Risk-based inspection applied to two-post above-ground automotive lifts

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Mechanical Engineering
• Risk Management

Background:

• Tragic accidents involving two-post above-ground automotive lifts (2PAG lifts) have heightened safety concerns in Québec, Canada.
• Inadequate inspection and preventive maintenance of 2PAG lifts are recurring issues identified in accident reports and industry feedback.
• The need for standardized, thorough inspection protocols for 2PAG lifts is critical to prevent workplace injuries and fatalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive and detailed inspection grid for two-post above-ground automotive lifts (2PAG lifts).
• To establish an exhaustive list of verification criteria, baseline states, and inspection frequencies based on criticality.
• To improve the safe operation and maintenance of 2PAG lifts in automotive environments.

Main Methods:

• The inspection grid was compiled using a multi-faceted approach, incorporating industry standards, existing inspection checklists, manufacturer manuals, expert interviews, and practical testing.
• A decision-making algorithm was employed to determine the appropriate inspection frequency for each criterion.
• The algorithm considered concepts of progressive and sudden failure modes, as well as system redundancy.

Main Results:

• A complete inspection grid comprising 74 distinct verification criteria for 2PAG lifts was successfully developed.
• The study identified 23 specific inspection criteria that necessitate routine monitoring to ensure ongoing equipment safety.
• The established inspection frequencies are based on a systematic analysis of failure modes and equipment reliability.

Conclusions:

• The proposed inspection grid provides a robust framework for the systematic assessment of 2PAG lifts.
• Implementing this grid can significantly enhance the safety and reliability of automotive lifts, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Routine monitoring of critical inspection points is essential for proactive maintenance and accident prevention in workshops utilizing 2PAG lifts.