13.9.1 Pre-use inspection

In addition to the recommended periodic examination by a Competent Person, jacks should be visually inspected by a suitably qualified and experienced person prior to use or on a regular basis. For jacks used infrequently it should be done before use on each day of use.

It is recommended that a formal system of pre-use inspection is implemented, and a written record kept identifying the date inspected, confirmation that it passed inspection and the name and signature of the person making the inspection. In the event that it does not pass the inspection, there should be a procedure to quarantine the jack to prevent further use of the equipment until the problem has been resolved.

The purpose of the pre-use inspection is to test the functionality of the equipment and make a visual check for any obvious defects and if any of the following faults are present, the jack shall be withdrawn from service and referred to a Competent Person.

In the case of hydraulic jacks:

  1. Jack fails to lift. The jack will not raise the load or after a short period of movement the load rises and falls (pumps) with each stroke of the lever.

  2. Jack fails to sustain the load. When lifting operation ceases the load begins to lower on its own.

  3. Oil leaks, particularly during the operation of the jack.

  4. The ram is scored, nicked or otherwise damaged .

  5. Ram fails to lower, lowering is jerky or fails to fully retract. The ram may appear to lower in stages or move at varying speeds during lowering and in some cases stop moving altogether.

    Note

    Hydraulic rams usually retract by gravity, so once the load is fully lowered, the movement of the ram will slow considerably or even stop. This is normal and if pressure is applied to the ram, it will continue to lower.

  6. Release valve is difficult to operate or fails to release the load.

  7. Cracks, dents or other mechanical damage to the jack body.

  8. Base of the jack is twisted or bent preventing the jack from sitting solidly on the floor.

  9. Claw attachment will not sit correctly on head of jack or the claw is cracked, distorted or otherwise damaged.

In the case of mechanical jacks:

  1. Jack fails to lift or load slips back after each stroke of the operating lever.

  2. Jack fails to lower load.

    Note

    It is a feature of ratchet jacks that the load will rise a short distance prior to lowering, the load will then be lowered the distance of the pitch of one tooth on the rack. This process is repeated with each stroke of the operating lever.

  3. The teeth of the rack are chipped, worn, corroded or otherwise damaged.

  4. The screw is chipped, worn, corroded or otherwise damaged.

  5. The body or main frame of the jack is bent, cracked or otherwise damaged.

  6. Swivel heads are seized or do not turn freely.

  7. The rack, including the toe, is bent, cracked or otherwise damaged.

  8. The base of the jack is twisted or bent preventing the jack from sitting solidly on the floor, or the base is cracked.