Floor jacks are essential and are used all the time. Floor jacks help us lift heavy objects and vehicles with a few pumps or twists on the handle. It can be easy to forget how much weight is being suspended by the jack, so it is crucial to think before acting. Always take time to ensure work is being performed safely as possible.
When working around jacks, an employee should follow the following tips and steps.
- Always inspect your jack before use and before placing it into storage.
- – Never use a jack that is broken or seems to have something wrong.
- Never allow a raised vehicle to remain supported by jacks alone.
- Ensure that jacks are in good working order before use
- Always ensure that the jack is placed in the designated lift portion of the vehicle.
- Always double-check to ensure the vehicle is parked on level ground, and always double-check that the transmission is in park.
- – Always check to make sure the emergency brake is engaged.
- Place solid blocks or stands under the equipment immediately after being raised.
- Do not use cement or cinder blocks under the load.
- -They could crack or shatter.
- Always block the tires before jacking up the vehicle.
- -This is to prevent it from rolling away.
- -Use bricks, wooden wedges, or metal wheel chocks to block the tires
- Always obey the 80% rule.
- -Do not exceed 80% of the maximum rating for load and stroke.
- Always wear appropriate PPE when using jacks, such as but not limited to:
- -Safety Glasses
- -Steel Toed work shoes or boots
- Never put a body part under a load until it is appropriately supported and solid.
- Do not raise a load higher than necessary.
