1910.244: Jacks and Other Portable Tools
Jack operators must make sure each jack is rated for the load and permanently marked with its rated load. The base must be blocked when ground is not firm, the load cribbed or blocked right after lifting, and jacks inspected on schedule, such as every 6 months for regular use at one place. Broken jacks must be tagged and not used. Abrasive blast nozzles need a hand-held valve and a rest.
Key takeaways
- 1910.244 is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart P).
- OSHA cited it 487 times in the last 3 years, in 410 inspections, with $611,651 in current penalties.
- 7 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: CT (142), NY (66), TN (55).
- Most-cited part: 1910.244(a) Jacks (478 citations).
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.244, "Other portable tools and equipment", is an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart P). It has 14 numbered 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
Show the full text of 1910.244 (14 paragraphs)
(a) Jacks — Open (a) 478 citations
(1) Loading and marking. Open (a)(1) 308 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) 304 citations
(2) Operation and maintenance. Open (a)(2) 170 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) 124 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
(b) Abrasive blast cleaning nozzles. The blast cleaning nozzles shall be equipped with an operating valve which must be held open manually. A support shall be provided on which the nozzle may be mounted when it is not in use. Open (b) 9 citations
[39 FR 23502, June 27, 1974, as amended at 49 FR 5323, Feb. 10, 1984]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15.
Export the list: 410 inspections cited 1910.244 in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moInjuries linked to this rule
7 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.244.
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 | 24 |
| 2024 | 161 |
| 2025 | 167 |
| 2026 | 135 |
Top states: CT (142), NY (66), TN (55), NJ (48), MD (37)
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 |
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OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.244.
Most-cited parts of this rule
- 1910.244(a) Jacks 478 citations
- 1910.244(a)(1) Loading and marking 308 citations
- 1910.244(a)(1)(ii) 304 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2) Operation and maintenance 170 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(vi) 124 citations
- 1910.244(a)(2)(iii) 33 citations
- 1910.244(b) Abrasive blast cleaning nozzles 9 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
How often must jacks be inspected?
At least every 6 months for constant or intermittent use at one location, when sent out and returned for special work, and right before and after any abnormal load or shock.
What must be done after a load is raised?
It must be cribbed, blocked or otherwise secured at once.
What does 1910.244 require for blast cleaning nozzles?
They must have an operating valve that must be held open by hand, and a support to rest the nozzle on when not in use.
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 2026-11-06
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.