Personnel Lifts: Boosting Efficiency and Safety

Part 1: Lift Specification: Key Considerations

Part 2: Proper Inspection Ensures Safer Lift Operations

Part 3: How to Prevent Electrocution When Operating Lifts

Part 4: Training Workers Improves Personnel Lift Safety

Part 5: Lift Manufacturers Offer Operating and Maintenance Manuals

Part 6: Provide Technicians with Detailed Lift Instruction Manuals

Provide Technicians with Detailed Lift Instruction Manuals

By Thomas A. Westerkamp, - November 2008 - Equipment Rental & Tools

While it seems like stating the obvious, manuals always should be easily accessible. In spite of this obvious truth, technicians too often are frustrated by the lack of manuals, which tend to be lost or hidden away in a locker, bookshelf or desk. Even the most experienced technician is at a great disadvantage without them.

One useful feature of operation and maintenance manuals is written instructions that refer to drawings, either cutaway sections or three-dimensional illustrations. The illustrations number each component, and instructions refer to the part numbers to help technicians identify the component during assembly or disassembly. Part numbers also are essential for ordering replacements or obtaining them from the storeroom.

Clear instructions for safely performing each step for operation and maintenance are critical for ensuring worker efficiency, the safety and health of operators and technicians, and a long performance life for the lift at a reasonable cost.