If you work with hydraulics in any capacity then safety should be top priority at all times. After all, if it’s not, then you’re more susceptible to dangerous situations like:
- Fittings blown off at high speeds
- High velocity fluid discharge which can result in serious injection injuries
- Explosion or burning of conveyed fluid
- Electrocution
And that’s only a handful of the dangers that can occur when safety becomes an afterthought. So, how do you prevent situations like that?
Tip #1: Select the Right Hose
Use the S.T.A.M.P. method when purchasing or replacing a hose. S.T.A.M.P. stands for size, temperature, application, media, and pressure. Knowing these key factors will ensure your hose is the right one for the job which is critical to system performance and reliability.
Tip #2: Avoid Injection Injuries
A fluid injection can have serious consequences if not dealt with promptly and properly. In fact, nearly half of all injection injuries that go untreated result in amputation. To avoid these:
- Never grab any hydraulic hoses under pressure
- Stop the engine and relieve all pressures before working on a line
- Do not use your hands or any other body part to search for leaks
- Create and post an emergency plan to follow should this type of injury occur to a member of your crew
Tip #3: Replace Old or Damaged Assemblies
Learn to identify potential hazards like cracks, abrasions in the cover, tight bends, or twisting. If you notice any, replace the hose immediately.
Want more safety tips? We’re offering in-depth, free safety training at our ParkerStores. Sign up on our website.
I have a friend who works with hydraulic hoses quite often. A coworker of his was recently injured while handling a hydraulic hose, so my friend thought would be a good idea to review some safety tips. It may seem like an obvious thing to do, but replaces broken or old pieces is a great way to ensure safety, especially if see that the equipment has cracks or twisting.