1910.244(a): Safe Use of Jacks
Jack operators must make sure each jack is rated to lift and hold the load and is permanently marked with its rated load. The base must be blocked when ground is not firm, the stop indicator watched, and the load cribbed or blocked right after lifting. Jacks must be lubricated, inspected on schedule, such as every 6 months for regular use, and tagged out when broken.
Key takeaways
- 1910.244(a) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 476 times in the last 3 years, in 400 inspections, with $578,657 in current penalties.
- 7 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: CT (140), NY (67), TN (56).
- Related part: 1910.244(a)(1) Loading and marking (307 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.244(a) ("Jacks") is one requirement inside 1910.244 Other portable tools and equipment, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart P). It includes 12 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
(a) Jacks — 476 citations
(1) Loading and marking. Open (a)(1) 307 citations
(i) The operator shall make sure that the jack used has a rating sufficient to lift and sustain the load. Open (a)(1)(i) 4 citations
(ii) The rated load shall be legibly and permanently marked in a prominent location on the jack by casting, stamping, or other suitable means. Open (a)(1)(ii) 303 citations
(2) Operation and maintenance. Open (a)(2) 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
7 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.244(a).
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 | 29 |
| 2024 | 158 |
| 2025 | 164 |
| 2026 | 125 |
Top states: CT (140), NY (67), TN (56), NJ (48), MD (34)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| L & M TOWING AND REPAIR, INC. | VERMILION, OH | $24,824 |
| FORREST BROTHERS TIRE COMPANY, INC. | MONAHANS, TX | $20,326 |
| UAC FIELD LLC | COLUMBUS, NE | $20,000 |
| CELINA ALUMINUM PRECISION TECHNOLOGY, INC. | CELINA, OH | $19,440 |
| WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC. | WILLIS, TX | $16,550 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.244(a), 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)(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)(1)(i) 4 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(v) 1 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(vii)
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Frequently asked questions
Does a jack need a load rating mark?
Yes. The rated load must be legibly and permanently marked in a prominent spot on the jack.
What protects hydraulic jacks in cold weather?
Hydraulic jacks exposed to freezing temperatures must have adequate antifreeze liquid.
What happens to a jack that is out of order?
It must be tagged and not used until repaired.
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.