Specialty lifting equipment: Special equipment helps DIYers and pros alike more safely and easily perform specific jobs. Making sure a forklift is functioning as it should it the vital first step in ensuring employee safety. 1st March 2018 Don’t let anyone walk under raised forks or load. Do not rock a vehicle on a lift. Required fields are marked *. If you do a lot of heavy wrenching, a specialty lift is a great way to get the job done quickly and safely. Nick Palermo is a freelance automotive writer and NAPA Know How blogger. Jack and support a car Raise the vehicle one corner at a time. If your job is replacing a muffler, though, ramps are ideal. This 1967 Ford Mustang is safely lifted up high and allows serious work to be done easily. This is a true story about my friend Ken. They can turn on top of the jackstands as the car lifts. If that's the case then you need to find another solid point under the car to position the stands. Don't be tempted to take short cuts or use inappropriate equipment to lift heavy items. Use a pair of jack stands every time you lift a vehicle and you will vastly decrease the likelihood of becoming a victim of a falling vehicle. The unfortunate event changed his life. 7. Use a pair of jack stands every time you lift a vehicle and you will vastly decrease the likelihood of becoming a victim of a falling vehicle. Once a vehicle is jacked up the stands are put in place and the vehicle is lowered onto the stands. Always prop cabs, trailers etc that could drop under their own weight. The stands will not tip if you are careful and if you are doing this on a solid surface. This is what locks in the air, and they are a known failure point. If given a load to handle and someone is required to hold or position the load while the lift truck is moving – STOP. Health and Safety Executive Working safely under motor vehicles being repaired Check equipment regularly and get it inspected A worker was standing at the end of a raised four-post lift and pulled the car towards him. For more information on buying the right jack and jack stands, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store. If you place your jack incorrectly, you can injure your car. Otherwise, the results could be disastrous. Two men were using a chain block suspended from a gantry to remove an engine from a vehicle. Once the front is lifted, position and adjust the jack stands under the main frame, bulk head or pinch welds of the vehicle. An HGV recovery fitter was crushed to death under the air-lifted axle of a tractor unit he was attempting to rescue from the roadside. Let's say it's time to replace the shocks. Place the jack under the part of the vehicle that it should contact when raised. Never work under a vehicle on a hoist, that the safety latch is not engaged. The lift had never been thoroughly examined and tested. Ken yelled for help, but no one came to help him. Bottle jacks: Bottle jacks are more compact than floor jacks and are often rated for heavier weights than similarly priced floor jacks. There are some repairs and maintenance items that can only be done from underneath a vehicle. That’s why safety stands … *Add closed height to lift distance to determine total raised height. Make sure that the vehicle is securely settled before going underneath. Motor Vehicle Safety Symposium. If you’re using jack stands, place them near the jack. On older style in ground hoists there is usually only one safety latch. If you need to remove a wheel to replace brake pads, for example, a ramp does you no good. This will give the vehicle’s jack point plenty of surface area on which to rest. Instead, they provide a safe, fixed support for a raised vehicle. Safe Vehicle Lifting: Car Jack and Jack Stands Guide, NAPA Lifting Equipment 3.5-ton Floor Jack, Owatonna Tool Company 3-ton Jack Stands (pair), NAPA Lifting Equipment 4-ton Jack Stands (pair), Failing Oil Pressure Sensor? Simply jack up the vehicle and lower it onto the jack stand or stands. For more information on working under buses and coaches fitted with air suspension see Safe recovery (and repair) of buses and coaches fitted with air suspension. Raise an axle stand up to the strong part under your vehicle. Cleaning/degreasing substances including valeting, Harmful dusts - Inhalation and Dermatitis risks, Safety in the use of two-post vehicle lifts, Measuring paint spray booth clearance time, Repair or recovery of buses and coaches fitted with air suspension, Make sure lifting equipment is correctly installed, Maintain lifting equipment and train operators to use it correctly, Check equipment regularly and get it inspected, Defective locking devices identified on modern 2-post lifts, Risk of vehicles falling off two-post vehicle lifts in motor vehicle repair (MVR), Safe