Where do I find an OSHA certified Lift Inspector?
There is no such thing as an OSHA certified lift inspector. Should anyone other than an employee of OSHA present such a claim, realize this is a false and misleading statement.
OSHA is not in the business of certifying automotive lift products or automotive lift inspectors.
The Automotive Lift Institute offers the only independent, third-party lift inspector certification program meeting the requirements of ANSI/ALI ALOIM-(current edition).
Does OSHA require automotive lift inspection?
OSHA has no regulations that speak directly to the subject of vehicle lifts. However, the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, signed into law March 7, 1996, allows for government organizations including OSHA to apply nationally recognized standards such as ANSI/ALI ALOIM (current edition) to satisfy its safety mission by suggesting the use of such requirements to abate infractions cited under the existing OSHA regulations.
What about ANSI and OSHA claims made by Lift Inspectors?
ANSI Compliance Claims:
Claims stating “ANSI certified” are invalid. Claims that state “Meets all ANSI standards” are meaningless.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) oversees the creation, promulgation and use of thousands of norms and guidelines that directly impact businesses in nearly every sector.
ANSI does not perform product compliance evaluations, inspection services for hire, and does not provide product certification. In order to comply with the requirements of ANSI/ALI ALCTV, third-party testing and certification is required. ALI’s automotive lift certification program meets this requirement.
OSHA Compliance Claims:
Claims stating “OSHA certified” are invalid. Claims that state “Meets all OSHA requirements” are meaningless.
There are no OSHA requirements at the Federal level specifically citing a provision for automotive lifts. However, OSHA references the General Duty Clause [Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Health Act of 1970] when issuing citations or requesting abatement for automotive lift operations where there is an observed lack of maintenance or training, or when investigating an accident involving the automotive lift, the operator, or the raised vehicle. Authority within the General Duty Clause to reference ANSI/ALI National Standards is vested within the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 that was signed into law on March 7, 1996.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) does not perform product compliance evaluations, inspection services for hire, and does not provide product certification.
The ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program received ANSI accreditation in September 2015 and ALI was granted permission to use the “ANSI Accredited Certification Program” mark.
These ANSI programs have been established to provide government, industry and those purchasing and using automotive lifts with confidence in the competence of third-party product certification programs like ALI’s Automotive Lift Certification Program and Lift Inspector Certification Program.
Am I required to have my Lifts Inspected?
ANSI/ALI ALOIM (current edition) , the American National Standard outlining the safety requirements for proper vehicle lift operation, inspection and maintenance, requires that a “qualified lift inspector” inspect every lift at least annually.
For years, lift owners were left to find and evaluate “qualified lift inspectors” on their own with no uniform standards or guidance. With the introduction of the ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program, lift owners now have a trusted third-party source to find local lift inspectors who have been tested and found qualified to inspect any lift.
The ALI Lift Certification Program received ANSI accreditation in November 2001 and ALI was granted permission to use the “ANSI Accredited Certification Program” mark.
How do I protect my company from substandard or “bait and switch” services?
Demanding an inspection that complies with ALI’s Inspector Certification Program ensures an evaluation has been conducted in accordance with all requirements of the American National Standard ANSI/ALI ALOIM (current edition) and the Manufacturer’s requirements.
Demanding placement of ALI’s Annual Inspection Label on each lift successfully passing the annual inspection provides you, your employees and customers, as well as Authorities Having Jurisdiction (such as Insurance Carriers, Building Code Officials, and Health and Safety Officials) with documented independent, third-party assurance the lift is safe to operate.
Lift safety is a critical element of employee safety in the lift bay. The increased focus on annual inspection of automotive lifts has brought an increase in unqualified individuals and companies providing substandard lift inspection services. Unfortunately, some instances of “bait and switch” inspection services being provided by inspection companies with at least one ALI Certified Lift Inspector have been reported. The Institute’s Lift Inspector Certification Program does not recognize or support the practice of offering different levels of annual safety inspection based on a combination of price appeal or fewer inspection points than those defined by the manufacturer of the lift or the American National Safety Standard. Complaints of this practice should be provided with direct evidence to ALI for investigation.
Beware of other inspection labels intending to mislead or failing to clearly indicate compliance with ANSI/ALI ALOIM (current edition). The requirements allowing placement of ALI’s Annual Inspection Label as representing a demonstration of compliance with ANSI/ALI ALOIM are documented throughout ALI’s Website and the Certification Program Manual. Become familiar with the inspection and operator training requirements found within ANSI/ALI ALOIM – Be an educated buyer of lift inspection services!