SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR HYDRAULIC HOSE LINES
SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR HYDRAULIC HOSE LINES
SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR HYDRAULIC HOSE LINES
High-pressure hose lines snapping and the resulting uncontrolled discharge of liquid pose dangerous risks. Selection of the right safety equipment is also urgently required for legal reasons. Technical trading is an important partner for companies.
High pressure hose lines allow a working pressure of several 100 bar. They differ in hose lines (hydraulic hose lines) that use fluids as the working medium and hose lines that carry fluids. Both types of hose lines can pose significant hazards and risks to people and machinery. The danger is especially great when hose lines burst or are torn from fittings with tremendous force and then blown around uncontrollably.
Therefore, regularly repeated inspections and maintenance of this work equipment is natural and mandated by the Industrial Safety and Health Regulations. Danger signs, special instructions for those working on machines and personal protective equipment (very important: protective gloves and safety glasses) for this group of people are not enough on machines and in hazardous work areas. Technical upgrades are required to limit risks. These include hose safety catches and protective hoses (explosion protection hoses), as well as sheet metal and drip pans. Hidroman "Certified specialist companies for hose and connection technology" will advise you on the right choice of these special products.
This is how the hose safety device works
If the connection between the fittings loosens under pressure (called a "whip" in technical jargon), a hose safety device limits the throwing distance of the hose line. Like a second level of safety, it secures the safety rope to the machine. He advises companies to use a hose safety catch under the following conditions: “If the working pressure in the lines is 50 bar or more, it could hit the machine near the machine and a whisk hose line, then urgent action is needed.” The expert adds that new hose lines are also a potential hazard.
Protection against liquid leakage and worse
Another danger arises when oils and other dangerous liquids leak out uncontrollably. Employees may slip and have an accident as a result of liquid splashes, and may injure their eyes and skin. Finally, contact of certain liquids with ignition sources can even cause explosions and fires. In the event of an uncontrolled hose burst, protective hoses such as explosion protection hoses should be used to reduce these risks. The protective hose, supplied as a flat band, is placed lengthwise around the hose to be protected and closed with a Velcro fastener. A dual version is recommended for all-round protection. "This way, an explosion protection hose can be installed without removing the hose assembly," explains Schmitz.
Dealing with residual risks
Many security products can significantly reduce risks, but cannot guarantee 100% protection. “Now the risks remain,” he emphasizes. Records of these should be kept and personnel should be informed accordingly. However, not every operator of hose lines has the appropriate training and experience to identify all remaining risks. Here, too, the technical vendor can provide important information.