recovery (and repair) of buses and coaches fitted with air suspension, Work equipment and machinery - free leaflets, Make sure there are safe working procedures in place when moving heavy loads, particularly when they are raised, Use the correct pins for axle stands - screwdrivers, nails and bolts are not acceptable, Use stands on a hard, level surface eg concrete and avoid lifting on sloping ground, Securely chock wheels remaining on the ground, Make sure that all lifting points for jacks and stands are correct for that vehicle - consult the vehicle manufacturer's handbook for guidance, Ensure that vehicles are always properly supported - do not rely on jacks alone, Once installed, the lift must be tested before it is used by a competent person, who will issue a certificate, Regularly check the fixing bolts with a torque wrench to ensure they remain tight, Vehicle lifts need to be kept in good order. OSHA in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a promotional campaign, "Every Belt - Every Ride" at the National Safety Congress. Do not work on the vehicle while it is being raised or lowered. The stands can be placed under the axle or suspension arms, which are roundish solid parts. Extend the height of the jacks to support the weight of the vehicle. Adding Jack stands will also add stability, this provides even more safety in the event someone bumps into the vehicle … An almost identical accident, again involving a trainee working with an experienced fitter, happened three years earlier at a different company. A car fell off a two post lift, killing the mechanic working below. Jack stands: Jack stands may be the most overlooked safety equipment items in a DIY garage. Always place wheel chocks before performing work on a raised vehicle. Traction Control Brake Pad Use: What’s Eating Up Your Brakes On The Track? On the front, raise it enough so a jackstand can be placed under the lower control arm so when lowered the tire is off the ground. The jacking point is an indentation under the vehicle, where it's structurally strong enough to take the force of a jack. Watch for employees working in the same area. Although this should identify problems, it is not a replacement for regular in-house checks and maintenance (in the same way that you shouldn't rely on an MOT to keep your vehicle in good order), Other lifting equipment (eg trolley and bottle jacks, engine hoist, vehicle mounted cranes) should be similarly examined every twelve months by a competent person (and Report of Thorough Examination issued), Lifting accessories (eg chains and web slings) should be examined every six months by a competent person (and Report of Thorough Examination issued), Other equipment which are critical for safely supporting loads such as props (for cabs and trailers) and axle stands should be inspected every 12 months by a competent person, Make sure the ground if firm and level before raising a vehicle, If the area is unsuitable then move the vehicle to a safer place before any attempt is made to lift it to undertake any repairs. It is recommended that this is done every six months. It's much bigger than the base of the stand, and is flat against the ground and the top surface is flat for the stand to sit on. Vehicles must be kept safe and fit for purpose and the driver must be able to get in and out of the vehicle safely. If you're using jack stands, place them near the jack. The flimsy factory jack he was using to keep the car off the ground failed, causing Ken to become trapped between a concrete driveway and a few thousand pounds of automotive steel. A worker was standing at the end of a raised four post lift and pulled the car towards him. Don't work beneath a vehicle with air suspension unless you prop it first. If there is no prop fitted or if one is fitted but you are unsure it will be effective, then provide your own additional support. This is especially important if the car’s wheels at the opposite end have been chocked or one end of the vehicle is already sitting on stands, as the car then cannot roll. A transmission jack slides neatly under the transmission to safely drop it from a vehicle. OSHA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), (2004). Tip: If you plan to remove your tires, loosen the lug nuts slightly while the car is still on the ground. Thus, we have consulted Holy Writ and compiled “ The Ten Commandments of Lifting Thy Chariot, ” which translates in the modern tongue, “How to lift and support your car safely.” Axle stands were available but not used. Our huge range of Safety Signs are designed to meet local and government regulations and we supply sign products to schools, construction, & building, warehouse, office and workplace environments. If your company requires a logged inspection for