Hydraulic systems must store fluid under high pressure. Three kinds of hazards exist: burns from the hot, high-pressure spray of fluid; bruises, cuts, or abrasions from flailing hydraulic lines; and injection of fluid into the skin. Hydraulic systems safety and performance requires general maintenance. Proper coupling of high and low-pressure hydraulic components and pressure relief valves are important safety measures.
Hydraulic systems are popular on many types of agricultural equipment because they reduce the need for complex mechanical linkages and allow remote control of numerous operations. Hydraulic systems are used to lift implements, such as plows; to change the position of implement components, such as a combine header or bulldozer blade; to operate remote hydraulic motors; and to assist steering and braking.
To do their work, hydraulic systems must store fluid under high pressure, typically 2,000 pounds or more per square inch. One hazard comes from removing or adjusting components without releasing the pressure. The fluid, under tremendous pressure, is also hot. The worker then is exposed to three kinds of hazards: burns from hot, high-pressure fluid; bruises, cuts or abrasions from flailing hydraulic lines; and injection of fluid into the skin.
Many systems store hydraulic energy in accumulators. These accumulators are designed to store oil under pressure when the hydraulic pump cannot keep up with demand, when the engine is shut down, or when the hydraulic pump malfunctions. Even though the pump may be stopped or an implement disconnected, the system is still under pressure. To work on the system safely, relieve the pressure first.
Pinhole Leak Injuries
Probably the most common injury associated with hydraulic systems is the result of pinhole leaks in hoses. These leaks are difficult to locate. A person may notice a damp, oily, dirty place near a hydraulic line. Not seeing the leak, the person runs a hand or finger along the line to find it. When the pinhole is reached, the fluid can be injected into the skin as if from a hypodermic syringe.
Immediately after the injection, the person experiences only a slight stinging sensation and may not think much about it. Several hours later, however, the wound begins to throb and severe pain begins. By the time a doctor is seen, it is often too late, and the individual loses a finger or entire arm.
Unfortunately, this kind of accident is not uncommon. To reduce the chances of this type of injury, run a piece of wood or cardboard along the hose (rather than fingers) to detect the leak (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: Detecting pinhole leaks in a hydraulic system.
Improper Coupling
Another hazard is improper coupling of low- and high-pressure hydraulic components. Do not connect a high-pressure pump to a low-pressure system. Do not incorporate a low-pressure component, hose or fitting into a high-pressure system. Component, hose or fitting ruptures are likely to occur.
Pressure relief valves incorporated into the hydraulic system will avoid pressure buildups during use. Keep these valves clean and test them periodically to ensure correct operation.
Maintenance
An improperly maintained hydraulic system can lead to component failures. Safe hydraulic system performance requires general maintenance.
Periodically check for oil leaks and worn hoses.
Keep contaminants from hydraulic oil and replace filters periodically.
Coat cylinder rods with protective lubricants to avoid rusting.
Tips for Safe Operation
Follow these rules for safe hydraulics operation:
Always lower the hydraulic working units to the ground before leaving the machine.
Park the machinery where children cannot reach it.
Block up the working units when you must work on the system while raised; do not rely on the hydraulic lift.
Never service the hydraulic system while the machine engine is running unless absolutely necessary (bleeding the system).
Do not remove cylinders until the working units are resting on the ground or securely on safety stands or blocks; shut off the engine.
When transporting the machine, lock the cylinder stops to hold the working units solidly in place.
Before disconnecting oil lines, relieve all hydraulic pressure and discharge the accumulator (if used).
Be sure all line connections are tight and lines are not damaged; escaping oil under pressure is a fire hazard and can cause personal injury.
Some hydraulic pumps and control valves are heavy. Before removing them, provide a means of support such as a chain hoist, floor jack or blocks.
When washing parts, use a nonvolatile cleaning solvent.
To ensure control of the unit, keep the hydraulics in proper adjustment.
On the job accidents and injuries are most often a result of negligence and unsafe working conditions. In an effort to protect workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), created standards 1910.132 and 1910.133, to address requirements for providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and eye protection in the workplace. However, most employers find it hard to sort through the standards to get to the heart of what they really mean in everyday life.
