I posted this some time ago on other forums and I thought I would offer it up here as a reminder to all.....
Be Safe out there.
It seems as though we have had some close calls lately in re-guard to jack placement, especially on steering axles. Most of the issues are due to rear air suspension settling. This is a big issue to me as it can endanger everyone's safety in the shop. This is a problem no matter the jack type or supports being used. For the safety of yourself and your coworkers- Never get under a vehicle that is not properly supported by adequate support stands of the rated capacity. (NOT A JACK) No matter how quick the repair never assume the jack will stay up. Always use wheel chocks on the drive wheels when in the service bay. (NOT A BLOCK OF WOOD) One set is good, two is even better. For all you know the truck you just pulled in might only have 2 spring brakes, one of which the spring is in five pieces, the other shoes are soaked with oil. Before lifting with service jacks, "ALWAYS" dump the air suspension before lifting. This eliminates a lot of issues with tipping and slipping jacks and stands. Finally, always leave a manual trans in neutral and check for neutral with the clutch fully depressed before turning that key. A lot of them have crank protection but most do not. I realize most of this is elementary stuff. Over time I think we need a refresher of the basics, as that's why they call them accidents. Hopefully this saves just one from happening.
Best Reguards,
Be Safe out there.
It seems as though we have had some close calls lately in re-guard to jack placement, especially on steering axles. Most of the issues are due to rear air suspension settling. This is a big issue to me as it can endanger everyone's safety in the shop. This is a problem no matter the jack type or supports being used. For the safety of yourself and your coworkers- Never get under a vehicle that is not properly supported by adequate support stands of the rated capacity. (NOT A JACK) No matter how quick the repair never assume the jack will stay up. Always use wheel chocks on the drive wheels when in the service bay. (NOT A BLOCK OF WOOD) One set is good, two is even better. For all you know the truck you just pulled in might only have 2 spring brakes, one of which the spring is in five pieces, the other shoes are soaked with oil. Before lifting with service jacks, "ALWAYS" dump the air suspension before lifting. This eliminates a lot of issues with tipping and slipping jacks and stands. Finally, always leave a manual trans in neutral and check for neutral with the clutch fully depressed before turning that key. A lot of them have crank protection but most do not. I realize most of this is elementary stuff. Over time I think we need a refresher of the basics, as that's why they call them accidents. Hopefully this saves just one from happening.
Best Reguards,
