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About vehicle jacks
A vehicle jack is a device designed to raise a car, caravan or trailer. Vehicle jacks include:
- hydraulic jacks
- lever jacks
- pantograph (scissor) jacks
- screw jacks
- caravan and trailer jacks
- high lift jacks.
Risks and injuries from the product
People have been crushed to death or severely injured when they have used jacks incorrectly.
Injuries have ranged from amputation to fractures and crush injuries. Most of the deaths were men and involved the vehicle being lifted or supported in the wrong way.
Home mechanics are most at risk of this type of death or injury.
Things to look for when buying the product
Death and serious injuries have happened to people using vehicle jacks incorrectly. For this reason, there’s a mandatory standard that suppliers and retailers must comply with.
Only buy and use a vehicle jack that complies with the vehicle jacks mandatory standard. Make sure you use the right jack for the job.
This mandatory standard doesn’t apply to:
- jacks designed to raise an entire vehicle
- air bag jacks
- hydraulic trolley jacks.
Marks and labels
- The jack has assembly instructions and instructions for safe use.
- There are markings as required by the mandatory standard.
- The jack has been marked with the maximum load capacity in kilograms.
- A permanent warning notice is marked on the jack.
High lift jacks
High lift jacks must be permanently marked with this warning notice, or similar wording:
WARNING: NOT FOR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE OR WHEEL REMOVAL. DO NOT GET UNDER A RAISED VEHICLE.
and
THIS JACK MUST HAVE A MINIMUM LOAD OF X KG (manufacturers to nominate a load) ON IT TO LOWER STEP-BY-STEP, OTHERWISE THE LIFTING MECHANISM WILL SLIDE DOWN TO THE BASE PLATE DROPPING THE VEHICLE.
Jacks other than high lift jacks
Jacks other than high lift jacks must be permanently marked with this warning notice or similar wording:
WARNING: DO NOT GET UNDER A VEHICLE THAT IS SUPPORTED BY A JACK.
Hydraulic jacks
Hydraulic jacks must be permanently marked with a statement about the correct hydraulic fluid for use with the jack and that it be kept at the recommended level.
Caravan or trailer jacks
Caravan or trailer jacks must be permanently marked with this warning notice, or similar wording:
WARNING: USE ONLY WITH CORRECT ENGAGEMENT FITTING
Second-hand vehicle jacks
If you decide to use, buy or borrow a second-hand jack, make sure:
- the product hasn't been recalled
- it meets the current mandatory standard
- it includes the safe use, operating and maintenance instructions
- it is in good condition and working order.
For tips and more information, see Buy second-hand products that are safe.
How to use the product safely
- Make sure the maximum load capacity is enough to support the vehicle you are lifting.
- Never exceed the weight capacity of the jack.
- Use the jack on firm and level ground.
- Always follow the vehicle owner's manual for lifting points before jacking the vehicle.
- Never get under or place any part of your body under a car that is being supported by a jack. Use vehicle support stands.
- The wheels of the vehicle should be chocked to prevent them from moving.
- Never allow a person or pet to remain in the vehicle while it is being jacked.
Watch our video on DIY car repair safety
In this video, Soledad takes us through the correct procedure to lift and support vehicles so we can safely repair our cars.
Video transcript
VISION: Soledad stands in his garage next to his car.
SOLEDAD: I'm Soledad. This is my EH Holden. And I've done all my own repairs on this car.
On average five deaths and 160 injuries are associated with DIY repair each year. And these are preventable. So, I'm going to show you the correct way to lift and support your vehicle for DIY repairs.
First, you need the right tools for the job. Jacks, stands, and ramps all have a different purpose which I'll take you through.
TEXT: Dot points reading 'jacks, stands, ramps'
SOLEDAD: Your car will most likely come with a specific vehicle jack. Usually, in the boot. Remember, it's only designed for changing tyres and must never be used to get under your car.
TEXT: SAFETY TIP: Never get under your car using only a jack
SOLEDAD: If you do need to get under your car buy a good quality jack that's rated to lift the weight of your car and a pair of good quality support stands or ramps. Make sure all this equipment meets the mandatory safety standards.
VISION: An assortment of ramps, jacks and stands, all labelled. Text on screen reads 'Check the label for compliance with Australian standard AS: 2615:2016'
SOLEDAD: Always work on a hard flat surface, preferably concrete. Working on the lawn isn't safe.
TEXT: SAFETY TIP: Always work on a hard, flat surface
SOLEDAD: The surface needs to support the entire weight of your car. And you don't want to risk it.
TEXT: SAFETY TIP: Check your owners manual for your vehicle weight
VISION: A step by step process for lifting the car plays with Soledad's voice over.
SOLEDAD: Put your car in park and apply the handbrake. Place chocks behind all the unlifted wheels and locate the lifting points on your vehicle. If you're unsure where they are check the owner's manual. Then you can start to jack your car.
Check the safety warning labels on your equipment. These can provide you with valuable information on their correct use. Importantly, never get under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
TEXT: SAFETY TIP: Never get under your car using only a jack
SOLEDAD: This can be fatal. Never use bricks, blocks, or wood in place of good quality stands. Some DIY videos will suggest making your own as a cheap option. But you'll be risking your life for the sake of 80 bucks. They're a good investment.
Once you've raise the car slide your support stands into place and slowly lower that car onto them. It's a good idea to give the car a bit of a push and a shake just to make sure it's stable. If you're using vehicle ramps check their rated capacity specifications and again, compliance with safety standards.
TEXT: Check rated capacity; specifications; Australian Standard AS: 2640:2016.
SOLEDAD: Always use two ramps. These should be in line with the wheels, with the steering wheel straight drive slowly up the centre of the ramps.
Use a spotter if you can. The spotter should be away from the path of the car. As a rule of thumb, the spotter should be on the driver side, one car width away and one car length in front So they can still see the alignment of the ramps and wheels, but are safe if the ramps move or if the vehicle slides off one or both of the ramps.
Once at the top put the car in park and place chocks behind the unlifted wheels. Being able to lift your car the correct way is essential for any DIY car owner.
If you're unsure take your car to a professional and check the product safety Australia website for further information.
VISION: ACCC logo appears on screen with text: productsafety.gov.au/DIYcarsafety
NARRATOR: Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.