STEVENSVILLE, MD - Heavy duty lift leader Stertil-Koni announced that it has initiated a major new program among its distributor network to boost enrollment and participation in the recently launched Lift Inspector Certification Program, designed and run by the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI).

The stakes are high and the program is a first.  According to ALI, the organization developed the new Lift Inspector Certification Program “in response to growing demand from businesses that use vehicle lifts, as well as the governmental health and safety organizations that monitor them.”  ALI notes that annual vehicle lift inspections conducted by a “qualified automotive lift inspector” are required by the ANSI National Standard covering vehicle lift operation, inspection, and maintenance (ANSI/ALI ALOIM: 2008) and are included by reference in regulations in the U.S. and Canada.  That said, until now there have been no national vehicle lift inspection licensing or certification programs.

“The new Certification Program,” explains ALI president, Bob O’Gorman,  “will provide third-party assurance that a Certified Lift Inspector has been tested and proven competent to thoroughly inspect an installed vehicle lift and report on its suitability for continued use and/or the need for maintenance or repair.”

Stertil-Koni president, Dr. Jean DellAmore embraces the initiative.  “Lift safety is our top priority.  That is precisely why we strongly support ALI in its mission to expand the number of trained and certified lift inspectors. These professionals are essential to conducting critical performance evaluations on vehicle lifts of all types.”  For its part, Stertil-Koni has announced 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.

The ALI Lift Inspector Certification Program is open to anyone with at least 12 months experience as a vehicle lift inspector.  Candidates participate in workshops, a written pre-course exam, a final exam and documented practical experience.