Difference between revisions of "Auto Lift"

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=Auto Lift Safety Guide=
=Auto Lift Safety Guide=
''To use the Auto Lift, you must attend an Auto Lift Safety Checkout. These are typically once every month and have a $20 fee to goes towards the Auto Shop's budget.''
'''''Do not attempt to use the Auto Lift if you have not been cleared to use it.'''''
''There is a $20 fee and a specific safety waiver associated with this safety checkout.''




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==Safety==
==Safety==
#The most important thing is to make sure the vehicle is
The most important thing is to make sure the vehicle is
#'''Safe to lift.''' Intact lift points, has lift points intact, parts will not fall off of it or interfere with the operation of the lift. If it is rusted out and could collapse, do not lift it.
# '''Within the weight limit of the lift.''' Our lift can handle up to 9000lbs.
#'''Secure on the lift.''' If it is not stable it can slide off and kill you.
# '''Safe to lift.''' Intact lift points, has lift points intact, parts will not fall off of it or interfere with the operation of the lift. If it is rusted out and could collapse, do not lift it.
#'''Within the weight limit of the lift.'''
# '''Secure on the lift.''' If it is not stable and secure it can slide off and kill you.




==Policy==
==Policy==
#'''Pack in, pack out.''' All shops have a pack-in pack-out policy, which means you need to make the space available for others to use when you are done for the day. This means vehicles must leave with you.
# '''Pack in, pack out.''' All shops have a pack-in pack-out policy, which means you need to make the space available for others to use when you are done for the day. This means vehicles must leave with you.
#'''If you get stuck:''' Sometimes problems come up, a part breaks, and you can’t get the vehicle home until the next day. If that happens, first send a message to the Manager informing him of the situation and how long it will be like that.  
# '''If you get stuck:''' Sometimes a part breaks and you can’t get the vehicle home until the next day. If that happens, first send a message to the Manager informing him of the situation and how long it will be there.  
##If you can, get the vehicle off the lift and outside so the lift is available for other members.  
## Try to get the vehicle off the lift and outside so the lift is available for other members.
##If you cannot take it off the lift, stick on the dashboard with your name and when it will be removed from the lift.
## If you can’t take it off the lift, stick a note on the dashboard with your name and when it will be removed.
#'''Take your oil or other fluids with you.''' We do not have a disposal arrangement for hazardous waste, so please take care of it yourself. Oil can be taken back to the store you bought it from. Auto repair shops can take it, walmart can take it. Additionally, do not leave “extra” fluids as a courtesy to other members - other cars may not use the same fluids as yours and they will not get used before they expire, turning into hazardous waste that the Makerspace has to dispose of.
# '''Project Parking''': For longer-term projects, you can rent a spot for $10/day for up to 2 weeks. Must be paid up front and planned ahead. Only one space available at a time.
#'''Leave the shop cleaner than you found it.''' Sweep up any debris when you’re done, throw trash away, clean off tools that got greasy, clean up oil spills with oil absorber.
# '''Trash:''' Recycling bins in the Classroom and out by the fence. Metal scrap barrel outside the garage bays. Oily rags can for fire safety. If it doesn’t belong in any of those receptacles, take it with you and dispose of it yourself.
#'''Notify the manager if the lift key has been left in the panel or if the lift has been left on.''' It is a huge liability if the lift is not shut off and locked out.
# '''Waste oil and fluids:''' Take your oil and other fluids with you.
## Oil can be taken back to the store you bought it from, Precision Auto around the corner, garages, etc
## Do not leave “extra” fluids as a courtesy to other members - they will likely not get used before they expire, turning into hazardous waste that the Makerspace then has to dispose of.
# '''Leave the shop cleaner than you found it.''' Sweep up any debris when you’re done, throw trash away, clean off tools that got greasy, clean up oil spills with oil absorber.
# '''Notify the manager if the lift key has been left in the panel or if the lift has been left on.''' It is a huge liability if the lift is not shut off and locked out.


==Parts of the Lift==
==Parts of the Lift==
*The posts
* The posts
*The pistons
* The hydraulic pistons
*The swing arms
* The swing arm assembly: swing arms, lifting pads, risers, the locks
*Lifting pads
* The hydraulic motor, with lift button and lower lever
*The locks
 
