How to keep yourself safe while using this powerful tool
Todays post may seem like some bogus corporate ‘paid recommendation’ but I promise you it’s not. The name “Porta Power “doesn’t really tell you the potential life saving aspects of this tool. But if you’re ever in a serious accident you’ll be thankful for this tool. It’s also known as the portable Jaws of Life. If you’ve never seen one, try a google search for “10 ton Porta Power”. Hydraulically operated jacks and equipment are available in a wide variety of types, many for specific applications.
Many jacks use hydraulics as a means of pressing, pushing, lifting, supporting, and stabilizing. Using hydraulically operated equipment is a very efficient way of performing these tasks. It is important that the proper safety procedures be practiced, prior to, and during the operation, or maintenance of hydraulic equipment. I am including some safety guidelines for operating and repairing jacks with hydraulics:
Personal protective equipment: Always wear eye and hand protection. Wear ANSI-approved safety impact goggles, non-skid safety shoes, and heavy duty work gloves when using this jack.
Personal safety: Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep long hair tied back or inside your hat. Keep your clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in the moving parts of the jack. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper footing and balance enables you to better control yourself in unexpected situations.
Tool use and care: Store idle jacks and equipment out of reach of children and other untrained people. Jacks and equipment are dangerous in the hands of untrained users. Maintain this jack with care. Keep it clean. A properly maintained jack is easier to control. Do not use a damaged jack or equipment. Tag damaged jacks and equipment “Do not use” until repaired. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, loose or broken parts, and any other condition that may affect this jack’s operation. If damaged, have the jack serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained jacks and equipment. Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for your model. Accessories that may be suitable for one product may become hazardous when used on another product.
Service: Jack service must be performed only by qualified service technician. Service or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of injury. When servicing this jack, use only identical replacement parts. Follow instructions in the “Inspection, Maintenance, and Cleaning”. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to follow maintenance instructions may create a risk of electrical shock or injury.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
Do not exceed the maximum PSI capacity of each Hydraulic Ram in this Kit. Also, do not operate a Ram beyond its maximum range of travel. Exceeding the maximum PSI and travel capacity of a Ram can cause personal injury and / or property damage. Prior to using the Auto Body / Frame Repair Kit, make sure to read and understand all instructions and safety precautions as outlined in the auto manufacturer’s manual. Make sure the Auto Body / Frame Repair Kit is fully compatible with each specific vehicle. It is beyond the scope of this safety meeting to discuss body / frame repair guidelines, and instead is the responsibility of the product user to consult a body / frame repair technical manual for full instructions.
Maintain labels and nameplates on the Auto Body / Frame Repair Kit. These carry important information. If unreadable or missing, contact the manufacturer. Use the right product for the job. There are certain applications for which this product was designed. Do not use this product for a purpose for which it was not intended. Never use this item to raise or move a vehicle.
Stay clear of a Hydraulic Ram when using the tool. Position your body as far away from the Ram as is practical when the Ram is under a load. It is possible for a Ram to slip under a load, possibly resulting in serious injury and / or property damage.
Industrial applications must follow OSHA requirements for Portable Hydraulics as follows :
Before working on a vehicle, always set the parking brake and block the tires. Never attempt a repair while the engine is running or the vehicle is moving. Avoid off-center loads. If the Hydraulic Pump (not included) unit seems unusually hard to pump, immediately stop the operation. Adjust the Hydraulic Ram unit to eliminate or diminish an off-center load.
Conclusion: Stay alert. Be cautious, watch what you are doing, and turn to common sense during the use of the 10-ton portable jack. Do not use this jack while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating a portable power jack may result in serious personal injury. This tool has the potential for saving lives, use it correctly and the life you save may be your own. As always, be safe out there….
~Grant Killian
