STEVENSVILLE, Md. — Heavy-duty truck and bus lift manufacturer Stertil-Koni is circulating seven steps the company says commercial vehicle operators should be taking to ensure the best performance and safety of maintenance facilities.
Company President Jean DellAmore said this “strongly disciplined approach,” also listed in the upcoming June edition of School Transportation News magazine, should be a priority for all heavy-duty operators.
“It helps service technicians perform regular maintenance more easily, thereby ensuring the longevity of vehicles and equipment,” said DellAmore, who penned a related Analysis column in next month’s magazine edition. “A well-designed lifting system also reduces downtime and contributes to a safer and more efficient working environment.”
The first element is weight capacity, which DellAmore said should always be double-checked to the weight of the heaviest vehicle that an operator intends to lift for maintenance work. He recommended that each vehicle lift be certified to meet or exceed the highest weight threshold.
Next, he said the facility’s ceiling height should be measured before selecting mobile, two-post, four-post, in-ground scissor or piston-style lifts to ensure the tallest vehicle fits when fully lifted. This, the company said, ensures not only the vehicle, lift or structural integrity of the facility remains undamaged but also allows technicians to work comfortably under the vehicle.
The third recommendation is to ensure that mobile column lifts are used on a firm foundation and on level ground. Stertil-Koni added that users should be aware of wind loads when lifting outdoors, personnel should remain clear of the vehicle and that the wheels are properly engaged with the lift forks when the vehicle is being raised.
For in-ground piston lifts, operators should check that the contact points are properly positioned.
Next, the company said that operators should select lifts that prohibit unauthorized access with locked controls or security keys. Additionally, the stability of the lift should factor into lift selection so that synchronization starts immediately when the lift goes into motion and continues throughout the full range of lift travel.
This, Stertil-Koni added, ensures safe and smooth lifting and lowering cycles, especially when vehicle weight distribution is unequal. The company also recommended mechanical locking systems on the lift to make sure it starts near the floor and continues until the entire height of the lift is reached.
Stertil-Koni also said mobile lifts can provide additional safety features because certain 24-volt direct current systems do not require interconnecting cables that can increase the risk of technicians tripping.
Lastly, the company said all lifts should be third-party tested and certified, receive an annual certified lift inspection and under go regularly scheduled maintenance.