*The hydraulic motor, with lift button and lower lever




==Steps for Raising the Car ==
==Steps for Raising the Car ==
#Clear surrounding area of any debris, equipment, etc.
# Clear surrounding area of any debris, equipment, etc.
#Drive car into the bay as centered between the posts as possible and so lift points are accessible by both arms.
# Drive the car into the bay centered between the posts so lift points are accessible by both arms.
#Position the lift arms under lift points on car.  Use risers if appropriate. Check that the arms will not hit or crush anything.
# Position the lifting pads under lift points on car.  Use risers if appropriate. Check that lifting pads are the only part in contact, arms of the lift should not be touching your car.
#Ensure doors are closed, any excess weight is removed from inside.
# Ensure doors are closed, any excess weight is removed from inside.
#Get key to the circuit breaker.
# Get the key to the circuit breaker. Open circuit box and switch lift circuit on.
#Open circuit box and switch lift circuit on.
# Raise the car slowly by pushing the button until all four wheels are an inch off the ground.
#Raise car slowly by pushing button until all four wheels are an inch off the ground.
# Shout “Lifting!” to warn others.
#Test stability by shaking car to insure it is firmly on the lift.  Test all four corners.
# Test stability by shaking car to ensure it is firmly on the lift.  Test all four corners, shake up and down, left to right, and front to back.  
#Raise car to desired height.
# Raise car to desired height. Shout “Lifting!” to warn others.
#Slowly lower car a bit until the safety locks on each side engage.
# Use the lever to slowly lower car until the safety locks on each side engage. Pay attention and ensure they engage at same height. Once the locks are engaged you can commence your work.




==While On the Lift==
*Make sure what you are doing will not remove weight that will cause the center of mass to shift and tip the car.
*Avoid hitting the lift arms or using force that could shift the car off of the lift arms.


==Steps for Lowering the Car==
# '''Clean up the surrounding area''' and make sure the bay is clear and nothing is underneath the car.
# '''Raise the car slightly''' to take pressure off of safety locks.
# Manually '''release the locks on BOTH sides''' of the lift.
# Lower the car slowly.
# Pull back the lift arms.  Replace the risers in the rack on the posts if they have been used.
# '''Switch off the circuit breaker.'''
# '''Lock the panel''' and '''return the key.'''
# Drive vehicle out of the bay.
# Do a final sweep of the area, clean up any spills, throw away any trash.


==Steps for Lowering the Car==
#Clean up the surrounding area and make sure the bay is clear.
#Raise the car slightly to take pressure off of safety locks.
#Manually release the catches on BOTH sides of the lift.
#Lower the car slowly.
#Pull back the lift arms.  Replace the risers if they have been used.
#Switch off the circuit breaker.
#Lock the panel and return the key.
#Drive vehicle out of the bay.
#Do a final sweep of the area, clean up any spills, throw away any trash.


==Additional Notes for Working on the Lift==
* '''If the locks are not even:''' to equalize the lift, run it with nothing on it. All the way up, all the way down. Repeat until the locks are engaging at the same level.
* Avoid removing things that may '''shift the center of mass''' and cause the car to tip.
* '''Avoid hitting the lift arms''' or using force that could shift the car off of the lift arms.
* Plan ahead! Research the repair you are doing, ensure you have all the parts, or have a plan to get parts.
* Plan for 2-5 times the amount of time you’ll think you need.
* If you have rusty parts you know need to come off, spray them with PB Blast at least a day in advance to help it come loose easier.


==Tips for Working on the Lift==
*Have a clear idea of what you are going to work on before you start.
*Acquire all parts you will need (to the best of your knowledge) before you start. Have options lined up to be able to go and get parts from the store like borrow a shop bike, or ask someone for a ride.
*Plan for twice the amount of time you’ll think you need.
*If you have rusty parts you know need to come off, spray them with PB Blast at least a day in advance to help it come loose easier.




==Stupid Stuff==
==NEVER Do These==
*NEVER try to lift a car with rusty rotted lift points or rocker panels.
* NEVER try to lift a car with rusty rotted lift points or rocker panels.
*NEVER lift a car with someone in it.
* NEVER lift a car with someone in it.
*Do not hit or drive over the lift arms.
* Do not hit or drive over the lift arms.
*Do not intentionally lower a car onto something.
* Do not intentionally lower a car onto something.
*Do not lift something other than a car.
* Do not lift something other than a car.
*Notify the manager if the lift key has been left in the panel or if the lift has been left on.
* '''Do not use wooden blocks, bricks''', or anything else between the lifting pads and the lift points.
*Don’t throw stuff in the trash can that doesn’t belong there. We have recycling bins for cardboard in the Classroom and Electronics Lab, and we have a metal scrap barrel. If it doesn’t belong in any of those receptacles, take it with you and dispose of it yourself.
*Do not use wooden blocks, bricks, or anything else between the lifting pads and the lift points.





Revision as of 10:07, 30 July 2022

Autolift.jpg

About this machine

  • Model: LFS-9
  • Two-post lift
  • Lifting capacity: 9000lbs
  • Pads - 3" x 5"

Auto Lift Safety Guide

Do not attempt to use the Auto Lift if you have not been cleared to use it. There is a $20 fee and a specific safety waiver associated with this safety checkout.


