Make sure employees evenly balance the lift for different types of vehicle and where major components (eg a gearbox) have been removed - knowing where the centre of gravity is important to prevent cars falling from a vehicle lift.

Follow the manufacturer's instructions and replace consumable items, such as lifting pads, before they become unsafe

Vehicle lifts need to be kept in good order.

Maintain lifting equipment and train operators to use it correctly

Regularly check the fixing bolts with a torque wrench to ensure they remain tight.

Once installed, the lift must be tested before it is used by a competent person, who will issue a certificate.

Make sure the floor and fixings meet the lift manufacturer's specification - if in doubt get specialist advice! Car with trolley jack and axle stand on a firm, level surface Collapsed two-post lift Make sure lifting equipment is correctly installed

Ensure that vehicles are always properly supported - do not rely on jacks alone.

Do not exceed the rated capacity (safe working load) of any lifting equipment.

Make sure that all lifting points for jacks and stands are correct for that vehicle - consult the vehicle manufacturer's handbook for guidance.

Securely chock wheels remaining on the ground.

Use stands on a hard, level surface eg concrete and avoid lifting on sloping ground.

Use the correct pins for axle stands - screwdrivers, nails and bolts are not acceptable.

Make sure there are safe working procedures in place when moving heavy loads, particularly when they are raised.

In particular, you should consider the following issues (more detail can be found in HSG261) Use equipment correctly Don't be tempted to take short cuts or use inappropriate equipment to lift heavy items. You must always use the right equipment for the job. Unfortunately, serious and fatal accidents happen every year even though the dangers and precautions are well known. Vehicles falling/rolling off incorrectly positioned jacks or stands, particularly where they are not chocked, are one of the main causes of fatal accidents in MVR. Working beneath a vehicle is often required to check for faults, servicing and repairs etc but because these tasks are so common people get used to working under potentially lethal weights. Lifting plant and equipment can cause accidents if they are used unsafely or poorly maintained.

Check equipment regularly and get it inspected.

Maintain lifting equipment and train operators to use it correctly.

Make sure lifting equipment is correctly installed.

Repair or recovery of buses and coaches fitted with air suspension.

Overview - Roadside repair and recovery.

Tyre removal, replacement and inflation.

Measuring paint spray booth clearance time.

Safety in the use of two-post vehicle lifts.Harmful dusts - Inhalation and Dermatitis risks.Cleaning/degreasing substances including valeting.

Fatally missing blocks and items