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.