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About vehicle support stands
Vehicle support stands are tools to support the axle or chassis of a vehicle. They allow access to the underside of the vehicle for maintenance.
Vehicle support stands come in fixed or adjustable heights.
Risks and injuries from the product
A vehicle raised and supported by unsafe vehicle support stands or stands used inappropriately can fall onto a person working underneath or bystanders. This can cause serious injury or death.
Things to look for when buying the product
Death and serious injuries have happened to people using vehicle support stands. For this reason, there’s a mandatory standard that suppliers and retailers must comply with.
Only buy a vehicle support stand that complies with the vehicle support stands mandatory standard.
Design and construction
- The vehicle support stand is stable and resists tipping over.
- The surface is free from dangerous projections and sharp edges.
Marks and labels
- There are instructions and markings. Vehicle support stands must be supplied with a range of information, including instructions for safe use, package marking and assembly instructions.
- A permanent warning notice is marked on the vehicle support stand.
Vehicle support stands must be permanently marked with this warning notice:
Second-hand vehicle support stands
If you decide to use, buy or borrow a second-hand support stand, check that:
- it's in good condition and working order
- it complies with the mandatory standard
- safe use, operating and maintenance instructions are provided.
For tips and more information, see Buying second-hand products that are safe.
How to use the product safely
- Check that the maximum load capacity is enough to support the vehicle that is being supported by the stand. Otherwise the support stand could fail and place you in danger.
- Use vehicle support stands on a hard, level surface and always use them in pairs.
- Always fully engage the locking mechanism and position a wedge or chock behind all wheels that remain on the ground.
- Don’t extend the height of the stands beyond the maximum working height.
- Don’t adjust the height when the stands are bearing weight.
- Never place any part of your body under a raised vehicle until it is sitting on support stands or vehicle ramps.
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.