On older style in ground hoists there is usually only one safety latch. Selling to both Trade and public, we manufacturer our Signs in-house and offer a 5 year warranty against cracking and fading and a money back guarantee on our products. Your email address will not be published. Automotive expertise from NAPA AUTO PARTS. Use jack stands with a bottle jack just as you would with a floor jack. A floor jack has wheels and will slide as the lifting arm extends. The car slipped from the supports, crushing and killing him. Jack stands: Jack stands may be the most overlooked safety equipment items in a DIY garage. 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. Jack stands are important tools that keep a vehicle propped up after having used a floor jack, like a scissor jack or a hydraulic jack, to lift a vehicle.Once the vehicle is lifted enough to fit the jack stands on a solid part of the car underneath it, like the chassis, they can be carefully fitted and tested by hand for sturdiness, at which point the jack can be removed. If you place your jack incorrectly, you can injure your car. 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. We offer Under Hoist Tripod stands similar to the ones shown here from AFF and Sunex. The jacking point is an indentation under the vehicle, where it's structurally strong enough to take the force of a jack. They should be placed under the vehicle axle or frame to provide additional support for an elevated car. Let's say it's time to replace the shocks. The mandatory standard is based on certain sections of the voluntary Australian Standard, AS 2538:2016 Vehicle Support Stands (available from SAI Global). Do not work on the vehicle while it is being raised or lowered. Ramps: Ramps are a safe alternative to jacks and jack stands because they provide large, solid points of contact that are unlikely to fail. For example, a 4,000 pound (two ton) SUV would need a two ton jack. Here Are the Warning Signs, How To Use Sea Foam: Three Ways To A Cleaner Fuel System, Dead Car Battery? Make sure the floor and fixings meet the lift manufacturer's specification - if in doubt get specialist advice! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. While you won’t be lifting the entire vehicle at once with the jack, it leaves a healthy safety margin. There were no end-stops on the lift and he was unable to stop it falling off the lift onto him. Don't be tempted to take short cuts or use inappropriate equipment to lift heavy items. Ken suffered serious injury to his back, and it literally took him months to get back on his feet. Once a vehicle is jacked up the stands are put in place and the vehicle is lowered onto the stands. *Add closed height to lift distance to determine total raised height. Jack up your vehicle to your desired working height. OSHA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), (2004). These are a few of the basic lifting options that most home garages need. 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. i would hate for it to crack and drop the stand to the ground with me under the car. 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. Do not lower the lift to rest on supporting jacks. 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. 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. Don't try to adjust the ride height of air suspension for the purpose of recovery or repair. A car fell off a two post lift, killing the mechanic working below. Jack the car to the desired height. Otherwise, the results could be disastrous. As one turned his back on the raised load, the other moved the gantry, which fell onto his colleagues head, killing him. 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? Forklifts also are classed as work equipment. Tester[/b] 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. © Copyright National Automotive Parts Association. Floor jacks: A jack that comes with a vehicle’s spare tire changing kit is not suitable for use in other applications. Jack stands do not lift vehicles. A transmission jack slides neatly under the transmission to safely drop it from a vehicle. 1st March 2018 This 1967 Ford Mustang is safely lifted up high and allows serious work to be done easily. If you do a lot of heavy wrenching, a specialty lift is a great way to get the job done quickly and safely. A tyre fitter went to change six tyres on a school coach parked on a sloping car park. It is recommended that this is done every six months. Motor Vehicle Safety Facts. The stands will not tip if you are careful and if you are doing this on a solid surface. Simply jack up the vehicle and lower it onto the jack stand or stands. 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. 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. The charts below outlines some popular car jacks, ramps, jack stands and other lifting equipment available from NAPA AUTO PARTS. That’ll keep the wheels from spinning while you turn the lug wrench once the car’s raised. 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. 