Lifting Machinery in the Automotive Industry of South Africa

The Driven machinery regulations and the South African National Standard # 71

There has been much debate over this subject for many years, most of which stemmed from the existence of two separate pieces of legislation, applying to the Lifting equipment typically used in the Automotive industry. Both of these pieces of legislation form part of the Department of Labour, Occupational Health and Safety Act. 1993 (as amended).

Four Post Lift Repairs

The legislation in discussion here both of which apply separately, under the OHS Act. are known as the:

Driven Machinery Regulations (Specifically section 18, lifting machines, hand-powered lifting devices and lifting tackle).

South African National Standards # 71 (Inspection and Testing of Vehicle Hoists).


Two Post Lift Repairs and Servicing

The confusion in the interpretation of the application of both sections of the legislation can be clarified through the understanding that whilst the DMR is quoted directly in the OHS Act. the SANS 71 is included under a Government Notice R542 titled “Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993, Incorporation of Safety Standards”. Notice 542 (Included hereunder) clearly states that the schedule of standards attached, of which there are 14 inclusions, are to be incorporated into the DMR 2015.

So let’s first of all determine what the range of lifting equipment is that is included in this discussion:

• Bottle Jacks
• Trolley Jacks
• Centre Lift Jacks
• Single Post Vehicle Lifts
• Two Post Vehicle Lifts
• Four Post Vehicle Lifts
• Vehicle Scissor Lifts

mid rise lift repairs and servicing

There is no relief from the demands of the legislation for any form of lifting equipment in the industry, this means all lifts and jacks need to be inspected and tested annually. For a long time it was assumed that low level lifts, that lifted less than 1 meter, were exempt from testing, this is not the case as there is no distinction made anywhere in the legislation for height of lift.

So to now refer back to the context of the legislation, as interpreted as clearly as possible. There are some basic fundamentals that are requirements of DMR18 and SANS 71. These relate to the following:

Maintenance for at least 10 years, of a register where all particulars of Examinations, Load/Performance Tests, Maintenance and or major repairs are recorded. (DMR 18.7.a, SANS 71.3.2)

All required markings relating to Safe working load, the manufacturers identification plate displaying the manufacturers name, the design standard, the serial number and country of origin, are clearly and permanently displayed/affixed on the Lifting Machine. (DMR 18.1 a,b,c, SANS 71.3.1)

All service, repair, inspection & testing documents of the lifting machinery must also be accessible to the inspector at all times. (DMR 18.7)

All operators’ manuals are accessible to the operators of the lifting machinery at all times.

All Operators are specifically trained in the use of the Lifting Machines. (DMR 18.11, SANS 71.3.1.a)

The Lifting equipment:

All lifting equipment must be examined every 6 Months (DMR 18.6, SANS 71. 4)
All lifting equipment must be examined, and Load/Performance tested every 12 months. (DMR 18.5, SANS 71.5)
All Lifting equipment must be examined and Load/Performance tested after any installation or major repair.


Lifting Equipment Repairs and Servicing

In other words all lifting equipment is to be serviced at least twice a year and then tested and inspected at least once a year.

Next in the determination of this legislation is, who can perform the service and who can perform the inspection and testing of the lifting equipment. It is important to note here that there are three different parties involved in the process.

Examination and repairs/servicing:
Can be performed as per the definition by a “competent person” who has appropriate qualifications and training as per the national legislation, (qualified mechanical technician).

The “Competent Person” unless registered as an LMI with ECSA cannot perform the Annual Load/Performance Testing


Scissor lift repairs and servicing

Inspection and Testing (LMI)

Can be performed by any registered LMI (lifting machinery inspector) who is currently registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa, who holds a certification specifically for the inspection of:

• vehicle hoists
• lifting machines, hand-powered
• lifting devices and lifting tackle


automotive lift servicing and repairs

An LMI may only function within the limitations of the category of registration of the LMI certification.(DMR 18.5.b)

See the list below of all LMI categories (As per ECSA), where the two pertaining to Jacks (14) and Vehicle hoists (17) are highlighted.


repair and servicing of jacks

The Lifting Machinery Entity (LME)
This is the Entity that has the competency and operational ability that is approved by the Department of Labour for the examination and testing of Lifting equipment (DMR 19, 21 & 22)

The competence is based on the status of the LMI of the entity.

Let us summarise the situation:
Examination, Services and Repairs can be conducted by a Qualified Mechanical Technician


Bottle Jack Repairs and Serviceing

Testing and inspection may only be performed by a registered LMI, who is certified to inspect the specific equipment type.

The LMI must be employed by or appointed by a Registered LME, which has produced proof of registration to the person to whom it intends rendering an examination or performance test. (DMR 19.4)


car lift services and repairs

Notwithstanding any of the foregoing information the overall compliance with the OHS Act. of 1993 requires the full compliance with the requirements of the DMR and SANS 71, which includes all the equipment previously mentioned.

Read more about

GOVERNMENT NOTICE, No. R. 542, DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ACT, 1993, INCORPORATION OF SAFETY STANDARDS