Labor & Industries (L&I), Washington State

Portable Power Tools Chapter 296-807, WAC

Effective Date: 08/01/03

Jacks WAC 296-807-170

For printing

Your responsibility:

Make sure jacks are safe to use

IMPORTANT:

This section applies to portable hand- or power-operated:

• Hydraulic jacks
• Mechanical ratchet jacks
• Mechanical screw jacks.

You must

LABELING
Make sure jacks are labeled with their rated load(s)	WAC 296-807-17005
BEFORE USE
Make sure the jack is safe to lift the load	WAC 296-807-17010
LIFTING THE LOAD
Lift the load safely	WAC 296-807-17015
INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Visually inspect jacks and keep them in good working order	WAC 296-807-17020

 

LABELING

WAC 296-807-17005

Make sure jacks are labeled with their rated load(s)

You must

• Make sure the rated load(s) of the jack is:
• - Readable
• - Durably marked in an easily seen location on the jack.

BEFORE USE

WAC 296-807-17010

Make sure the jack is safe to lift the load

You must

(1) Visually examine the general condition of the jack before each use.

Note: If a jack is to be used more than once on a shift, the visual examination is only required before the jack is used for the first time that shift.

You must

(2) Make sure the weight to be lifted or supported is within the rated load of the jack.

(3) Make sure the base of the jack is on a firm foundation or blocked before lifting the load.

(4) Make sure hydraulic jacks exposed to freezing temperatures function properly at the temperature they will be used.

LIFTING THE LOAD

WAC 296-807-17015

Lift the load safely

You must

(1) Place a block between the load cap and the load if the load could slip off the jack.

(2) Secure the load from falling or slipping immediately after it's raised by one or more of the following:

• Cribbing
• Blocking
• Some other equally effective method.

(3) Make sure you don't exceed the limit of travel of the jack.

Note: The limit of travel can be determined by one or more of the following: A positive stop A stop indicator Some other equally effective method.

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE

WAC 296-807-17020

Visually inspect jacks and keep them in good working order

Note: There are 2 types of inspection, frequent or periodic, depending on how often they are done.

You must

(1) Inspect jacks at appropriate intervals:

• Make sure frequent inspections are done by the operator or other designated person as follows:
• – Before a jack is first placed in service.
• – Monthly for a jack used in normal service.
• – Daily or before each use for a jack used for other than normal service.
• – Before using a jack that has been altered, modified, or repaired.
• – Before using a jack that hasn't been used in one year or more.
• Make sure a periodic inspection of the jack is done once a year.
• Inspect the jack using Table 4, Jack Inspection Requirements, during any frequent or periodic inspection.

(2) Make sure a jack that is out of order is:

• Tagged
• Not used until repaired.

(3) Make sure a jack is properly lubricated at regular intervals.

Note: The jack should be lubricated following the manufacturer's instructions.

Table 4 Jack Inspection Requirements
Inspection Item	Frequent Inspection	Periodic Inspection
Check all of the following items that apply to the jack:	X	X
- Improper pawl engagement	X	X
- Excessive pawl wear	X	X
- Chipped, cracked, or worn rack teeth	X	X
- Cracked or damaged housing	X	X
- Damaged, bent, or worn threads	X	X
- Leaking hydraulic fluid	X	X
- Scored or damaged plunger	X	X
- Improper functioning	X	X
- Free movement of swivel, heads, and caps	X	X
- Loose bolts or rivets	X	X
- Damaged or improperly assembled accessory equipment	X	X
- Rack wear or bending	X	X
- Other items as specified in the manufacturer's instructions	X	X
	X	X
Watch the jack during operation	X	X
More detailed inspection required if a designated person determines any condition discovered is a hazard	X
Clean and check internal parts for wear or damage if inspection indicates an internal problem		X