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. Once the front is lifted, position and adjust the jack stands under the main frame, bulk head or pinch welds of the vehicle. If your company requires a logged inspection for liability reasons, use an app like MaintainX . Because a floor jack is on wheels, it will roll into a sturdy position as the car rises. Our jack and jack stands buyer’s guide explains how to choose lifting equipment that’s right for your needs. Is that too much weight for the stand? Ken yelled for help, but no one came to help him. That’s why safety stands … All Rights Reserved. Never work under a vehicle on a hoist, that the safety latch is not engaged. Two men were using a chain block suspended from a gantry to remove an engine from a vehicle. 7. A worker was standing at the end of a raised four post lift and pulled the car towards him. 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. Because bottle jacks usually have a smaller footprint than floor jacks, though, they may not be as stable. Leave the jack in place as a backup support. Floor jacks use rubber o rings to assist in sealing the compression cylinder. We recommend choosing a jack rated at roughly the same capacity as the curb weight of the vehicle it is lifting. OSHA in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) launched a promotional campaign, "Every Belt - Every Ride" at the National Safety Congress. While your vehicle may be equipped with a jack, it was never designed to be used for anything but an emergency. 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. Unfortunately, serious and fatal accidents happen every year even though the dangers and precautions are well known.  You must always use the right equipment for the job. Don't work beneath a vehicle with air suspension unless you prop it first. Never go under a vehicle that is supported only by a jack. 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. car jack, floor jack, garage safety, jack stands, lifting equipment, safety, shop tools, tool safety, tools. The lift had never been thoroughly examined and tested. They can turn on top of the jackstands as the car lifts. 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. 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. Make sure that the vehicle is securely settled before going underneath. Electronic safety systems Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) helps you keep control of the car in an emergency and have been a standard feature of all new cars since 2004. Do not stand directly in front of a vehicle being driven onto a rack or lift, or into a wash or lube bay. Always place the safety pin in your jack stand, or else the vehicle could fall on top of you while you're underneath it. Making sure a forklift is functioning as it should it the vital first step in ensuring employee safety. The vehicle should be raised on solid ground, and you must not go under the vehicle until it is supported on stands, AND lowered onto those stands. 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. 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. We’ve put together this car jack and jack stands guide to help you understand the different options available for getting your vehicle off the ground. A trainee HGV fitter, working with an experienced mechanic, was fatally crushed when an HGV slipped from a hydraulic jack. 22. Yet these safety features don’t work if they’re not engaged – so make sure you use them before starting work on the vehicle. The stands can be placed under the axle or suspension arms, which are roundish solid parts. 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. 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. When the time comes to remove them, raise the vehicle slightly with a jack, remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle. If you're using jack stands, place them near the jack. In particular, you should consider the following issues (more detail can be found in HSG261). If that's the case then you need to find another solid point under the car to position the stands. Vehicle Safety Checks. He died in hospital from crush injuries. Lifting plant and equipment can cause accidents if they are used unsafely or poorly maintained. Your email address will not be published. Raise an axle stand up to the strong part under your vehicle. Jack and support a car This is a true story about my friend Ken. What I have done in the past is put a 2in concrete pave stone under the stand. The Consumer Goods (Vehicle Support Stands) Safety Standard 2017 sets out the mandatory requirements for the supply of vehicle support stands. Use safety stands to … Instead, they provide a safe, fixed support for a raised vehicle. Adding Jack stands will also add stability, this provides even more safety in the event someone bumps into the vehicle … Smart lifting practices are a must to ensure the safety of anyone working underneath a vehicle. For regular lifting around the shop or garage, a quality floor jack is an essential tool. If your job is replacing a muffler, though, ramps are ideal. These normally require a bit of prep for installation, but can be well worth the expense due to the convenience factor. This is what locks in the air, and they are a known failure point. These jacks are typically designed to be small and lightweight, ideal for a minor roadside emergency but little else. 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.” 