How to Clean a Personnel Lift Safely

Regular cleaning helps keep a personnel lift presentable, easier to inspect, and in good operating condition. Dirt, oil, moisture, and debris may hide damaged parts or make the platform and access points slippery.

Always follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions for the exact machine model. Use only manufacturer-approved, nonflammable cleaning products.

Prepare the Lift for Cleaning

Before cleaning:

Park the lift on a firm, level surface

Fully lower the platform

Remove tools and materials

Switch off the machine

Remove the key or isolate the power as instructed

Keep unauthorized personnel away

Allow hot components to cool

Do not clean or work beneath an elevated platform unless the lifting structure is secured using the manufacturer-approved maintenance support.

Clean the Platform and Guardrails

Start by removing loose dust, packaging material, leaves, and other debris from the platform.

Use a soft brush or damp cloth to clean:

Platform floor

Guardrails

Entry gate

Steps and access points

Tool trays

Platform extension, if equipped

Pay special attention to oil, grease, water, and other substances that may create a slipping hazard. Standing and walking surfaces should remain clean and suitable for safe use.

Do not leave cleaning tools or loose materials on the platform after the work is complete.

Protect the Controls and Electrical Parts

Control panels, batteries, chargers, connectors, sensors, and electrical compartments require special care.

Avoid spraying water directly into:

Platform controls

Ground controls

Emergency-stop buttons

Electrical connectors

Battery compartments

Chargers

Diagnostic displays

Motors and wiring

Use a lightly damp cloth around these areas. Do not use high-pressure washing equipment unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.

Never apply cleaning liquid directly to an energized electrical component.

Clean the Mast, Chassis, and Wheels

Wipe dirt and dust from the mast, chassis, wheels, and accessible structural parts.

Check for:

Mud or debris around the wheels

Dirt near moving joints

Foreign objects around the mast

Oil collecting beneath the machine

Damaged cables or hoses

Loose or missing fasteners

Do not force dirt into bearings, seals, mast sections, or electrical components.

The exposed mast and lifting structure should be cleaned carefully without removing approved lubricant or applying an unapproved product.

Remove Oil and Grease Carefully

If oil or grease is present, first check whether it may indicate a leak.

Use an approved, nonflammable cleaning product and a suitable cloth. Never use gasoline, diesel fuel, or another highly flammable liquid as a cleaning solvent.

After cleaning the area, inspect it again. If fresh fluid appears, stop using the lift and arrange an inspection by qualified maintenance personnel.

Check Labels and Safety Markings

Clean warning labels, operating instructions, capacity information, and control markings gently so they remain readable.

Do not:

Paint over safety labels

Use harsh chemicals on decals

Remove identification plates

Cover warning information with branding or stickers

OSHA includes missing or unreadable warnings, instructions, and control markings among the items that should be checked during a pre-start inspection.

Inspect the Lift After Cleaning

After the machine is dry, inspect:

Platform and guardrails

Entry gate

Controls and emergency stops

Electrical cables

Hydraulic components

Wheels and brakes

Safety labels

Warning alarms

Battery or charging system

Visible structural parts

Before returning the lift to service, complete the required pre-use inspection and function test. Equipment with a defective safety-related component should not be operated until it has been properly repaired.

Common Cleaning Mistakes

Avoid:

Cleaning while the machine is operating

Spraying water into control panels

Using flammable solvents

Using sharp tools on seals or cables

Covering safety labels

Leaving the platform wet or slippery

Ignoring oil found beneath the machine

Using compressed air near sensitive electrical parts

Returning the lift to service before inspection

Conclusion

Safe personnel lift cleaning should include:

Lowering and shutting down the machine

Removing platform debris

Cleaning guardrails and access points

Protecting controls and electrical components

Using approved cleaning products

Checking for leaks and damage

Inspecting and testing the lift afterward

A clean machine is easier to inspect and maintain, but cleaning does not replace scheduled servicing or qualified repairs.

Contact Mantall for model-specific operator manuals, maintenance information, spare parts, and personnel lift technical support.