Construction jacks—self-inspection checklist
This checklist provides a questionnaire that can be used to evaluate the safe operation of
construction jacks. These questions are based on guidance from the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration’s (OSHA) general industry standard 29 CFR 1910.244, Other Portable
Tools and Equipment, and OSHA’s construction standard 29 CFR 1926.305, Jacks-Lever and
Ratchet, Screw, and Hydraulic.
Any questions answered with a “NO” should be investigated, policies and procedures analyzed,
additional training provided, and the safest method of operation determined and communicated
to all workers and supervisors.
Self-inspection checklist
| Do the jacks in use have a rating sufficient to lift and sustain the loads? |
| Is the rated load for the jack legibly and permanently marked by casting, stamping or other suitable means in a prominent location on the jack? |
| In the absence of a firm foundation, is the base of the jack blocked or cribbed? |
| If the cap could slip, is a block placed between the cap and the load? |
| Do all jacks have a positive stop to prevent over-travel? |
| Are operators instructed to watch the stop indicator (which must be kept clean) in order to determine the limit of travel? |
| After a load has been raised by a jack, is it immediately cribbed, blocked, or otherwise secured, as required? |
| Are hydraulic jacks that are exposed to freezing temperatures supplied with adequate antifreeze liquid? |
| Are all jacks properly lubricated at regular intervals? |
| Is each jack thoroughly inspected at least on a yearly basis? |
| Are jacks that are used constantly or intermittently at one locality thoroughly inspected at least every six months? |
| Are jacks that are sent out on jobs thoroughly inspected when they are returned? |
| Are jacks that are subjected to abnormal loads or shock thoroughly inspected immediately before and after each use? |
| Are repair or replacement parts for jacks examined for defects before installation? |
| Are procedures in place to ensure that repairs are made on disabled jacks before they are used again? |
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The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("The Hanover") specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.
LC JAN 2019 LC 12-295
171-0840 (01/14)