* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * INFORMATION ALERT * * * * Produced by: Ontario Ministry of Labour * * Provided by: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * INFO ALERT: 11 DATE: March 4, 1991 *** HAZARD SUMMARY: *** CRITICAL INJURY - HYDRAULIC JACK FAILURE A critical injury was sustained by a worker when the centre of the base plate burst from a 50-ton Strongarm hydraulic jack. Material specifications and manufacturing processes are considered the reasons for the jack's failure. An engineering analysis concluded that Strongarm jacks in the model series 315, 320, 322, 330 and 350 are considered unsafe and are being immediately withdrawn from service in British Columbia. Strongarm Inc. of Mississauga will not be importing any of the above named jacks from the Taiwan manufacturer until changes are made in material specifications and the manufacturing process. *** LOCATION(S) AND SECTOR(S) WHERE HAZARD MAY BE ENCOUNTERED *** Manufacturing, transportation, construction, and mining. *** APPLICABLE SECTION(S) OF INDUSTRIAL REGULATIONS *** Accidents of this type can be avoided by taking Strongarm jack models 315, 320, 322, 330 and 350 out of service. Section 55 of the Regulations for Industrial Establishments states that: "(1) A lifting device shall, (a) be so constructed, of such strength and be equipped with suitable ropes, chains, slings and other fittings so as to adequately ensure the safety of all workers; (b) be thoroughly examined by a competent person to determine its capability of handling the maximum load as rated," * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * NOTE: "Information Alert" is produced by the Industrial Health and Safety Branch, Ministry of Labour. The goal of this publication is to communicate hazard information as soon as it becomes available to prevent serious injury to workers. Reproduction and use of these alerts is encouraged.