Hydraulic Systems Safety

How Hydraulic Systems Work

Hydraulis systems is used for a lot of machines. In agriculture, for instance, hydraulic systems are very important as it allows heavy machines to do their work without the need for much more complicated systems.

In order for hydraulics systems to work, they have to store fluid under high pressure, typically 2,000 or more per square inch. One of the more common causes of accidents includes removing or adjusting the components without releasing the pressure.

A typical industrial hydraulics system is made up of two pistons and a pipe filled with oil connecting them together. When the first piston exerts force, it’s then transferred to the second piston through the oil. This allows continual force going back and forth between the two pistons.

Hydraulics Systems Safety and the Pinhole Leak Injury

When it comes to hydraulic systems safety, the pinhole leak injury is the most common, yet still remains the most unavoidable injury.

Pinhole leaks in hoses are very difficult to locate, because of this, some people run their fingers across the hose hoping to find the pinhole. The problem is that the fluid can be injected into the skin as if it’s from a syringe.

The person will feel a stinging sensation, but because it’s nothing more than a sting, most people don’t think anything of it. By the time the wound begins to throb and they go to the doctor because of the severe pain, it would have been too late and the doctor has to cut the finger or the arm – depending on the extent of the injury.

In order to prevent this kind of accident with hydraulics systems, you have to run a cardboard or a piece of wood on the house to detect the leak instead of just using your fingers.

Hydraulics Systems Safety and Improper Coupling

Another common accident with hydraulic systems is improper coupling of high-pressure components with low-pressure components. Never ever connect a high-pressure component with a low-pressure component as the hose or the fittings are likely to occur.

The pressure relief valves that are incorporated into the hydraulic systems are responsible for avoiding pressure buildups during use, so you have to make sure that these valves are kept clean at all times. You also have to test them periodically to ensure correct operation.