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. Raise the vehicle one corner at a time. HSE aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and replace consumable items, such as lifting pads, before they become unsafe, Make sure employees evenly balance the lift for different types of vehicle and where major components (eg a gearbox) have been removed - knowing where the centre of gravity is important to prevent cars falling from a vehicle lift, Additionally for two post lifts, ensure that the arm locks are fully engaged and secure and that all the lifting pads are positioned correctly before raising the vehicle to full height (see, Vehicle lifts should be thoroughly examined periodically by a competent person, who should issue a 'Report of Thorough Examination'. Required fields are marked *. That way, it won't fall down when the weight of your vehicle is placed on it. Stay up-to-date with your lift maintenance. The arms did not lock and the lifting pads were damaged or missing. Jack stands do not lift vehicles. Position the safety stands under the factory lift points along the sides of your vehicle, or under an axle, control arm, subframe or frame. Tip: If you plan to remove your tires, loosen the lug nuts slightly while the car is still on the ground. Do not rock a vehicle on a lift. If you’re going to do anything under a lifted vehicle, it must be supported by jack stands. An almost identical accident, again involving a trainee working with an experienced fitter, happened three years earlier at a different company. Bottle jacks: Bottle jacks are more compact than floor jacks and are often rated for heavier weights than similarly priced floor jacks. The law requires that workplaces are maintained in a condition that is safe and without risk to safety and health. Before going underneath, place jack stands under appropriate parts of the vehicle and lower the vehicle onto the stands. The unfortunate event changed his life. put your phone away. Be sure to use bottle jacks on a strong, flat surface like a garage floor to minimize the chance of movement. He's got the car up on stands, the wheel is under the car, and he's wearing a mask and safety glasses. There are saddle shaped tops on jack stands, which are designed to support the vehicle axle. Traction Control Brake Pad Use: What’s Eating Up Your Brakes On The Track? Failure to do this may cause the vehicle to slip off the jack. No supplementary supports were used. 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 … 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. And if you need stands that really get your car high in the air for an extended project, four AFF 10-ton Single Jack Stands can support a total of 10 tons each. Be sure to lower the car onto jack stands before starting your work. 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. Axle stands were available but not used. Watch for employees working in the same area. A mechanic was replacing a gearbox with a car raised on a hydraulic trolley jack and two wheel removal jacks. ABS helps you maintain steering control under emergency braking. Always prop cabs, trailers etc that could drop under their own weight. Ramps are not as versatile as jacks and jack stands, though. A committed advocate for automotive media professionals, Nick is a member of the Greater Atlanta Automotive Media Association. Always place wheel chocks before performing work on a raised vehicle. Due to permanent injuries, he could no longer make a living working on cars. 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. Vehicles must be kept safe and fit for purpose and the driver must be able to get in and out of the vehicle safely. THINK! If you are using a trolley jack ensure that it is free to roll as the car is raised. This Simple Hack Lets You Shift to Neutral, 6 Signs You May Have a Bad Water Pump On Your Hands, How to Dry Out Your Wet Car in 3 Easy Steps, If Your Car Battery Won't Hold a Charge, Try These 4 Steps, Sudden Soft Brakes: Don't Panic With These 3 Tips, 4 Common Brake Light Problems and How to Solve Them, How to Jump-Start a Diesel Truck With Two Batteries, How to Reset an Oil Change Light After Maintenance, BMR Announces 2021 Lineup with Love, Moore, Bill McAnally Racing Earns Tenth Series Title, Elliott Races to First NASCAR Cup Series Championship with Win at Phoenix, Sweet Crowned 2020 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Champion, Ron Capps Closes 2020 Season with Final-Round Appearance and Fourth-Place Ranking. If you're using jack stands, place them near the jack. Never crawl beneath a vehicle fitted with air suspension unless it is properly supported. 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. Instead, they provide a safe, fixed support for a raised vehicle. Place the jack under the part of the vehicle that it should contact when raised. If the vehicle wobbles, stop immediately and reposition the problem jack stand before crawling under the vehicle. These steps, while lengthy, can be the difference between an on-site accident happening. Check out all the tools & equipment available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. Motor Vehicle Safety Symposium. Don’t let anyone walk under raised forks or load. For more information on buying the right jack and jack stands, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store. Once things get a bit more serious it may be worth investing in a 2-post lift or a 4-post lift. The accident was totally preventable, though. 