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MAINTAINING A SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT
Establishing a safe working environment in and around your hydraulic equipment is just common sense.
The easiest and most effective way to avoid problems is to make sure associates understand their
equipment, know how to operate it safely and recognize the danger it represents if handled carelessly. A
few things you must be aware of include:
1. PRESSURE: Hydraulic fluid under pressure is dangerous and can cause serious injury.
2. FLAMMABILITY: When ignited, some hydraulic fluids can explode and/or cause fires.
3. MECHANICAL: Hydraulic fluid creates movement, which causes parts of your equipment to move or
rotate. Always be aware of what you are doing.
4. MOISTURE: Use caution when operating in wet or high moisture conditions. Make sure all electrical
fittings, switches, cords plus stain reliefs are in good condition. Always unplug when not in use and
when doing any service work.
5. ELECTRICAL: Faulty wiring can also be an electrical hazard. A regular preventive maintenance
program should always include a wiring check. Unplug power pack and/or charger before serving.
6. TEMPERATURE: Because this machine operates at a relatively low pressure, overheating is not
common. If surface of tank becomes too hot to touch by hand (above 130º), shut off machine and
allow to cool off.
PRESSURE
Our system runs at or below 2,000 psi. Never look for a leak when unit is under pressure. Using your
hand could cause serious injury. A few common ways to encounter hydraulic fluid under pressure include:
1. PINHOLE: Fluid under pressure can cause serious injury. It can be almost invisible escaping from a
pinhole, and it can pierce the skin into the body. Do not touch a pressurized hydraulic hose
assembly with any part of your body. If fluid punctures the skin, even if no pain is felt, a serious
emergency exists. Obtain medical assistance immediately. Failure to do so can result in loss of the
injured part or death.
2. LEAK: Keep fittings and hoses tight. Only check and service when not under pressure. Leaking
hydraulic fluid is not only unsightly, it’s hazardous. In addition to making workplace floors slippery and
dangerous, leaks also contaminate the environment. Before cleaning an oil spill, always check EPA,
state and local regulations.
LEAK AT THREAD END/SEAT
Problem: Coupling leaks at thread or seat. This may be caused by any of the following:
a. Missing or damaged O-rings.
b. Damaged threads or seat angle.
c. Thread alignment.
d. Incompatible thread ends or seat angles.
e. Over or under torquing.
Solution: Remove the connection and inspect.
i. Certain couplings require the use of an O-ring. If it is missing, replace it. If an O-ring is used,
check for damage caused by installation or possible material breakdown from heat or fluid
incompatibility. Alternative O-ring materials may be required. Replace if necessary.
ii. Check the threads and/or seat angle for damage that may have occurred prior to or during
installation. Any ding or burr may be a potential leak path. Replace if necessary.
HYDRAULIC SAFE OPERATION
