What’s At Stake

Each year serious injuries and deaths occur in the workplace as a result of unsafe jacks, stands, lifts, and hoist use. Although safety responsibility for these devices must be shared between employer and employee, the ultimate responsibility for safety lies with the individual worker. Even where there is close supervision, the worker makes the final decision on how to do the job.

What’s the Danger

Serious crushing incidents can result from the improper use of jacks.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

BEST JACK USE SAFETY PRACTICES CHECKLIST FOR WORKERS

Simply by using proper jacking techniques and the right equipment can remove the risks and dangers, ensuring your safety.

• Use the right jack for the job
• Only jack a vehicle on a flat hard level surface
• Always check the jack label to ensure that its maximum load capacity is enough to support the vehicle you are lifting
• Ensure the vehicle is empty of occupants and not running
• Ensure to use the jack lifting points on the vehicle to raise the vehicle up, consult your owner’s manual for information on where these will be.
• Check to see if the equipment is functioning properly and free of defects.
• Never get bodily under a vehicle that is supported solely by a jack – always use vehicle support stands to support the vehicle.
• Always place car stands under appropriate areas of the vehicle and lower the vehicle securely onto the stands before proceeding under the vehicle
• Never use wood, bricks or other unsafe home items to support the vehicle.

WHAT IS A HOIST?

Hoist is a device used to lift or move material. The lifting force is provided by a drum (or wheel) on which wraps a rope (wire or fibre) or a chain.

There are different types of hoists – Electro-hydraulic, manual or lever operated, base mounted, or pendant cranes.

Don’ts When Using Material Hoists

• Do not use hoisting equipment for lifting people.
• Do not pass a load over workers.
• Do not tip a load. The load is unstable and harms the hook and hoist.
• Do not insert the point of the hook in a link of the chain.
• Do not hammer a sling into place.
• Do not leave slings dangling from the load hook. Place sling hooks on the sling ring when carrying slings.
• Do not raise loads higher than necessary to clear objects.
• Do not exceed a hoist load limit.
• Do not leave suspended loads unattended.

KEY LIFT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Fall Protection. Scissor lifts must have guardrails installed to prevent workers from. Employers should train workers to:

• Check to see that a guardrail system is in place before working on the scissor lift.
• Only stand on the work platform; never stand on the guardrails.
• Keep work within easy reach to avoid leaning away from the scissor lift.

Stabilization. Employers should ensure that scissor lifts are stable and will not tip over or collapse. Some safe work practices to ensure safe, stable conditions for scissor lift use include:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe movement.
• Select work locations with firm, level surfaces away from hazards.
• Use the scissor lift outside only when weather conditions are good, generally limited to wind speeds below 28 miles per hour.

Positioning. Positioning the scissor lift to avoid crushing hazards is important for safe use. Scissor lifts present crushing hazards similar to vehicles and other mobile equipment at worksites. Employers should train workers to be watchful when:

• A moving scissor lift is near a fixed object.
• A moving vehicle and the scissor lift are operating closely.
• The scissor lift passes under a fixed object, such as a door frame or a support beam.
• Positioning the scissor lift to avoid electrocution, arc flash, and thermal burns is important for safely using scissor lifts near energized power lines.

Maintaining Scissor Lifts. Employers must regularly maintain scissor lifts to ensure that they are safe to use.

• Test and inspect controls and components before each use.
• Ensure that guardrail systems are in good working condition.
• Verify that brakes once set will hold the scissor lift in position.

FINAL WORD

Many accidents don’t just happen; they’re caused by unsafe work practices or taking chances. Give jacks, stands, lifts, and hoists the high safety priority they deserve.