1910.244(a)(2): Safe Use and Inspection of Jacks
Employers must block the jack base when there is no firm foundation, block between the cap and load if the cap may slip, never overrun the stop indicator, and crib or block a raised load at once. Jacks must be lubricated regularly, have antifreeze if exposed to freezing, and be inspected at least every 6 months in one locality, when sent out and returned, and before and after abnormal load or shock. Out-of-order jacks must be tagged and not used.
Key takeaways
- 1910.244(a)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 169 times in the last 3 years, in 154 inspections, with $301,660 in current penalties.
- 6 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: CT (85), ME (21), MN (12).
- 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)(2) ("Operation and maintenance") is one requirement inside 1910.244 Other portable tools and equipment, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart P). It includes 8 sub-paragraphs. 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
(2) Operation and maintenance. 169 citations
(i) In the absence of a firm foundation, the base of the jack shall be blocked. If there is a possibility of slippage of the cap, a block shall be placed in between the cap and the load. 8 citations
(ii) The operator shall watch the stop indicator, which shall be kept clean, in order to determine the limit of travel. The indicated limit shall not be overrun.
(iii) After the load has been raised, it shall be cribbed, blocked, or otherwise secured at once. Open (a)(2)(iii) 33 citations
(iv) Hydraulic jacks exposed to freezing temperatures shall be supplied with an adequate antifreeze liquid.
(v) All jacks shall be properly lubricated at regular intervals. Open (a)(2)(v) 1 citations
(vi) Each jack shall be thoroughly inspected at times which depend upon the service conditions. Inspections shall be not less frequent than the following: Open (a)(2)(vi) 123 citations
(a) For constant or intermittent use at one locality, once every 6 months,
(b) For jacks sent out of shop for special work, when sent out and when returned,
(c) For a jack subjected to abnormal load or shock, immediately before and immediately thereafter.
(vii) Repair or replacement parts shall be examined for possible defects. Open (a)(2)(vii)
(viii) Jacks which are out of order shall be tagged accordingly, and shall not be used until repairs are made. 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.244.
Injuries linked to this rule
6 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.244(a)(2).
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…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 67 |
| 2025 | 53 |
| 2026 | 43 |
Top states: CT (85), ME (21), MN (12), TX (7), OH (5)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| FORREST BROTHERS TIRE COMPANY, INC. | MONAHANS, TX | $20,326 |
| UAC FIELD LLC | COLUMBUS, NE | $20,000 |
| WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. | WILLIS, TX | $16,550 |
| FAST FLEET, LLC DBA FAST FLEET MOBILE TRUCK REPAIR | ATLANTA, GA | $16,131 |
| CLEAR CREEK SKIING CORPORATION | GEORGETOWN, CO | $14,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.244(a)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Handtools must be in a safe condition. (1981-09-11)
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)(vi) 123 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(iii) 33 citations
- 1910.244(a)(1)(i) 4 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(v) 1 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(vii)
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
How often must jacks be inspected?
At least once every 6 months for use at one locality, when sent out and returned for special work, and immediately before and after abnormal load or shock.
What must be done after a load is raised?
It shall be cribbed, blocked or otherwise secured at once.
What if a jack is out of order?
It must be tagged accordingly and not used until repairs are made.
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.