People risk serious injury or death when using unsafe trolley jacks. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and only use trolley jacks that meet the mandatory safety standard.
About trolley jacks
A trolley jack is a device designed to raise a part of a vehicle via its chassis.
A trolley jack usually comes with:
- wheels for manoeuvring the trolley jack
- a handle for positioning the trolley jack under the vehicle and for pumping the hydraulic cylinders
- hydraulic cylinders for lifting the vehicle.
Risks and injuries
Vehicles supported by an unsafe or inappropriately used trolley jack can fall onto a person. Incorrect use of a trolley jack can lead to serious injury or death.
Buying tips
- Only buy and use trolley jacks that meet mandatory safety standards.
- Use the right jack for the job.
Safe use
- Ensure that you regularly maintain jacks so that they operate safely.
- Always check the jack's label to ensure that its maximum load capacity is enough to support the vehicle you are lifting—otherwise the jack could fail and place you in danger.
- Never get under a vehicle that is supported only by a trolley jack—use support stands to support the vehicle.
- Use a trolley jack to lift a vehicle before placing the vehicle support stands underneath the vehicle.
- Locate the correct points for the vehicle support stands.
- Lower the jack slowly until the vehicle safely rests on the vehicle support stands.
