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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

Vehicle Jack Safety

Vehicle being lifted by a jack

Vehicle jacks support an incredible amount of weight distributed across a small surface area. Appropriate placement and support are needed to ensure stability and avoid a catastrophe.

Always utilize the designated lifting points on the vehicle. Only place the jack (and any axle stands) on a hard, level surface like a concrete repair shop floor.

If only one end of the vehicle will be lifted, chock the wheels that remain on the ground to prevent them from rolling. The chocks should be placed in front of the front wheels or behind the rear wheels.

Preventing Movement When Jacking Up One End of a Vehicle.

Never go under a vehicle that's supported only by a jack. According to the NHTSA, it's very possible for the jack to give out, meaning you could be crushed under the vehicle. If you need to go under the vehicle, make sure it's securely supported with multiple stands or ramps that are rated for the weight of the vehicle.

A vehicle should be supported by both a jack and a jack stand.
A vehicle shouldn't be supported only by a jack.

Cinder blocks, metal drums, bricks, or any other unconventional objects should never be used to support the weight of a vehicle.

According to Autozone, it's not safe to leave a vehicle up on a jack for an extended period of time (like overnight). Jacks are only meant for temporary lifting. Other support devices rated for the weight of the vehicle should be used if longer-term support is needed.