What is the danger of releasing a compressed coil spring without a jack stand in place?

Releasing a compressed coil spring without a jack stand in place poses a significant risk of bodily injury. Coil springs can store a tremendous amount of energy when compressed, and if they are suddenly released, they can expand violently. This can cause the spring to launch unexpectedly, resulting in serious injuries to anyone in proximity. The force of the spring can lead to impacts that can break bones or cause other severe injuries. Proper safety protocols, such as using a jack stand, are critical to ensuring that the spring is securely held in place while any adjustments or releases are made, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.