Automotive Lift Institute (ALI)
North American Lift Standards
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The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) was formed in 1945 to ensure that lifts were being constructed to adequate safety standards. Rotary Lit was one of the founding members, and has been active in the organization for over 50 years. Through the years, ALI sponsored nationally accepted construction and performance standards.
In 1992, the ALI and its members began a rigorous testing and certification program for lifts. The program uses an independent third-party testing laboratory called ETL. ETL meets OSHA requirements as one of only 12 nationally recognized testing laboratories in the country. ETL tests the lifts to insure compliance with the American National Standard ANSI/ALI ALCTB-1998 and ANSI UL Standard 201 and periodically inspects the factory where the lifts are made. If the lift passes the test and the factory meets the standards, then the lift may carry the gold "ALI Ceritified/ETL Listed Mark."
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An ALI/ETL certification also requires that complete instructions, manuals and safety documents be included with the lift. It’s important for a lift buyer to understand that just because a lift manufacturer states that a lift is ALI/ETL certified, it is no guarantee that all of their lifts are certified. Each individual lift model must receive is own ALI/ETL certification.
Today, a majority of the lifts sold in the U.S. and Canada are ALI/ETL certified. This makes it very easy for dealers to enjoy the confidence and peace of mind that comes with selecting certified lifts for their shop. Are the non-certified lifts safe? Will they stand up to long term use? E.K. Fox, president of ALI states, "The proof is in the testing! Maybe they’re safe, maybe not. Without that ALI/ETL seal on the label, you can’t really know for certain what you’re getting yourself into."
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