High-pressure hydraulics can be dangerous when not used correctly. In addition to the extreme pressure and powerful force involved, they often involve heavy machinery used in confined spaces. Even if your tools are smaller and lighter than the average hydraulic tool, small size requires more pressure and torque to achieve the same results; therefore, if you’re using high-pressure hydraulics, it’s important that you follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for safe use.
Here’s a closer look at some high-pressure hydraulic safety tips to keep in mind:
- Perform regular maintenance and inspections: Before you use your hydraulic tools or machinery, perform an inspection. Leaks and poor connections can cause devastating injuries or even death. Regular preventative maintenance lowers these risks. Hose assemblies are prone to wear and tear, like abrasions, flattening, leaks, cracks, squeezing and more. Before you pressurize the system, inspect the hoses and connections. Replace any that appear to be worn or damaged. Finally, every two years, pressure-test your hydraulic equipment. You simply can’t be too careful—hydraulic tools are powerful, but all that force can be harmful to humans.
- Consider a CEJN alert-ring system: To avoid accidental disconnection, your couplings need to be in great shape and safely connected. A CEJN alert-ring system can help you stay on top of this task. These couplings have a red alert ring on the female half of the coupling, which indicates whether or not the connection is safe. If you can see the red alert ring, you need to disconnect and reconnect the hose before pressurizing the system. If it’s green, you’re good to go.
- Remember quick-connect couplings are not interchangeable: Even if your quick-connect couplings from different manufacturers seem to fit, they are not interchangeable. Do not mix couplings—even products advertised as working with other manufacturers’ couplings. Couplings are specifically and precisely manufactured to ensure a tight fit and full seal. If you mix products, you’re very likely to experience suboptimal performance, if not leaks and accidental disconnection. It’s best to avoid the issue in the first place. Instead, purchase your couplings and hoses from a reputable dealer.
- Understand the risks involved: The higher the pressure, the higher your need to follow high-pressure hydraulic use Hose assemblies can fail, even if you follow every safety tip perfectly. When the pressurized oil shoots out and the hoses whip around, they can cause serious personal injury and property damage. If a leak occurs, shut down the machinery immediately. Always wear protective gear, and never try to find or address a leak with your hands. If you are injured in a hydraulic-related accident, seek medical attention immediately.
With great hydraulic power comes the great responsibility to protect yourself, your coworkers and anyone else in the vicinity. By respecting your tools and machinery, you’ll be far more likely to enjoy safe and efficient use for many years to come.
For hydraulic equipment and components, call or visit Hydraulic Power Sales Inc. today. We’d be happy to match you to the appropriate assemblies.