Maintaining a Safe Work Environment - Pressure IV

Establishing a safe working environment in and around your hydraulic equipment requires a few things you must be aware of.  These include:

·         Pressure

·         Temperature

·         Flammability

·         Mechanical

·         Electricity

Flammability

All hydraulic fluids (including fire resistant hydraulic fluids) are flammable when exposed to the proper conditions.  Exceptions are those fluids comprised primarily of water.

Systems leaking pressurized hydraulic fluids that develop a mist or fine spray that come in contact with a source of ignition can flash or explode. These very severe explosions can cause serious injury or death.

Precautions should be taken to eliminate all ignition sources from contact with escaping fluids, sprays or mists resulting from hydraulic failures.  Sources of ignition could include electrical discharges (sparks), open flames, extremely high temperatures, hot manifolds, engine blocks, and sparks caused by metal-to-metal contact.

Mechanical

Unexpected mechanical motion can be dangerous. Watch out for swinging arms, booms, rollers, or presses.  Anything that moves can be dangerous if a hose fails. For example, when a hose bursts, objects supported by fluid pressure may fall and vehicles or machines could lose their brakes because of pressure loss.