Safe Work Procedure: Automotive Vehicle Lifting

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the necessary steps and safety precautions for the safe lifting of automotive vehicles using designated vehicle lifts. It applies to all personnel involved in vehicle lifting activities within [COMPANY NAME] in Indiana. This procedure aims to prevent injuries, equipment damage, and property loss by providing a standardized approach to vehicle lifting. This SWP does not cover lifting procedures for machinery or equipment other than automotive vehicles. Consult the manufacturer's guidelines and related procedures for specific lifting equipment and tasks.

2. Definitions

Vehicle Lift: A mechanical device used to raise a vehicle off the ground to provide access for inspection, maintenance, or repair.

Rated Capacity: The maximum weight a vehicle lift is designed to safely lift and hold, as specified by the manufacturer [1].

Competent Person: An individual who is capable of identifying existing and predictable hazards in the surroundings or working conditions which are unsanitary, hazardous, or dangerous to employees, and who has authorization to take prompt corrective measures to eliminate them [1].

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Ensure that all workers are properly trained and competent to operate vehicle lifts safely.
Conduct regular inspections of vehicle lifts and ensure they are properly maintained.
Enforce adherence to this SWP and all related safety policies.
Provide workers with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensure its proper use.

3.2 Workers

Inspect the vehicle lift before each use and report any defects or malfunctions to the supervisor.
Use the vehicle lift only for its intended purpose and within its rated capacity [1].
Follow all steps outlined in this SWP and any other relevant safety procedures.
Wear the required PPE at all times while operating or working near the vehicle lift.
Immediately report any incidents, near-misses, or hazards to the supervisor.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Conduct periodic audits of vehicle lifting operations to ensure compliance with this SWP and relevant regulations.
Investigate incidents and near-misses related to vehicle lifting and recommend corrective actions.
Provide guidance and support to supervisors and workers on safety-related matters.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Vehicle Instability	Vehicle falling off the lift, causing serious injury or death	Ensure vehicle is properly positioned and secured on the lift. Do not exceed the lift's rated capacity [1].
Mechanical Failure	Lift collapsing or malfunctioning, causing vehicle to fall	Regularly inspect and maintain the lift according to the manufacturer's instructions. Remove damaged lifts from service.
Improper Use	Damage to the vehicle, lift, or surrounding area	Only trained and authorized personnel should operate the lift. Follow the manufacturer's operating instructions.
Pinch Points	Crushing injuries to hands or other body parts	Be aware of pinch points when operating the lift. Keep hands and body parts clear of moving parts.
Electrical Hazards	Electric shock or electrocution	Ensure the lift is properly grounded. Do not use the lift in wet or damp conditions.
Slips, Trips, and Falls	Injuries due to slips, trips, or falls around the lift area	Keep the work area clean and free of obstructions. Wear slip-resistant footwear.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Always use the appropriate PPE for the task.

Safety Glasses - To protect eyes from debris and splashes.
Steel-toed Boots - To protect feet from falling objects and crushing hazards.
Gloves - To protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure.
Hearing Protection - To protect hearing from excessive noise levels.
High-Visibility Vest - To increase visibility in the work area.

Inspect all PPE before use for any damage or defects. Replace damaged PPE immediately. Clean and store PPE properly after use.

6. Equipment and Tools

Always use the correct equipment and tools for the task.

Vehicle Lift - To raise the vehicle to the desired height for inspection or repair.
Wheel Chocks - To prevent the vehicle from rolling while on the lift.
Jack Stands - To provide additional support for the vehicle while on the lift.
Torque Wrench - To tighten fasteners to the specified torque.
Inspection Tools - Flashlights, mirrors, and other tools for inspecting the vehicle.

Inspect all equipment and tools before use for any damage or defects. Remove damaged equipment from service. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and maintenance.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All personnel operating vehicle lifts must be trained and certified in their safe operation.
Training must include the proper use of the lift, inspection procedures, and emergency procedures.
Operators must demonstrate competency in operating the lift before being authorized to use it.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing with all personnel involved in the lifting operation.
Review the scope of the work, potential hazards, and control measures.
Ensure that everyone understands their roles and responsibilities.
Discuss emergency procedures and communication protocols.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure the work area is clean, dry, and free of obstructions.
Inspect the vehicle lift for any damage or defects. Remove the lift from service if any issues are found.
Verify that the lift's rated capacity is sufficient for the vehicle being lifted [1].
Position the vehicle on the lift according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Use wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

8.1 Vehicle Inspection and Preparation

Inspect the vehicle for any loose items or unsecured components.
Remove any items that could fall or interfere with the lifting operation [2].
Check the vehicle's weight and ensure it does not exceed the lift's rated capacity [1].

8.2 Lift Positioning and Setup

Position the vehicle lift according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Ensure the lift is on a level surface and is stable.
Adjust the lift arms to properly contact the vehicle's lifting points.

8.3 Vehicle Lifting

Slowly and carefully raise the vehicle to the desired height.
Monitor the vehicle's stability during the lifting process.
If any instability is detected, immediately lower the vehicle and correct the issue.

8.4 Securing the Vehicle

Once the vehicle is at the desired height, engage the lift's safety locks.
Place jack stands under the vehicle's frame for additional support.
Ensure the vehicle is stable and secure before beginning any work.

8.5 Lowering the Vehicle

Before lowering the vehicle, ensure that the area underneath is clear of personnel and obstructions.
Slowly and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.
Remove the jack stands and disengage the lift's safety locks.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Never exceed the lift's rated capacity - Overloading the lift can cause it to fail, resulting in serious injury or death [1].
Always use safety locks - Engage the lift's safety locks after raising the vehicle to the desired height.
Never work under a vehicle that is not properly supported - Use jack stands to provide additional support for the vehicle.
Keep the work area clean and free of obstructions - A cluttered work area can increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Inspect the lift regularly - Report any damage or defects to the supervisor immediately.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of an emergency, immediately stop work and assess the situation.
Evacuate the area if necessary.
Call for emergency assistance if required.
Provide first aid to any injured personnel.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Vehicle Falling Off Lift - Evacuate the area immediately and call for emergency assistance. Do not attempt to move the vehicle or lift without proper equipment and training.
Lift Malfunction - Stop using the lift and tag it out of service. Report the malfunction to the supervisor and arrange for repairs.
Electrical Shock - Immediately shut off the power to the lift. Do not touch the person or the lift until the power is off. Call for emergency assistance.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[COMPANY NAME] Safety Department: [PHONE NUMBER]
[SUPERVISOR NAME]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately. The supervisor will investigate the incident and take corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

Vehicle Lift Manufacturer's Operating Manual
[COMPANY NAME] Safety Policy
OSHA 29 CFR 1926

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]