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Hydraulics Safety: Pre-Use Activities

Farm equipment uses hydraulic systems to power implements and control steering and braking. Hydraulic systems operate at high pressures of 1,000 to 3,000 psi, which can cause serious injuries if leaks or hose failures occur. A punctured hose could eject fluid at 600 feet per second, potentially causing burns, cuts or fluid injection. Failed hydraulics may also lead to crushing from falling equipment. Operators should thoroughly inspect hoses and fittings before use, relieve pressure before maintenance, and not search for leaks with hands or fingers to avoid injection injuries. Proper precautions are necessary when operating high-pressure hydraulic systems.

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Erdinc Senman
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40 views1 page

Hydraulics Safety: Pre-Use Activities

Farm equipment uses hydraulic systems to power implements and control steering and braking. Hydraulic systems operate at high pressures of 1,000 to 3,000 psi, which can cause serious injuries if leaks or hose failures occur. A punctured hose could eject fluid at 600 feet per second, potentially causing burns, cuts or fluid injection. Failed hydraulics may also lead to crushing from falling equipment. Operators should thoroughly inspect hoses and fittings before use, relieve pressure before maintenance, and not search for leaks with hands or fingers to avoid injection injuries. Proper precautions are necessary when operating high-pressure hydraulic systems.

Uploaded by

Erdinc Senman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Safety

Notes
Risk & Safety Services

Safety Note # 16

HYDRAULICS SAFETY
Farm equipment frequently utilizes hydraulic systems to perform tasks such
as raising and lowering implements, powering components, and controlling
steering and braking systems. Modern farm equipment is capable of
developing pressures from 1,000 to 3,000 psi within the hydraulic system.
At these pressures, a fluid leak from the hydraulic system could occur at
approximately 600 fps and a punctured, broken, or unintentionally
decoupled hydraulic hose can cause burns, contusions, abrasions, and
lacerations from whipping hoses or ejected parts, and fluid injection into soft
tissue. Moreover, failed hydraulic systems may result in crushing or
dismemberment injuries due to rapid collapse of equipment components.
Pre-Use Activities

Thoroughly review and understand information provided in the equipment operators


manual with particular attention given to descriptions of safety procedures.

Prior to use, always inspect hydraulic hoses and fittings for defects or leaks and to assure
they are securely attached at connection points. Confirm that low-pressure hoses or fittings
are not connected to a high-pressure hydraulic system or pump.

If a hydraulic system fails the pre-use inspection, notify your supervisor and remove the
equipment from service by attaching a red tag that states DO NOT USE. Complete red
tag with appropriate information.

Annual agriculture equipment training is required by California regulations (Title 8, Section


3441 a) and should include discussion of any hydraulic systems.
Operating Precautions

Before starting the engine, look to see that people and obstructions are clear of the
equipment.

Never walk beneath any implement or component that is supported by hydraulics.

Always shut the engine off and relieve all hydraulic pressure before disconnecting hydraulic
hoses or performing maintenance or repairs.

Prior to initiating maintenance or repairs, always use supports, jacks, stands, or blocks to
prevent movement of hydraulic implements or components.

When hydraulic systems are operating, hydraulic fluid temperatures range from 165 to
185F due to the high pressure and represent a potential burn hazard.

Hydraulic oil is a fire hazard and when ignited can cause severe burns or fatalities.

Never search for a pinhole leak by running your hand or finger along a hydraulic hose. Hot
hydraulic oil at high pressure can puncture gloves and penetrate several inches into soft
tissue. Hydraulic oil injected into tissue must be surgically removed.

Search for pinhole leaks using a piece of cardboard or wood.

Always lower hydraulic components to the ground before shutting off the engine and
dismounting the equipment.

July 2004

Additional EH&S information may be accessed at the ANR Web Site at: http://safety.ucanr.edu/

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