On the job accidents and injuries are most often a result of negligence and unsafe working conditions. In an effort to protect workers, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), created standards 1910.132 and 1910.133, to address requirements for providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and eye protection in the workplace. However, most employers find it hard to sort through the standards to get to the heart of what they really mean in everyday life.
Significant engineering and test efforts
have been undertaken in the last few years into the area of arc flash/blast hazards in electrical equipment. The result has been a better understanding of arcing faults and how to prevent and/or minimize the hazards to personnel and equipment. This paper highlights some of the findings that may help in safety management and equipment selection. This paper concludes with some design considerations that will help reduce the hazards of arcing faults.
Significant engineering and test efforts
have been undertaken in the last few years into the area of arc flash/blast hazards in electrical equipment. The result has been a better understanding of arcing faults and how to prevent and/or minimize the hazards to personnel and equipment. This paper highlights some of the findings that may help in safety management and equipment selection. This paper concludes with some design considerations that will help reduce the hazards of arcing faults.
A confined space is defined as a workspace that is fully or partially enclosed, is not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy and has limited or restricted access, exiting or an internal configuration that can complicate provisions of first aid, evacuation, rescue or other emergency response services. Confined spaces can be found in almost all industries in Canada, which include tunnels, mines, grain silos, hydro vaults, shipping compartments, pump stations, boilers, chemical tanks and more. Every confined space is considered to be hazardous unless deemed not so by a competent person through a hazard identification and risk assessment.
A confined space is defined as a workspace that is fully or partially enclosed, is not designed or intended for continuous human occupancy and has limited or restricted access, exiting or an internal configuration that can complicate provisions of first aid, evacuation, rescue or other emergency response services. Confined spaces can be found in almost all industries in Canada, which include tunnels, mines, grain silos, hydro vaults, shipping compartments, pump stations, boilers, chemical tanks and more. Every confined space is considered to be hazardous unless deemed not so by a competent person through a hazard identification and risk assessment.
One of the hot topics in electrical and mechanical training classes is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E. Students question what 70E is and how it relates to the National Electrical Code (NEC), if 70E is a new regulation and if not why are they just now hearing about it, and if companies are required to comply with 70E. This article will take some of the mystery out of 70E.
One of the hot topics in electrical and mechanical training classes is the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E. Students question what 70E is and how it relates to the National Electrical Code (NEC), if 70E is a new regulation and if not why are they just now hearing about it, and if companies are required to comply with 70E. This article will take some of the mystery out of 70E.
There are three basic electrical hazards that cause injury and death: shock, arc-flash, and arc-blast. Following these safety principles can result in a safer work environment and prevent injuries or even death.
There are three basic electrical hazards that cause injury and death: shock, arc-flash, and arc-blast. Following these safety principles can result in a safer work environment and prevent injuries or even death.
In 2001, close to 100,000 people were treated in U.S. Hospital emergency rooms for eye injuries related to the workplace, yet this figure actually only represents a small portion of the total number of injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, each day, as many as 2,000 workers incur eye injuries related to their jobs. According to Prevent Blindness America (PBA), 90% of these injuries are preventable.
In 2001, close to 100,000 people were treated in U.S. Hospital emergency rooms for eye injuries related to the workplace, yet this figure actually only represents a small portion of the total number of injuries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, each day, as many as 2,000 workers incur eye injuries related to their jobs. According to Prevent Blindness America (PBA), 90% of these injuries are preventable.
In this advisory, we are going to demonstrate how hazardous, documented, service, repair, and troubleshooting recommendations have proliferated the fluid power industry, leaving unsuspecting persons vulnerable to possible injury or death. Unsafe service, repair, and troubleshooting recommendations are running rampant throughout the fluid power industry - and there is no end in sight!
In this advisory, we are going to demonstrate how hazardous, documented, service, repair, and troubleshooting recommendations have proliferated the fluid power industry, leaving unsuspecting persons vulnerable to possible injury or death. Unsafe service, repair, and troubleshooting recommendations are running rampant throughout the fluid power industry - and there is no end in sight!
