Hydraulic motors and pumps are used in almost all industries, including healthcare, aerospace, automotive, manufacturing, agriculture, and construction. These systems simplify the completion of tasks that would otherwise seem impossible.
As important and helpful as they are, hydraulic motors and pumps could pose serious risks if improperly handled. You can avoid fires, accidents, injuries, and other risks associated with using hydraulic systems following these seven safety tips.
Use Each Hydraulic System for Intended Purposes
Every hydraulic motor or pump has a unique purpose it was made to serve. Attempts to utilize these systems for a purpose different from those intended for will result in catastrophic damages or failure. Additionally, forcing a hydraulic system to serve a different purpose can lead to oil leaks and injuries. Similarly, the system can suffer significantly from such errors, leading to costly repairs and even lifetime damages.
Inspect Your System Thoroughly Before Use
Operating a hydraulic motor or pump with damaged components is a recipe for disaster. You could end up with more damaged parts, which will ultimately cost more to repair and replace. Before using your hydraulic system, inspect the breather filters, fill screens, oil reservoir, and breather caps. Ensure gasket and sealing units don’t have holes or leaks. Seal the leaks with the high-grade and flexible AMS 3195 Silicone with the strength to withstand high temperatures.
Keep Your Body Parts off Moving Parts
The leading cause of accidents when handling hydraulic systems is carelessness. When you become comfortable around hydraulic motors and pumps, you’re more likely to suffer burns and injuries. That’s true since you’ll likely carelessly place your body parts close to moving parts, enduring up with serious cuts and bruises. Keep off the belts, blades, and every other moving component to stay safe when using any type and size of hydraulically-powered motor or pump.
Power off the System Once it Shows Signs of Malfunction
No machine with moving parts should ever be used when faulty. Even systems with no moving components must never be utilized when faulty. When you realize your hydraulic system stops functioning unexpectedly, overheats, or loses pressure, power it down instantly. When hydraulic systems seize up and overheat, the risk potentials increase, and you’re likely to get injured or suffer hazards. It could even lead to more expensive repairs and severe damage.
Don’t Use a Hydraulic System You’re Not Trained to Handle
Hydraulic systems have complex components that only a qualified technician can competently handle. The risk of getting injured in operating a hydraulic system when you rarely have the necessary skills will lead to accidents and injuries. You’ll need extensive training to master the basic hydraulic system handling skills mandatory for ensuring safe and effective system operation. If you have no skills and knowledge to handle a hydraulic motor or pump, get someone skilled to handle it. Additionally, even if you’re trained and experienced but have not handled a similar system before, you’ll need to hire an expert operator to guide you.
Never Operate a System with Leaks
So many risks are involved when operating a hydraulic system with leaky fluids. Running a system with fluid leaks will often increase operation costs, reduce machinery efficiency and damage the environment. It will also minimize issues with personal safety, further machine damage, and financial inefficiency. You’ll be surprised to notice that a high-pressure hydraulic system operates inefficiently. You will as well experience blowouts and other problems. Get system leaks sealed within the shortest time possible to avoid these problems.
Wear the Right Protection Gear
You reduce injury and accident potential when you wear protective gear as you operate hydraulic systems. Some hydraulic systems require wearing exclusive PPE, including work gloves, hard hats, and safety goggles. Research the PPE ideal for running your type of machine and make proper use to avoid related injuries and accidents.
Conclusion
When operating a hydraulic system of any size or kind, observe the prerequisite cautions to avoid damaging the machine or injuring yourself. These machines have many moving parts and components that sometimes get too hot to handle. Placing your hands or other body parts close to these components can lead to severe burns and bruises. Similarly, using the system improperly can lead to serious and costly problems.
