As a garage owner, it's your responsibility to ensure that all the equipment in your workshop is safe and in good working order. This includes your two post lifts, which you use for lifting cars and carrying out repairs underneath them. It's crucial to understand the legal requirements for maintaining and testing your two post lifts to avoid accidents and ensure your business compliance. Thankfully we can make the process of your LOLER & Service as easy and smooth as possible.

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) 1998 is a health and safety regulation that requires businesses to ensure their equipment is safe to use. The LOLER regulation requires that all lifting equipment is thoroughly examined by a competent person at least once a year. This is also a requirement under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER).

The inspection can cause some downtime, but it is crucial in preventing future accidents, identifying potential problems, making sure lifts are accurate in regards to the stated lifting weight capacity and ensuring equipment complies with industry rules and regulations. A typical garage lift service will include the following:

1. Standard Service Inspection

Standard service looks for issues specific to the function and wear and tear. These services will typically include visual checks for any visible damage to specific parts such as hydraulic hoses and cables, worn or damaged pulleys, cables, and rollers.

2. Structural Inspection

A competent engineer will conduct this type of inspection. The engineer checks the lift is correctly installed, and that the anchor bolts are in good condition and inspect the lift's column and overhead beam for cracks or any other signs of structural damage.

3. Load Testing

Load testing checks the lift's weight-bearing capacity. Tests may consist of running loaded cars and adding static weights to the carriages. The service provider will determine if the lift can safely handle this weight or if it needs repairs or part replacements.

It's crucial to select the right service provider to carry out your two post-lift inspections. The site engineer should be skilled, knowledgeable, and have experience testing different types of two-post lifts. They should have a deep understanding of the LOLER regulations and the specific requirements around garage equipment maintenance. JHM Butt & Co Ltd have been successful for over 50 years in the automotive market and has a dedicated team of experts in LOLERs & Services.

In conclusion, ensuring that your two post lifts meet these requirements is essential. It guarantees the safety of your customers' vehicles, ensures the safety of your workforce and protects you legally. A proper maintenance and testing schedule keeps your lifts in top working condition and improves their lifespan and your profit margins. Besides, by conducting these scheduled maintenance works regularly, you show your customers that you prioritize their safety, which can help foster trust and loyalty.

For more information about LOLER & Services for your garage equipment please contact us on 01302 710 868.