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
Lift Manufacturers Offer Operating and Maintenance Manuals
By Thomas A. Westerkamp, - November 2008 - Equipment Rental & Tools
Lift manufacturers offer detailed operating and maintenance manuals with their units. These manuals contain very complete step-by-step instructions for use and care. Following these instructions gives operators a strong program to ensure safe, efficient use.
One manufacturer’s maintenance schedule sets six intervals for regular maintenance — pre-start, weekly preventive maintenance, monthly preventive maintenance, pre-delivery or frequent inspection, annual inspection, and inspections every two years.
Pre-start maintenance applies to each use or when an operator change occurs. Pre-delivery or frequent inspections refer to each new or used sale, as well as in-service and out-of-service periods. Each check also includes the responsible person, qualifications required to perform the service, and required manuals.
The manufacturer divides schedules depending on the specific lift type and component — boom assembly, turntable assembly, chassis assembly, controls, power system, hydraulic system, and electrical system. Each systems further subdivides into components.
The manual’s maintenance matrix contains codes describing the action to take for each component and schedule intervals. For example, codes for the weekly cylinder check indicate the required actions are checking for proper and secure installation, making sure cylinders are clean and free of debris, and checking for leakage. Detailed instructions also are available for proper operation, such as a drift test that ensures the platform remains at the desired height for extended periods during operation.
