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

The safe use of two-post above-ground automotive lifts (2PAG lifts) has received particular attention in the province of Québec (Canada) following the death of a young mechanic. The inspection and preventive maintenance of this equipment is a problem highlighted in accident investigation reports and by representatives of the sector. Therefore, the work presented in this article aimed at proposing a complete and detailed inspection grid for 2PAG lifts by establishing an exhaustive list of verification criteria, baseline states and the inspection frequency for each criterion according to their criticality. The grid was built from standards, existing grids, manufacturers' manuals, interviews and tests. The inspection frequency for each criterion was established using a decision-making algorithm, notably using the concepts of progressive and sudden failures as well as redundancy. Twenty-three of the 74 inspection criteria established in the grid require routine monitoring.