When an Australian motorist finds themselves in the dreaded position of having to change a flat tyre, they expect their vehicle jack to operate easily and more important safely.

Due to changes in technology and industry requirements, the joint Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand Committee CS-055 Car Jack and Trolley Jacks are jacking up the Standard with the revision of AS/NZS 2693:2003 Vehicle Jacks.

The standard focuses on providing manufacturers, importers, consumers, retailers and testing bodies with a set of performance requirements which include technical specifications and test methods for screw jacks, hydraulic jacks, lever jacks, high lift jacks and pantojacks (scissor) intended for raising passenger vehicles.

The main differences with the new Standard are:

– Changes to wording on vehicle jack marking (labelling – More substantial requirements for caravan/trailer jacks

– New Clauses focusing on high lift jack – Inclusion of warnings on high lift jacks designed with the unsafe feature of releasing their load when a certain minimum load is reached during the lowering process

This standard will be published in the second half of 2006 as AS/NZS 2693 Vehicle Jacks.

To stay up to date and view a full list of drafts for comment visit www.standards.org.au

Standards Australia’s project managers’ facilitate committees comprised of experts representing a broad cross section of industry and the community, such as governments, industry bodies, trade and professional associations, academia and consumer groups.

Standards Australia is recognized by the government as Australia’s peak standards body. It develops Australian Standards of public benefit and national interest and supports excellence in design and innovation.