Safety advice when using a jack

The jack is one of the oldest and most familiar pieces of hydraulic equipment. This familiarity contributes to misuse which can lead to personal injury. The jack is a load lifting device and should never be used as a load holding device, especially when a person will be going underneath the supported load.

KEEP THE FOLLOWING IN MIND WHEN USING A JACK:

• The base of the jack should be fully supported and as level as possible. When working on soft surfaces, put a sturdy metal plate under the base of the jack for stability.

• The saddle on the end of the plunger should make full contact with the load. Try to move the load on the center line of force to prevent side loading.

• Do not try to lift a load more than the rated stroke. If you need to lift the load further, block the load, raise the level of the jack with a sturdy support, and continue the lift.

REMEMBER:

Do not go under a load supported by a jack. After the load has been raised, it should be blocked.