Vehicle Jacking and Positive Support

A Jack Lifts the Vehicle but Cannot Replace Safe Support

9 October 2026 Illustrative workshop scene of a pickup supported by two axle stands on level concrete, with rear-wheel chocks and a technician standing clear.

Illustrative workshop scene of a pickup supported by two axle stands on level concrete, with rear-wheel chocks and a technician standing clear.

A raised vehicle can look steady while leaving a person exposed to a fatal crush hazard. A jack is a lifting device, not permission to work underneath. Before anyone enters the space below a vehicle, secure it against rolling and support it with suitable rated stands at the manufacturer's specified points. Ground condition, equipment condition and support placement all matter. Never let a quick inspection become an exception: if the support arrangement is uncertain, keep clear and stop the job until it is made safe.

Controls to confirm

Plan the lift on firm, level ground. Confirm the vehicle manufacturer's lifting and support points, select jacks and stands with adequate rated capacity for the imposed load, and inspect them before use; segregate damaged equipment.
Secure the vehicle against movement using the approved procedure, including appropriate wheel chocks for wheels remaining on the ground. Install suitable rated axle stands at the specified support points and engage their correct locking devices before allowing access beneath the vehicle.
Keep everyone clear during raising, support placement and lowering. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack, and stop if a support shifts or its stability is uncertain. Reassess the support arrangement before removing heavy components that could change the load balance.

Today’s action

Check the jacking and support arrangements for today's first vehicle-maintenance task with the work party. Verify the ground, support points, equipment ratings, locking devices and wheel chocks before authorising access underneath.

Source guidance

UK HSE — Working under vehicles: rated supports, correct support points, firm ground and wheel chocks; guidance checked 9 October 2026

OSHA construction guidance requires raised loads to be promptly secured and jack capacity limits to be respected.

OSHA — Jacks (29 CFR 1926.305); guidance checked 9 October 2026

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