Hydraulic systems safety is critical when working with high-pressure equipment, as improper handling can result in severe injuries or even fatalities
These systems pose significant hazards, including fluid injection injuries, burns, and catastrophic accidents. To prevent workplace incidents, proper safety protocols are essential when operating and maintaining hydraulic equipment.
While this article is not an exhaustive guide, each safety measure should be thoroughly researched and understood before working with hydraulic systems. Our goal is to provide a clear foundational overview, helping you contextualize key precautions and directing you toward further learning on safe hydraulic operation.
Below, we explore nine essential hydraulic systems safety protocols to help mitigate risks and ensure equipment is handled correctly in a secure workplace.
1. Depressurise Hydraulic Systems Before Maintenance
Hydraulic systems often operate under immense pressure, meaning improper handling during maintenance can lead to catastrophic failures, including explosive discharges of fluid and severe injury.
To mitigate these risks, it is critical to fully depressurise the system before performing any maintenance or repairs. Proper depressurisation ensures a controlled and safe environment, reducing the likelihood of dangerous accidents. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and safety procedures to ensure the system is fully discharged before proceeding with any work.
2. Follow Proper Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures
Before performing any maintenance on a hydraulic system, it is essential to isolate all energy sources—such as hydraulic pumps—to prevent unintended releases of stored energy or accidental system activation. This process, known as Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), is critical for ensuring worker safety and preventing hazardous incidents.
Effective LOTO involves:
- Identifying all potential sources of energy surges.
- Completely isolating these sources from the system being serviced.
- Bleeding out any residual pressure to eliminate stored energy risks.
- Applying LOTO devices (such as locks and tags) to prevent inadvertent reactivation while maintenance is underway.
By strictly following LOTO protocols, you ensure a controlled environment, reducing the risk of sudden equipment movement or pressure-related injuries. Always adhere to industry standards and manufacturer-specific procedures to maintain a safe workspace.
3. Wear Proper PPE
Hydraulic system operating pressures mean that even minor fluid leaks can pose serious hazards, including injection injuries, burns, and impact-related risks. To minimise exposure to these dangers, it is essential to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times when working with hydraulic machinery.
Recommended PPE includes:
- Protective eyewear (safety goggles or face shields) to guard against fluid spray.
- Steel-toed boots to protect feet from heavy components and unexpected movement.
- Specialized protective clothing designed to resist fluid penetration and mitigate burns or abrasions.
By ensuring PPE is worn consistently and correctly, workers can reduce the risk of injury and create a safer working environment. Always follow industry safety standards and manufacturer guidelines when selecting and using protective gear.
4. Use Proper Tools and Equipment
Hydraulic systems and components are engineered to precise standards by manufacturers to perform specific tasks safely and efficiently. Any deviation from their intended use introduces unpredictable risks, potentially compromising safety and system integrity.
To ensure safe operation:
- Never use hydraulic machinery outside of its specified parameters.
- Verify that all components – including hoses, fittings, and seals – are rated for the pressures they will encounter.
- Always perform maintenance using manufacturer-approved tools and equipment to prevent damage or unsafe conditions.
Adhering to these principles ensures that hydraulic systems function as designed, reducing the likelihood of failures and accidents. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and industry safety standards when handling hydraulic equipment.
5. Avoiding High Pressure Leaks and Fluid Injection Injuries
Hydraulic systems operate under extreme pressure—enough to cut through steel. Even a pinhole leak can become a dangerous hazard, with high-pressure fluid capable of piercing flesh and bone.
Fluid injection injuries occur when hydraulic fluid is forced under the skin, mimicking the effect of a hypodermic needle. This poses a serious risk, as hydraulic fluid is toxic and can lead to severe infections. Regardless of how minor an injury may seem at first, immediate medical attention is essential.
To minimize risk, never check for leaks using your hands. Instead, use a non-absorbent material like cardboard to safely detect leaks without exposing yourself to high-pressure fluid.
For a clearer understanding of the dangers posed by injection injuries, consider these videos: one demonstrating the impact on a simulated hand and another detailing a firsthand account from a painter who suffered a severe injury. [Viewer discretion is advised.]
6. Regular Inspection of Hoses, Fittings, and Components
Hydraulic components naturally degrade over time and with use, increasing the risk of failure and hazardous incidents. Routine inspections are essential to prevent malfunctions and ensure safe operation.
Check hoses for bulges, fittings for leaks, and all connections for signs of wear or damage. Any compromised components should be replaced or properly refurbished immediately—never attempt to use damaged hydraulic equipment, as failure can be sudden and catastrophic.
Refer to this checklist to identify and troubleshoot common hydraulic issues effectively.
7. Be Aware of Heavy Loads and Moving Parts
Hydraulic equipment operates with immense force—its moving parts, including cylinders and motors, can be powerful enough to cause serious injury or even death. Heavy loads and dynamic components demand constant vigilance.
Always maintain a safe distance from hazardous moving parts, and never assume hydraulic pressure alone will keep a load securely in place. Depressurisation can occur unexpectedly, causing a load to drop instantly. To prevent accidents, always use physical locks alongside hydraulic pressure for secure positioning.
8. Prevent Overheating and Fire Hazards
Under high temperatures, hydraulic fluid becomes highly flammable—posing a serious fire risk. In documented cases, a hydraulic leak has led to fires spreading rapidly, causing extensive damage in mere moments.
Proper temperature regulation is essential to prevent overheating. Heat exchangers and hydraulic cooling systems play a critical role in maintaining safe operating conditions, minimising the risk of ignition.
Additionally, ensure ignition sources are kept well away from hydraulic components, and prioritize proper ventilation in all workplaces. A well-maintained and hazard-aware environment is key to preventing dangerous fire outbreaks.
9. Undergo Proper Hydraulics Training
Perhaps the most crucial point on this list: never operate hydraulic systems without the proper qualifications. Lack of training can lead to serious hazards, putting both individuals and workplaces at risk.
At Hydraulics Online, we are committed to education and inspiring the next generation of engineers to pursue careers in hydraulics. While this article provides a foundational overview, it is not a substitute for formal training.
Recap: Hydraulic Systems Safety
Ensuring hydraulic systems safety requires strict adherence to best practices. Always depressurise systems before maintenance and follow Lockout/Tagout procedures to prevent accidental activation. Wear PPE to mitigate risks, use proper tools and equipment, and never check for leaks with your hands—fluid injection injuries can be severe.
Regular inspection of hoses, fittings, and components is crucial to detecting wear and preventing unexpected failures. Stay aware of heavy loads and moving parts, ensuring that physical locks complement hydraulic pressure for secure positioning. Proper heat management and fire hazard prevention are essential to maintaining safe operation.
Above all, undergo proper hydraulics training—qualified professionals are the only ones who should work with pressurised systems. Safety is not a checklist; it’s a continuous commitment to best practices, ensuring that hydraulic systems remain both efficient and secure.
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