§ 33.288. Jacks.

 (a)  Inspections. The following procedure shall be followed:

   (1)  Jacks shall be examined for cracked, distorted or worn parts and to insure that they are receiving proper lubrication. Time of examination shall depend upon service conditions as follows:

     (i)   For constant or intermittent use at one locality, thorough inspection once every week.

     (ii)   For jacks shipped between shop and job, thorough inspection when sent out and when returned.

     (iii)   For jacks upon which abnormal load or shock has occurred, thorough inspection immediately, by the foreman in charge.

   (2)  Jacks which are found to have cracked, distorted or badly worn parts shall be tagged ‘‘out of order’’ and not reused until repairs are made to place the jack in safe working order.

   (3)  Repair or replacement parts shall be examined for possible defects, and only parts which fit perfectly shall be used.

   (4)  Before being returned to service, repaired jacks shall be subjected to test and shall meet the same requirements as when new.

   (5)  A capable employe of the main contractor or of the contractor doing the excavation work shall be appointed and held responsible for the inspection of all jacks at regular intervals.

 (b)  Jacks for lifting or moving. The following procedure shall be followed:

   (1)  The rated capacity of every jack shall be legibly marked by casting or stamping in a prominent location on the jack.

   (2)  To prevent loading beyond the rated capacity, the manufacturer shall designate in printed matter or otherwise, the intended supporting point of the load and the maximum permissible length of lever and force applied.

   (3)  If auxiliary load supporting points are provided, the manufacturer shall also designate the rated capacity for these points.

   (4)  The design of all jacks shall incorporate either a positive stop to prevent overtravel or an indicator where a positive stop is impracticable.

   (5)  Jacks shall be designed so that parts may be replaced without requiring special adjustment of either the replacement part or other parts of the jack.

   (6)  Printed instructions concerning the lubrication and operation of the jacks shall be secured from the manufacturer and these instructions shall be followed.

   (7)  When the object has been lifted to the desired height, blocking or cribbing shall be immediately placed under it.

 (c)  Screw jacks for bracing. Metal pipe used as part of a screwjack or crossbrace shall be a minimum two inch diameter extra heavy. Metal pipe or metal shapes used as crossbraces or stringers shall be equivalent in stiffness and strength to the timbers as specified in this subchapter.

 (d)  Hydraulic ditch jacks. Hydraulic ditch jacks may be used for bracing under the conditions specified for uprights in this subchapter. Hydraulic ditch jacks shall not be used for the bracing of excavations greater than 10 feet in depth nor more than 42 inches in width. They shall be used only in either hard solid soil, where they shall be spaced not more than 6 feet apart center line to center line; or in soil likely to crack, where they shall be spaced not more than 3 feet center line to center line, in the same manner as the specificiations for uprights set out in this subchapter. The upright members of hydraulic ditch jacks shall be not less than 6 inches in width and shall be equivalent in strength to a 2 inch by 6 inch plank. The cross members shall be equivalent in strength to a 2 inch by 6 inch plank of the same length. The construction and mechanism of hydraulic ditch jacks shall be subject to approval of the Board.