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  • Basic Auto Repair Safety

  • Automotive Lift Safety

  • Brake and Clutch Repair Safety

  • Chemicals and Fluids Safety

  • Fire Safety

  • Frame Straightener Safety

  • Fuel Handling Safety

  • Grinder Safety

  • Hand Tool Safety

  • Inspection Pit Safety

  • Ladder Safety

  • Physical Lifting Safety

  • Power Tool Safety

  • Spray Painting Safety

  • Steering and Suspension Repair Safety

  • Tire Removal and Replacement Safety

  • Vehicle Handling Safety

  • Vehicle Jack Safety

  • Welding, Cutting, and Burning Safety

  • OSHA Requirements for Auto Repair Shops

Frame Straightener Safety

Automotive service technician using a frame straightener machine

Frame straighteners apply an immense amount of force in a controlled manner. Misuse or malfunction can result in the unpredictable, dangerous release of this force.

Pre-work equipment inspection

A thorough inspection should be performed before every use of the equipment. This inspection should include the following:

  • Chains: Check for links that are bent, twisted, or otherwise damaged
  • Clamps and fixtures: Check to ensure the teeth are sharp and there are no stress fractures
  • Bolts and securing equipment: Check for bent or stripped parts
  • Hydraulic hoses: Check for cracks and signs of excessive wear
  • Base and towers: Check for indications of metal fatigue

Regular maintenance

The hydraulic fluid should be replaced on the manufacturer's recommended schedule, usually at least once per year. Otherwise contamination can build up in the system. Keep up with any other maintenance recommended by the manufacturer.

Machine failures/malfunctions should be addressed by a service technician qualified to perform this work. Lockout/tagout the machine prior to any service.

Lockout/tagout equipment to prevent accidents during maintenance and repairs.
Lockout/tagout (LOTO) helps to prevent accidents during maintenance and repairs.

Preparing to use the frame straightener

Remove all dirt and grease from the teeth of the clamps before placing the load on the jacks. Protect the corners using pads or blocks, and confirm that the chains around the frame member are secure and won't slip. Straighten out and untwist the chains as needed.

Slings and other components should be rated for the maximum pulling tension that's likely to occur. Slings should be fully seated with any slack removed before apply tension.

Safety during operation

All personnel should be clear of the area during operation. Take special care to stay away from slings, which can become a significant hazard if breakage occurs. A heavy blanket placed over a sling can reduce the chances of injury from a sling flying out of control.

Pulling angles and measurements should be confirmed throughout the straightening process. Follow up on the initial pulls by checking and tightening the anchors as needed.

Keep a look out for indications of a potential failure. Warnings signs like popping metal noises or disintegrating welds shouldn't be ignored.

Pressure-sensitive safety mats can be used as a form of machine guarding during frame straightener setup/operation. If there's any weight on the mat, the machine will be de-energized.

Turn the machine off when the job is finished. Never leave a machine powered on when not in use, with or without tension applied.