liability reasons, use an app like MaintainX . Never crawl beneath a vehicle fitted with air suspension unless it is properly supported. Forklifts also are classed as work equipment. When the time comes to remove them, raise the vehicle slightly with a jack, remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle. High-quality jacks, jack stands or ramps can keep you safe whether you’re replacing a clutch or just sliding under a vehicle for a quick visual inspection. A vehicle inspection will give you peace of mind about the vehicle's mechanical condition and operation. Once in position raise the stands to the correct height (ensuring that the locking pin/lever is in the correct place, then slowly lower the jack so the weight of the car is resting on the stand/s. car jack, floor jack, garage safety, jack stands, lifting equipment, safety, shop tools, tool safety, tools. © Copyright National Automotive Parts Association. Under health and safety legislation, a vehicle is a place of work. Lifting plant and equipment can cause accidents if they are used unsafely or poorly maintained. The law requires that workplaces are maintained in a condition that is safe and without risk to safety and health. Automotive expertise from NAPA AUTO PARTS. Jack stands do not lift vehicles. A couple weeks ago I heard someone on the radio show mention supporting a vehicle with four jack stands, one at each “corner”, apparently by lifting one end with a jack, placing two stands, then doing the same at the other end. Our jack and jack stands buyer’s guide explains how to choose lifting equipment that’s right for your needs. You can keep the jack under there to be on the safe side, but make sure it's not unbalancing the car in any way, or fighting against the stands. A committed advocate for automotive media professionals, Nick is a member of the Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association. If you are using a trolley jack ensure that it is free to roll as the car is raised. Raise or lower the stands as needed to achieve the desired undercar clearance, then lower the jack until the weight of the vehicle is resting on the stands. If the vehicle wobbles, stop immediately and reposition the problem jack stand before crawling under the vehicle. Otherwise, the results could be disastrous. If your intention is to raise both ends, jack the diff up first and set it on stands, as the diff’s round axle tubes will more easily rotate atop the stands to account for the change in angle as the front is raised. They were not following a safe system of work. We recommend choosing a jack rated at roughly the same capacity as the curb weight of the vehicle it is lifting. Once things get a bit more serious it may be worth investing in a 2-post lift or a 4-post lift. As long as the stands are put under the car properly with all the legs on the ground and placed where the car can't slide/rock (I suggest using a part … A mechanic by trade, Ken was wrenching on a personal vehicle in the driveway one weekend when he became a victim of a nightmarish scene. Due to permanent injuries, he could no longer make a living working on cars. Before going underneath, place jack stands under appropriate parts of the vehicle and lower the vehicle onto the stands. Make sure the floor and fixings meet the lift manufacturer's specification - if in doubt get specialist advice! Because bottle jacks usually have a smaller footprint than floor jacks, though, they may not be as stable. The charts below outlines some popular car jacks, ramps, jack stands and other lifting equipment available from NAPA AUTO PARTS. Yet these safety features don’t work if they’re not engaged – so make sure you use them before starting work on the vehicle. A trainee HGV fitter, working with an experienced mechanic, was fatally crushed when an HGV slipped from a hydraulic jack. i would hate for it to crack and drop the stand to the ground with me under the car. Jack stands: Jack stands may be the most overlooked safety equipment items in a DIY garage. These are a few of the basic lifting options that most home garages need. Since becoming an auto news and reviews contributor at AutoTrader.com in 2011, he has broadened his coverage of the automotive industry to include topics like new car technology, antiques and classics, DIY maintenance and repair, industry news and motorsports. Both rear nearside wheels and one offside wheel had been removed and he was in the process of jacking it up when it fell onto his head and chest, killing him. A tyre fitter went to change six tyres on a school coach parked on a sloping car park. Be sure to use bottle jacks on a strong, flat surface like a garage floor to minimize the chance of movement. Jack the car to the desired height. On the rear, raise the