But, if a Service Manager assumes that a technician may know how to work a lift (especially a junior technician), it may be a big mistake. It’s a best practice for the Service Manager to read a lift’s operating manual to understand the lift. There are also a variety of third-party educational resources dedicated to vehicle lift safety like Automotive Lift Institute (www.autolift.org). In general, some of the important criteria for a lift are: • Capacity: What weight can the lift tolerate? Are there any vehicles that come into the dealership that specifically cannot go on this lift? The capacity is on the nameplate of each lift. • How do the controls work? Operating controls are designed to close when released- do not block open or override them. • How do you properly spot a vehicle? Some other important tips to note: • Always keep lift area free of obstructions, grease, oil, trash and other debris. • Always lower the vehicle onto the mechanical load holding devices (locks) before working on or going under vehicle. • Before lowering lift, be sure tool trays, stands, etc. are removed from under vehicle. However, the training process doesn’t stop after the initial onboarding. It’s a best practice for the Service Manager to retrain technicians when technicians change the lift they’re working on (either because of a new lift or simply switching lifts in the same service department). It’s also recommended that the Service Manager refresh his technicians annually on lift safety. Technician’s Responsibilities After being properly trained by the Service Manager, a technician is responsible for the day-to-day operations and upholding the safety standards of the lift. Here are some best practices for technicians: • Be aware of what is going on in your bay at all times. Do not allow unqualified people in your bay. Customers continue to be unaware of the dangers present in the service area • Wear the right protective equipment. Safety goggles are necessary in case any debris flies off a car while working. A protective hardhat is also recommended. • Always use the proper vehicle lifting points. Consult ALI’s Vehicle Lifting Points- Quick Reference Guide. • Check all parts of the lift (especially the arm restraints and adapters) for any wear, damage or corrosion. Report any concerns to management immediately and discontinue work on the lift until the issue has been remediated.

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