Hydraulic Safety
Follow all plant procedures for all plant hydraulic safety and lockouts including personal protection equipment (PPE).
Work on any part of the hydraulic system is to be carried out only by suitably trained persons. Regulations and codes of practice applicable at installation site must be adhered to.
Fully understand the circuits and components used in the hydraulic system before attempting any maintenance, repairs, or troubleshooting.
Depressurize the system before loosening a line or dismounting a control or drive-unit. Lower secure loads, switch off pumps (and relieve accumulators if used). Also, check the pressure gauges of the machines with automatic pressure relief whether the system is in fact depressurized.
- DO NOT “Crack” connector to “Check” for hydraulic pressure or flow.
- DO NOT tighten connectors that are under pressure.
- Never service the hydraulic system with the hydraulic system pressurized unless necessary (bleeding the system).
Fluids escaping under high pressure pose a risk of injury, explosion, and fire. Any leaks and damages to hoses and pressure lines must therefore be rectified immediately.
Check the integrity of pressure hoses, pressure lines, and screw unions at regular intervals and if damaged, replace immediately, even in the event of minor damage.
An improperly maintained hydraulic system can lead to component failures. Safe hydraulic system performance requires general maintenance.
- Periodically check for oil leaks and worn hoses.
- Keep contaminates from hydraulic oil and replace filters periodically.
- Replace pressure hoses at regular intervals in compliance with the prevailing regulations.
Hydraulic systems must be routed and fitted professionally! Ensure that no connections are interchanged! All fittings, as well as the length and quality of the hoses must comply with technical requirements.
Damage to pipes, hoses, and machine parts can occur if the hydraulic system is not vented when restarted after a repair, or when the system is modified.
Under all circumstances, prevent oil from penetrating into the soil.