vehicle enough so that the jackstands sit under the rear axle and when lowered the tires are off the ground. For example, a 4,000 pound (two ton) SUV would need a two ton jack. Ken suffered serious injury to his back, and it literally took him months to get back on his feet. Motor Vehicle Safety Facts. Leave the jack in place as a backup support. Beta This is a new way of showing guidance - your feedback will help us improve it. If you’re going to do anything under a lifted vehicle, it must be supported by jack stands. Vehicles falling/rolling off incorrectly positioned jacks or stands, particularly where they are not chocked, are one of the main causes of fatal accidents in MVR. Working beneath a vehicle is often required to check for faults, servicing and repairs etc but because these tasks are so common people get used to working under potentially lethal weights. The car slipped from the supports, crushing and killing him. ABS helps you maintain steering control under emergency braking. OSHA Fact Sheet. Use jack stands with a bottle jack just as you would with a floor jack. If you're using jack stands, place them near the jack. Instead, they provide a safe, fixed support for a raised vehicle. The arms did not lock and the lifting pads were damaged or missing. He told me he mustered some previously unknown strength to lift a corner of the car off of himself and slide out from under it. Because a floor jack is on wheels, it will roll into a sturdy position as the car rises. To keep your car hoist in the best condition, there are different maintenance and safety checks you should perform every day, every week, and each month. No supplementary supports were used. Failure to do this may cause the vehicle to slip off the jack. Place a safety pin inside the axle stand, if your axle stands have them. HSE aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. Do not stand directly in front of a vehicle being driven onto a rack or lift, or into a wash or lube bay. He died in hospital from crush injuries. Ramps: Ramps are a safe alternative to jacks and jack stands because they provide large, solid points of contact that are unlikely to fail. These normally require a bit of prep for installation, but can be well worth the expense due to the convenience factor. The Consumer Goods (Vehicle Support Stands) Safety Standard 2017 sets out the mandatory requirements for the supply of vehicle support stands. Vehicles falling/rolling off incorrectly positioned jacks or stands, particularly where they are not chocked, are one of the main causes of fatal accidents in MVR. A mechanic was replacing a gearbox with a car raised on a hydraulic trolley jack and two wheel removal jacks. For regular lifting around the shop or garage, a quality floor jack is an essential tool. The trolley jack is used to raise the vehicle and axle stands are placed at the points on your vehicles body to support it in the raised position. Be sure to lower the car onto jack stands before starting your work. There were no end-stops on the lift and he was unable to stop the car falling off the lift onto him. There are saddle shaped tops on jack stands, which are designed to support the vehicle axle. Jack up your vehicle to your desired working height. Stay up-to-date with your lift maintenance. An engine hoist or engine crane allows you to lift an entire engine out of its bay while minimizing risk to yourself or your vehicle. Your email address will not be published. Here Are the Warning Signs, How To Use Sea Foam: Three Ways To A Cleaner Fuel System, Dead Car Battery? Use safety stands to … If you are using your vehicle for the first time in several weeks, following Government advice, it will need a thorough check to ensure it is roadworthy and safe. Always place the safety pin in your jack stand, or else the vehicle could fall on top of you while you're underneath it. What I have done in the past is put a 2in concrete pave stone under the stand. If you are able to place the axle stand at the jacking point that would be ideal but quite often there won't be room for both the jack and the stand. Floor jacks use rubber o rings to assist in sealing the compression cylinder. Once you have raised your vehicles, placing Jack stand under the vehicle at the appropriate points will help share the loads and provide a safety mechanism, should the jack fail. THINK! Don't try to adjust the ride height of air suspension for the purpose of recovery or repair. They should be placed under the vehicle axle or frame to provide additional support for an elevated car. After you’ve observed all the safety precautions, follow these steps to jack up a vehicle: Place the jack under the part of the vehicle that it should contact when raised. 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