LAS VEGAS —The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) recently kicked off what it called “the world’s first third-party vehicle lift inspector certification program.”

ALI launched the program on Oct. 31 with an event at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas. More than 300 industry professionals, including lift inspector candidates, ALI members and vehicle repair business executives, attended the ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program orientation. The event concluded with a surprise visit from seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty.

ALI officials said that until now, there have been no independent national vehicle lift inspection licensing or certification programs.

“As OSHA and other health and safety officers have stepped up enforcement of lift safety and inspection standards in recent years, the demand for qualified lift inspectors has grown,” ALI President R.W. “Bob” O’Gorman said. “Unfortunately, lift inspection companies haven’t had an independent means to demonstrate to customers that their inspectors are qualified to perform annual lift inspections. The new ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program provides third-party assurance that an ALI certified lift inspector has been proven competent to thoroughly inspect any vehicle lift.”

ALI officials said that the organization has invested more than $700,000 to develop the program, which includes extensive reference and testing materials.

For more information about the ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program, go here.

In related news, heavy duty lift manufacturer Stertil-Koni announced on Tuesday that it has initiated a new program in its distributor network to boost enrollment and participation in the ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program.

Stertil-Koni said that 15 independent companies in its distributor network have technicians that have successfully completed the program or are now enrolled in the current ALI training and certification course.

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