1926.305(d): Jack Operation and Maintenance
After a load is raised it must be cribbed, blocked or otherwise secured at once. Jacks must be lubricated at regular intervals, given antifreeze when exposed to freezing, and inspected at least every 6 months for constant or intermittent use at one locality, plus when sent out and returned, and before and after abnormal load or shock. Defective jacks must be tagged and not used.
Key takeaways
- 1926.305(d) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 2 times in the last 3 years, in 2 inspections, with $12,437 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.305(d)(1) Operation and maintenance (2 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.305(d) is one requirement inside 1926.305 Jacks—lever and ratchet, screw, and hydraulic, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart I). It includes 7 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
(d) 2 citations
(1) Operation and maintenance. Open (d)(1) 2 citations
(i) After the load has been raised, it shall be cribbed, blocked, or otherwise secured at once. Open (d)(1)(i) 1 citations
(ii) Hydraulic jacks exposed to freezing temperatures shall be supplied with an adequate antifreeze liquid.
(iii) All jacks shall be properly lubricated at regular intervals.
(iv) Each jack shall be thoroughly inspected at times which depend upon the service conditions. Inspections shall be not less frequent than the following: 1 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.
(v) Repair or replacement parts shall be examined for possible defects.
(vi) Jacks which are out of order shall be tagged accordingly, and shall not be used until repairs are made.
[44 FR 8577, Feb. 9, 1979; 44 FR 20940, Apr. 6, 1979, as amended at 55 FR 42328, Oct. 18, 1990; 58 FR 35176, June 30, 1993]
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.305.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.305(d).
On January 8, 2024, a three man teardown crew was in the process of preparing a mobile home for transport by semi-truck to another mobile home park. At approximately 10:00 a.m., the crew was preparing to lift the mobile home from its foundation, which consisted…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.305(d), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Flexible corrugated plastic covers for temporary use to cover live electric parts in switch and panel boxes. (2002-06-17)
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.305(d)(1) Operation and maintenance 2 citations
- 1926.305(d)(1)(i) 1 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must happen right after a load is raised?
It must be cribbed, blocked, or otherwise secured at once.
How often must jacks used at one locality be inspected?
At least once every 6 months for constant or intermittent use at one locality.
What about a jack that is out of order?
It must be tagged accordingly and not used until repairs are made.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.305 (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 2026-10-19
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.