1910.244(a)(1)(i): Jack Rating for the Load
The operator must make sure the jack being used has a rating sufficient to lift and sustain the load.
Key takeaways
- 1910.244(a)(1)(i) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 4 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $24,136 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.244(a) Jacks (476 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.244(a)(1)(i) is one requirement inside 1910.244 Other portable tools and equipment, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart P). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(i) The operator shall make sure that the jack used has a rating sufficient to lift and sustain the load. 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.244.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.244(a)(1)(i).
At 10:30 a.m. on November 13, 2024, an employee working as a the mechanic shop foreman for an automobile parts store had just returned from his morning break. The employee and a coworker working as a foreman had begun working on a vehicle together. The…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.244(a)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.244(a)(1)(i).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.244(a) Jacks 476 citations
- 1910.244(a)(1) Loading and marking 307 citations
- 1910.244(a)(1)(ii) 303 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2) Operation and maintenance 169 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(vi) 123 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(iii) 33 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(v) 1 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(vii)
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Frequently asked questions
Who checks that the jack is rated for the load?
The operator.
What must the rating cover?
Both lifting and sustaining the load.
Can a jack be used if its rating is too low?
No. The rating must be sufficient for the load.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.244 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.