Jacks

Scope

Each employer is responsible for the safe condition of tools and equipment used by employees, including tools and equipment which may be furnished by employees.

Regulatory citations

• 29 CFR 1910.244 — Other portable tools and equipment

Key definitions

• Fixed jack: Concerning trailers, the term “fixed jacks” can be defined as jacks or what is known in the trade as “nose cones,” the purpose of which is to hold one end of a trailer being worked so as to avoid the possibility of such trailer being “up-ended” in the course of vehicles coming in and out of the trailer. The word “fixed” indicates that such jacks are not temporary in nature but are an integral part of the trailer frame, and are folded up and under the trailer after loading or unloading activity has been completed and the trailer is attached once again to its tractor.
• Jack: A jack is an appliance for lifting and lowering or moving horizontally a load by application of a pushing force. Jacks may be of the following types: Lever and ratchet, screw, and hydraulic.
• Jack stand: A jack stand is used to support a vehicle that has been lifted. A jack cannot continue to be used to support a raised vehicle when employees may work under the vehicle.

Summary of requirements

When using a jack:

• The operator shall make sure that the jack used has a rating sufficient to lift and sustain the load.
• The rated load shall be legibly and permanently marked in a prominent location on the jack by casting, stamping, or other suitable means.
• In the absence of a firm foundation, the base of the jack shall be blocked. If there is a possibility of slippage of the cap, a block shall be placed in between the cap and the load.
• The operator shall watch the stop indicator, which shall be kept clean, in order to determine the limit of travel. The indicated limit shall not be overrun.
• After the load has been raised, it shall be cribbed, blocked, or otherwise secured at once.
• Hydraulic jacks exposed to freezing temperatures shall be supplied with an adequate antifreeze liquid.
• All jacks shall be properly lubricated at regular intervals.
• Each jack shall be thoroughly inspected at times which depend upon the service conditions. Inspections shall be not less frequent than the following:
  • For constant or intermittent use at one locality, once every 6 months,
  • For jacks sent out of shop for special work, when sent out and when returned,
  • For a jack subjected to abnormal load or shock, immediately before and immediately thereafter.
• Repair or replacement parts shall be examined for possible defects.
• Jacks which are out of order shall be tagged accordingly, and shall not be used until repairs are made.