The stops for the rear lift gate of HMSU7 have been destroyed.  When placing the lift gate in service you must release the toggle switch as soon as it clears its resting place.  It is now evident that if you do not pay attention and continue to hold the toggle switch in the up position it will force the stops up and out of shape.  THESE STOPS ARE CRITICAL TO THE SAFE DEPLOYMENT OF THE LIFT GATE.

I recommend that we do this: 

·         DEPLOY THE LIFT GATE WITH TWO PERSONNEL ONLY – This will hopefully supply one person to act as a spotter to make sure the gate is not lifted too high out of its resting spot before it is lowered.  Do not attempt to place the lift gate in service unless another person is present to witness its deployment and to make sure no others are in its path as it lowers.

 

If anyone has any better suggestions please let me know.  Thanks.  MEG