328
Installation &Maintenance
Safety Considerations
Fabricators, end users and installers should be aware of the safety factors when handling or when in proximity of hydraulic hose assemblies. The following
are some potential conditions that can lead to personal injury and property damage.
1.
As certain fluids may permeate the hose cover, the hose should always
be used in well-ventilated areas.
2.
Hydraulic systems generally operate at very high pressures. Any leak of
pressurized fluid can penetrate the skin, causing severe tissue damage
and burns. Consider the use of guards or shields around the hose
assembly to reduce the risk of injury.
3.
Whipping Hose – Under high operating pressures, the hose and/or
fitting can come loose or blow, causing the end of the hose to whip
with great force. Again, the hose assembly should be shielded or
guarded, even possibly secured, to avoid injury or damage from this
whipping action.
4.
Hydraulic fluids are flammable and can explode with a source of
ignition. To avoid possible injury or property damage, care should be
taken to eliminate ignition sources and to properly route the hose
assembly to minimize the chance of combustion.
5.
Most all hose is conductive. In some cases a non-conductive hose is
required. To avoid electrocution or other serious mishap, the correct
hose specification, either conductive or nonconductive, should be used.
6.
Should a hydraulic hose assembly fail, loss of hydraulic pressure will
affect the operation of equipment. Care should be taken that a sudden
power loss of the equipment will not cause personal injury.
7.
When air or gaseous materials are being conveyed, the correct hose
should be used. A pin-perforated cover may be required. Perforations
in the cover will prevent permeated gases from accumulating and
blistering the cover. Check Continental ContiTech for the correct hose
specification.
8.
Extreme care should be used when operating handheld hydraulic tools
where the operator is in proximity to the hydraulic hose assembly. The
following steps should be taken to avoid injury.
a.
Use strain relievers on each end of the hose to prevent
kinking, excessive bending or stress on the hose at the
coupling.
b.
Never use the hose assembly to pull or carry the tool.
c.
Exposed hose near the operator should be guarded
in case hose assembly fails, to prevent injury from high
pressure or high temperature fluid.
d.
Operators of the tool should be protected with the required safety
clothing, considering the job and fluids being used.
e.
The hose should be protected against any external damage.
9.
Hose assemblies should be properly routed to avoid strain and the
possibility of the hose bursting. Proper routing will also protect the
assembly against flex fatigue, excessive heat or abrasion.
10.
When selecting a hose style and assembly, check for hose
compliance to all relevant government, industry and safety standards
or regulations.
Appendix
Installation & Maintenance
Assemblies
Equipment & Accessories
Fittings
Hoses