Working with Jacks & Jack Stands

 

Maintenance work on construction equipment can be dangerous, but working on equipment that needs to be jacked up for repair is doubly dangerous. From changing a tire on a pickup truck to working on a front end loader, there are certain precautions you must take.

Read the instruction manual

As always, before using any type of equipment, make sure that you read the instruction manual. With that said, there are some universal safety precautions you need to take.

The basics

All jacks—lever and ratchet jacks, screw jacks, and hydraulic jacks—must have a device that stops them from being jacked up too high. Also, the manufacturer’s load limit must be permanently marked in a prominent place on the jack and should not be exceeded.

Blocking the load

A jack should never be used to support a lifted load. Once the load has been lifted, block it up immediately with jack stands or other suitable blocking devices or material.

Use wooden blocking under the base if necessary to make the jack level and secure. If the lift surface is metal, place a 1-inch-thick hardwood block or equivalent between it and the metal jack head to reduce the danger of slippage.

Setting up the jack

To set up a jack, make certain the:

·                  Base rests on a firm level surface,

·                  Jack is correctly centered,

·                  Jack head bears against a level surface, and

·                  Lift force is applied evenly.

Inspection

OSHA requires a thorough inspection of jacks used constantly or intermittently at least every six months. Common sense tells you to inspect a jack before each use. If a jack is subjected to an abnormal load or shock, thoroughly examine it to make sure it has not been damaged. A jack sent out of the shop for special work needs to be inspected before it leaves and after it returns.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of jacks is essential for safety. Fill hydraulic jacks exposed to freezing temperatures with an adequate antifreeze liquid. Lubricate jacks at regular intervals. Examine repair or replacement parts for possible defects.

If you find a jack that is damaged or defective, tag it accordingly and don’t use it until fixed.

 

Power Tools

 

There's no doubt, power tools enable us to be more efficient and productive. Unfortunately, the power and efficiency also can pose serious risk of injury or death. Too often, tragedy occurs before steps are taken to search out and avoid or eliminate tool-related hazards. OSHA regulates power tools and their safe usage.

The following general precautions should be observed by users of all power tools:

·                  Never carry a tool by the cord or hose.

·                  Never yank the cord or the hose to disconnect from the receptacle.

·                  Keep cords and hoses away from heat, oil, and sharp edges.

·                  Disconnect tools when not in use, before servicing, and when changing accessories such as blades, bits, and cutters.

·                  Keep all observers at a safe distance from the work area.

·                  Secure work with clamps or a vise, freeing both hands to operate the tool.

·                  Avoid accidental starting. Don't put your finger on the switch while carrying a plugged-in tool.

·                  Follow instructions in the user's manual for lubricating and changing accessories.

·                  Keep good footing and maintain good balance. This is another reason to keep your work area free from excess debris.

·                  Wear appropriate clothes. Loose clothing or jewelry can get caught in moving parts.

·                  Damaged portable electric tools shall be removed and tagged "Do Not Use." Ask your supervisor for approved company procedures for tagging broken equipment.

·                  Use proper machine guards where required to protect from hazardous moving parts. Never remove a guard from a power tool.

·                  Make sure safety switches requiring momentary contact for "on-off" control are in working order and not over-ridden on the tools they should be on (such as drills, tappers, fastener drivers, horizontal, vertical and angle grinders with wheels larger than two inches in diameter, disc sanders, belt sanders, reciprocating saws, saber saws, and other similar equipment).

·                  Make sure other hand-held powered tools such as circular saws, chain saws, and percussion tools without positive accessory holding means, are equipped with a constant pressure switch that will shut off the power when the pressure is released.

·                  Be aware of the shock and burn hazards of electric tools, and protect yourself against them.

·                  Always wear the proper personal protective equipment for the work being performed.

Abrasive Wheels

Overview

Abrasive wheels are used to grind, cut, polish, and buff material or surfaces. There are dif­ferent types of wheels, depending upon their uses. But all involve hazards.

Abrasive wheels have the hazard of flying particles, or that the wheel itself, or parts of the wheel, will fly off during use.

How can I protect myself?

Safety guards must be used, and be located between the operator and the wheel during use. The top half of the wheel must be enclosed at all times.

PPE to be used with abrasive wheels might include:

·               eye and face protection: safety glasses, goggles, face shields.

·               ear plugs or other hearing protection.

·               steel-toed shoes or boots.

·               respirator, if required.

Always select the right type of abrasive wheel for the job. Match the speed rating of the wheel to the speed of the tool.

Ring test

Check abrasive wheels using the “ring test.” Tap the wheel gently with a nonmetallic tool. A good wheel will give off a metallic ring.