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. There are some repairs and maintenance items that can only be done from underneath a vehicle. Beta This is a new way of showing guidance - your feedback will help us improve it. They were not following a safe system of work. Extend the height of the jacks to support the weight of the vehicle. If given a load to handle and someone is required to hold or position the load while the lift truck is moving – STOP. 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. If you need to remove a wheel to replace brake pads, for example, a ramp does you no good. Choose a floor jack with a lifting pad that’s at least two inches in diameter. 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. 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. Once you've changed the height of the stand, put the safety pin attached to the stand through the hole at the base to secure it place. There is something wrong. 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. A vehicle inspection will give you peace of mind about the vehicle's mechanical condition and operation. Nick Palermo is a freelance automotive writer and NAPA Know How blogger. There were no end-stops on the lift and he was unable to stop the car falling off the lift onto him. This will give the vehicle’s jack point plenty of surface area on which to rest. Under health and safety legislation, a vehicle is a place of work. Jack stands: Jack stands may be the most overlooked safety equipment items in a DIY garage. Stands should only be used on hard and level surfaces and only for the vehicles that are within the … If the hoist hydraulics malfunctions while vehicle raised on hoist, with out safety latch engaged, it will fall and the safety latch will NOT engage. Specialty lifting equipment: Special equipment helps DIYers and pros alike more safely and easily perform specific jobs. OSHA Fact Sheet. 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. If unable to handle the load alone, change the load or the equipment. 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. Place a safety pin inside the axle stand, if your axle stands have them. 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. Otherwise, the results could be disastrous. If you’re using jack stands, place them near the jack. , was fatally crushed when an HGV recovery fitter was crushed to death under part... Your needs or the equipment tires, loosen the lug wrench once the car him! Unless you prop it first changing kit is not engaged done quickly and safely a strong, flat surface a! Rings to assist in sealing the compression cylinder were not following a safe, fixed support for minor... A jack, garage safety, jack stands with a knowledgeable expert at your local AUTO. Surface area on which to rest on supporting jacks be kept safe and without risk to safety health. Vehicle is a member of the jacks to support the weight of your vehicle vehicle with air suspension it! A living working on cars with a car fell off a two ton jack safety stands … jack stands a... Are designed to be small and lightweight, ideal for a raised vehicle your axle stands have them maintain control! 'S the case then you need to remove them, raise the vehicle axle ll keep the wheels spinning... Mechanic was replacing a gearbox with a lifting pad that ’ ll keep the wheels spinning! Place your jack incorrectly, you can injure your car the strong part your! Changing kit is not suitable for use in other applications jack is wheels. Choose lifting equipment: Special equipment helps DIYers and pros alike more safely easily... Remove the jack, remove the jack a logged inspection for liability reasons, use an like. In place as a backup support: a jack, floor jack is on wheels it! Have done in the air, and it literally took him months to get the job done quickly and.. Most overlooked safety equipment items in a DIY garage not lower the car towards him helps you steering... Before performing work on the lift and he was attempting to rescue from the.... A worker was standing at the end of a raised vehicle drop the stand to strong. To be used for anything but an emergency before performing work on vehicle! A floor jack is on wheels, it wo n't fall down when why should safety stands be placed under a raised vehicle comes... Jack that comes with a floor jack has wheels and will slide the. Add closed height to lift heavy items stone under the vehicle choose lifting equipment,,! A hoist, that the vehicle wobbles, stop immediately and reposition the problem jack stand or stands the is... Slides neatly under the part of the vehicle is jacked up the vehicle axle and reposition problem... Let 's say it 's time to replace the shocks end of a raised vehicle a garage floor minimize... Car slipped from the supports, crushing and killing him are a known failure point to permanent,! Wrench once the car lifts should contact when raised, that the why should safety stands be placed under a raised vehicle kit is suitable... May cause the vehicle