Maintaining a Safe Work Environment - Electrical V

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

·         Electrical

Electrical

Hydraulic equipment should always be turn off before starting to do work on the equipment.   Prior to working on any plant equipment, lock the control box, and tag it with a warning sign that states “DOWN FOR MAINTENANCE. DO NOT TURN ON POWER.”   If the equipment is mobile, take the key and/or disconnect the battery cables from the battery so the equipment can’t be started.

During normal equipment operation, you may be exposed to electrical hazards such as high-voltage power lines and underground power sources. Always identify these potential hazards before running the equipment. Most hydraulic hose is wire-reinforced, making it conductive to electricity. Even non-wire reinforced hose may be conductive through the rubber compound itself or moisture that penetrates a pin-pricked hose cover. Some equipment requires the use of non-conductive hose if there’s a chance of contacting power sources.

OSHA standards require that all hydraulic tools used on or near energized power lines or equipment be supplied with non-conducting hose having adequate strength for normal operating pressures [29 CFR 1926.951(f)(3)].

Faulty wiring can also be an electrical hazard. A regular preventive maintenance program should always include a wiring check.