100 Lift Inspectors Across U.S. And Canada Now Certified By ALI

The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) has certified the 100th lift inspector through the ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program, making it easier than ever for lift owners to find qualified individuals to perform mandated annual lift inspections.

The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) has certified the 100th lift inspector through the ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program, making it easier than ever for lift owners to find qualified individuals to perform mandated annual lift inspections.

Nicholas Lewandowski of Allied, Inc. in Ann Arbor, Mich., is the 100th lift inspector to complete the program. More than 650 additional candidates, representing 417 companies across the United States and Canada, are enrolled in the program and working toward certification. Enrollment grew significantly in the final week of 2013, when 45 new companies signed up.

“2013 was the first full year of the Lift Inspector Certification Program and we made great progress,” says R.W. “Bob” O’Gorman, ALI president. “We set out to build a resource for lift users, and there is now a stable of 100 Certified Lift Inspectors ready to provide service whenever and wherever inspections are needed. I’m happy to welcome Nicholas to the Certified Inspector family and look forward to hitting many more milestones as the current candidates work their way through the program.”

Annual lift inspections help protect service technicians by ensuring that the lifts they work under are installed correctly, functioning properly and adequately maintained. The inspections are required to be conducted on an annual basis by ANSI/ALI ALOIM:2008, the national standard covering vehicle lift operation, inspection and maintenance. Before the ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program was created, there was no national independent vehicle lift inspection licensing or certification program. Lift users were on their own to find inspectors and evaluate their qualifications. According to O’Gorman, as North American health and safety officials increased their focus on vehicle service providers, the need for a unified, third-party pool of inspectors became apparent.

The ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program was launched in late 2012. Lift inspectors certified by ALI have been tested to prove they are competent to thoroughly inspect vehicle lifts in accordance with the ANSI standard governing vehicle lift inspection and in support of OSHA’s General Duty Clause, as well as provincial requirements in Canada.

Every participant who completes the certification program is entered into ALI’s searchable online database, making it easy for lift users to find inspectors. To locate an inspector in your region, visit www.autolift.org/inspectors.php, enter a U.S. ZIP or Canadian postal code and select a geographical radius. Each entry includes the inspector’s individual certification number, company, contact information and photo.

For more information about the ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program, visit www.autolift.org/certified-inspectors.php. To learn more about ALI, visit www.autolift.org or call (607) 756-7775. You can also connect with ALI on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LiftInstitute, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LiftInstitute, and on YouTube at www.youtube.com/LiftInstitute.

You May Also Like

When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

Will You Adapt And Cope With Changing Technology?

I remember my boss complaining that electronic ignition was going to destroy our business back in the mid-’70s. “They are taking away our tune up business,” he would say. In some ways, he was right. Technology and change are things we can’t control. In fact, “change” is perhaps the one thing we can count on. And, as in life, it’s how we deal with change that matters.

The Secret To Price Advertising

Believe it or not, price advertising is a good thing. I am sure you will agree, everyone likes to find a good value, and price advertising lets people in your community know that you are looking for ways to help them save money. The problem most shop owners come across is that they’re unsure of exactly how to price advertise.

Phone Shoppers Made Easy

Although there is no silver bullet that will allow you to bring in every first-time caller, there are a number of things you can do to get more appointments. In this article, I would like to share some of the best practices your advisors can use that will generate immediate results.

The True Cost Of Comebacks

Comebacks are a hot topic today. You need to track all comebacks, determine the reason (tech error, part error, training issue, other) and then calculate the true cost of the comeback.

Other Posts
Want To Increase A/C Sales?

Have your techs, as part of their preliminary checks, turn on the A/C and see if the system is working. Is the compressor turning on? Are all the fan speeds working? Is the system getting cold? Is there a smell from the vents?

Call For Entries For The ATMC National Excellence In Training Awards

The Automotive Training Managers Council (ATMC) has issued a call for entries for the 2014 National Excellence in Training Awards. The annual program is designed to highlight the importance of training to the success of the transportation industry by honoring highly effective or innovative training programs. The awards are open to any person or entity providing training in the industry.

CARS 2014: ‘Not Your Father’s Oldsmobile’

From ASA comes word that CARS this year “is not your father’s Oldsmobile.” This year’s CARS will be held July 30-Aug. 2 in Detroit and, for the first time, the focus will be on younger techs. Each program at CARS this year has been handpicked with an eye toward making your shop better, said Donny Seyfer, chairman-elect of the Automotive Service Association, which sponsors CARS.

GAAS Attendees Get ‘Connected’ In Chicago

Attendees of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium’s (GAAS) 2014 Connected conference were engaged in a range of high-level topics affecting the automotive aftermarket now and in the future.