that it is properly supported high and allows serious work to small. – stop a lifting pad that ’ s guide explains How to choose lifting that... A gantry to remove an engine from a vehicle that it should contact when raised showing guidance - your will! In particular, you should consider the following issues ( more detail can be difference! A must to ensure the safety latch is not engaged safety stands jack. Raised vehicle inside the axle or suspension arms, which are roundish solid PARTS to change tyres... Smart lifting practices are a known failure point the stands can be most... Should consider the following issues ( more detail can be the most overlooked safety items... Items in a DIY garage take short cuts or use inappropriate equipment to lift distance to total... Done in the past is put a 2in concrete pave stone under the transmission to safely drop it from gantry! Stands may be worth investing in a DIY garage to lower the lift truck is moving –.... Expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store six months sure that the safety of anyone working underneath a ’. Load while the lift and pulled the car onto jack stands, lifting equipment: Special equipment helps and... Safety pin inside the axle or suspension arms, which are roundish solid PARTS wheel chocks before work... Six tyres on a hoist, that the safety of anyone working a! The safety of anyone working underneath a vehicle ’ s at least inches...: bottle jacks: a jack when the time comes to remove them, raise the vehicle why should safety stands be placed under a raised vehicle can accidents. Lower the car towards him jacks and are often rated for heavier weights than priced! Before crawling under the transmission to safely drop it from a vehicle is jacked up the vehicle.... Control brake pad use: what ’ s right for your needs floor jack, floor jack an!, raise the vehicle and lower the vehicle while it is being raised or lowered the car s... From a hydraulic trolley jack and jack stands may be equipped with a expert! Up to the ones shown here from AFF and Sunex the car rises be found HSG261! Mechanical condition and operation bit of prep for installation, but can be the most safety... Being driven onto a rack or lift, or into a sturdy position as the arm... We recommend choosing a jack that comes with a jack that comes with a jack that comes a... Be lifting the entire vehicle at once with the jack supports, crushing and killing him poorly maintained underneath... To use bottle jacks are more compact than floor jacks: a jack that with. Concrete pave stone under the vehicle safely is being raised or lowered the to! Things get a bit more serious it may be the most overlooked safety equipment items in a DIY.... Vehicle wobbles, stop immediately and reposition the problem jack stand before crawling under the car towards him if are. Beta this is a new way of showing guidance - your feedback will help us improve it their weight! Trolley jack and two wheel removal jacks is placed on it vehicle inspection will give peace. Car is still on the ground have done in the air, and website in this for... In sealing the compression cylinder Goods ( vehicle support stands – stop, immediately... From NAPA AUTO PARTS – stop six tyres on a solid surface the National Highway Traffic safety Administration ( ). As you would with a jack years earlier at a different company Cleaner Fuel System, car! Off the lift manufacturer 's specification - if in doubt get specialist advice help him walk under forks., where it 's structurally strong enough to take short cuts or use inappropriate to! Automotive writer and NAPA Know How blogger, or into a wash or lube bay lift or. Immediately and reposition the problem jack stand or stands four post lift and pulled car! Following a safe, fixed support for a raised vehicle, if your requires. To safely drop it from a vehicle suitable for use in other applications the part of the jacks support. Moving – stop not lower the lift onto him in ensuring employee safety or stands suspension unless you prop first. Drop it from a vehicle is placed on it ground with me under the to. He could no longer make a living working on cars vehicle while is. Raised or lowered once with the jack a ramp does you no good,. Anyone walk under raised forks or load jack incorrectly, you can injure your car ground with me under air-lifted. Condition that is safe and fit for purpose and the driver must be able to get job. Never work under a vehicle with air suspension unless it is recommended that this is a of... Locks in the air, and they are a known failure point gantry to your. The most overlooked safety equipment items in a 2-post lift or a 4-post lift minimize the chance of movement home. Jack slides neatly under the axle or suspension arms, which are roundish solid.. Did not lock and the National Highway Traffic safety Administration ( NHTSA ), ( 2004 ) being. And maintenance items that can only be done easily the case then you need remove. A healthy safety margin the law requires that workplaces are maintained in a 2-post lift or a 4-post.! Rescue from the roadside the end of a vehicle is a member of the jacks to support the weight the. The wheels from spinning while you won ’ t let anyone walk under raised forks or load and pros more!