The auto lift is a great tool for automotive maintenance. Being able to freely access the underside of a vehicle with the wheels off the ground makes repair much easier. Because of the danger of having a vehicle overhead there are many precautions to take while operating a lift and working on a lifted car.

Safety

The most important thing is to make sure the vehicle is

  1. Within the weight limit of the lift. Our lift can handle up to 9000lbs.
  2. Safe to lift. Intact lift points, has lift points intact, parts will not fall off of it or interfere with the operation of the lift. If it is rusted out and could collapse, do not lift it.
  3. Secure on the lift. If it is not stable and secure it can slide off and kill you.


Policy

  1. Pack in, pack out. All shops have a pack-in pack-out policy, which means you need to make the space available for others to use when you are done for the day. This means vehicles must leave with you.
  2. If you get stuck: Sometimes a part breaks and you can’t get the vehicle home until the next day. If that happens, first send a message to the Manager informing him of the situation and how long it will be there.
    1. Try to get the vehicle off the lift and outside so the lift is available for other members.
    2. If you can’t take it off the lift, stick a note on the dashboard with your name and when it will be removed.
  3. Project Parking: For longer-term projects, you can rent a spot for $10/day for up to 2 weeks. Must be paid up front and planned ahead. Only one space available at a time.
  4. Trash: Recycling bins in the Classroom and out by the fence. Metal scrap barrel outside the garage bays. Oily rags can for fire safety. If it doesn’t belong in any of those receptacles, take it with you and dispose of it yourself.
  5. Waste oil and fluids: Take your oil and other fluids with you.
    1. Oil can be taken back to the store you bought it from, Precision Auto around the corner, garages, etc
    2. Do not leave “extra” fluids as a courtesy to other members - they will likely not get used before they expire, turning into hazardous waste that the Makerspace then has to dispose of.
  6. Leave the shop cleaner than you found it. Sweep up any debris when you’re done, throw trash away, clean off tools that got greasy, clean up oil spills with oil absorber.
  7. Notify the manager if the lift key has been left in the panel or if the lift has been left on. It is a huge liability if the lift is not shut off and locked out.

Parts of the Lift

  • The posts
  • The hydraulic pistons
  • The swing arm assembly: swing arms, lifting pads, risers, the locks
  • The hydraulic motor, with lift button and lower lever


Steps for Raising the Car

  1. Clear surrounding area of any debris, equipment, etc.
  2. Drive the car into the bay centered between the posts so lift points are accessible by both arms.
  3. Position the lifting pads under lift points on car. Use risers if appropriate. Check that lifting pads are the only part in contact, arms of the lift should not be touching your car.
  4. Ensure doors are closed, any excess weight is removed from inside.
  5. Get the key to the circuit breaker. Open circuit box and switch lift circuit on.
  6. Raise the car slowly by pushing the button until all four wheels are an inch off the ground.
  7. Shout “Lifting!” to warn others.
  8. Test stability by shaking car to ensure it is firmly on the lift. Test all four corners, shake up and down, left to right, and front to back.
  9. Raise car to desired height. Shout “Lifting!” to warn others.
  10. Use the lever to slowly lower car until the safety locks on each side engage. Pay attention and ensure they engage at same height. Once the locks are engaged you can commence your work.


Steps for Lowering the Car

  1. Clean up the surrounding area and make sure the bay is clear and nothing is underneath the car.
  2. Raise the car slightly to take pressure off of safety locks.
  3. Manually release the locks on BOTH sides of the lift.
  4. Lower the car slowly.
  5. Pull back the lift arms. Replace the risers in the rack on the posts if they have been used.
  6. Switch off the circuit breaker.
  7. Lock the panel and return the key.
  8. Drive vehicle out of the bay.
  9. Do a final sweep of the area, clean up any spills, throw away any trash.


Additional Notes for Working on the Lift

  • If the locks are not even: to equalize the lift, run it with nothing on it. All the way up, all the way down. Repeat until the locks are engaging at the same level.
  • Avoid removing things that may shift the center of mass and cause the car to tip.
  • Avoid hitting the lift arms or using force that could shift the car off of the lift arms.
  • Plan ahead! Research the repair you are doing, ensure you have all the parts, or have a plan to get parts.
  • Plan for 2-5 times the amount of time you’ll think you need.
  • If you have rusty parts you know need to come off, spray them with PB Blast at least a day in advance to help it come loose easier.


NEVER Do These

  • NEVER try to lift a car with rusty rotted lift points or rocker panels.
  • NEVER lift a car with someone in it.
  • Do not hit or drive over the lift arms.
  • Do not intentionally lower a car onto something.
  • Do not lift something other than a car.
  • Do not use wooden blocks, bricks, or anything else between the lifting pads and the lift points.


Other Safety Information