Fluid Power Safety
Objectives
In this lesson we will list common hazards around hydraulic systems, describe safe work procedures to avoid unexpected motion, and explain how to confirm a zero energy state in a hydraulic system.
Heat
Hydraulic systems can become quite hot when working hard.
The temperature of the fluid and thus the steel components of the system can reach 185°F (85°C) or more.
Use caution and wear gloves and safety glasses around working hydraulic systems.
Flammability
Hydraulic oil will burn when exposed to a flame.
This is especially true if the fluid is a thin film or if it sprays out as a jet from a leakage point.
Take all precautions to keep hydraulic parts clean and free of an oil film and keep flame sources away from all hydraulic components.
Hose & Fitting Failure
While rare, it is possible for a hose or fitting to fail under pressure.
Hose or fitting failures can have a number of different causes.
Potential causes of hose or fitting failure:
- Inadequate hose/tubing support brackets.
- Being subjected to pressures beyond the rated maximum.
- Having been damaged previously, yet still used.
A failed hose can strike at high velocity resulting in injury or even death as a pinhole leak can easily pierce the flesh or damage an eyeball!
Do not try to survey the leak area with your hand!
Even if you are wearing gloves high pressure fluid can easily cut right through!
Another thing to avoid is the 'cracking' of fittings with a wrench to check for pressure or trapped air.
Do not handle a hose or fitting while it is under pressure!
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