This past month, I had an opportunity to use a two-post lift at a local trade school while on a video shoot. I started to freeze up as I approached the column with the controls and hydraulic pump. I began to second-guess myself as to what lever disengaged the locks. How far up does it need to go before I can disengage the locks? Thanks to the laminated card attached to the lift, I eventually figured it out. But that moment of self-doubt was a good thing, and I probably need to have more moments like this. Let me explain.
During my 30-year career, I have always been scared of getting under a vehicle. It could be a jack or a lift, but the thought of getting crushed or dropping a vehicle is always there. Part of it stems from what happened when I was in high school.
A student went home at 3 p.m. and never made it back the next day. He was working on his car after school with just a hydraulic floor jack. He got under the car and started work. The jack began to lose pressure as time passed, thanks to worn-out seals. Before he knew it, the car had pinned him. As the jack sunk further, it started to crush his chest. After several hours, he could no longer breathe, due to the control arm pressing down on his chest. He was dead when his parents got home at 5:30 p.m.
Ever since this happened, I have constantly second-guessed myself when lifting a vehicle. Also, I think of the worst possible scenario. But this paranoia has served me well as a reminder to never take a lift or vehicle for granted.
After my experience with the lift at the trade school, I thought I might have become a little too comfortable using the lifts in the Babcox Garage. They are some of the best lifts in the industry and are only three years old. I know how they work and the different quirks of each lift. I have pulled countless numbers of vehicles off and on the lifts. But my fears of being crushed or dropping a vehicle have been bubbling to the surface recently.
Just one forgotten item can bring a car down on top of me or someone I’m working with. It could be a missed lock, poorly positioned vehicle or a misplaced lift arm that can make for a very bad day. Becoming too comfortable with a piece of equipment can lull you into not taking all the correct precautions, like looking at a lift guide to find the lifting points and center of gravity.
What did I do? I started to doubt myself again. There is no such thing as overthinking when lifting a vehicle. Inspect the vehicle, lift and read the manuals. Jiggle the car or truck a little bit when the wheels leave the ground if you must. Just never take getting under a vehicle for granted.
