Construction contractors should make certain only the highest qualified heavy equipment mechanics are working on their hydraulic machinery. If you are a contractor and operate several large tractors and heavy equipment on a daily basis, chances are you will be faced with necessary hydraulic repairs and regular maintenance. Making sure your mechanics are aware of the dangers surrounding hydraulics is extremely important to avoid serious injury.

Hydraulic Injection Can Happen In The Blink Of An Eye

When hydraulic fluid leaks are an issue, a mechanic may start feeling around for it. Poking a hand into a bundle of hose without protective gloves can have serious consequences if a hose fiber is stout enough to puncture a fingertip. When this type of puncture injury, respectively called hydraulic injection, happens and hydraulic fluid enters the body, the results could be grave.

Bear in mind that hydraulic fluid is under high pressure and can exit a hose at a high rate of speed, allowing a large amount to enter through a small puncture wound. Discussing with your mechanics about this risk and making sure they always wear protective gloves while making repairs is important.

Hydraulic Fluid Works Under Extreme Pressure

After a heavy machine like a tractor is turned off and the engine is cool, the hydraulic fluid is still under great pressure and remains so for a good while. Before your mechanics start making any sort of repairs, making sure they are releasing hydraulic fluid pressure first is essential for their safety.

If the pressure is not released before repairs are started, the hydraulic fluid could eject at a high velocity. If it hits a mechanic, it could cause serious injury, especially if there are open wounds anywhere on the exposed skin. For this reason, wearing protective clothing is a must when making repairs on hydraulics.

Avoid Being Hit By A Boom

The role of hydraulic fluid on tractors with attachments like booms is to move them up and down easily and forcefully. When a tractor is off, hydraulic fluid stays in cylinder columns and remains under pressure. The mechanic that empties hydraulic fluid out of cylinder columns can cause attachments to fall.

A falling attachment is a serious danger, especially if is it is a boom on a larger machine and extremely heavy. Learn if your mechanics are aware of always setting down attachments before making repairs involving hydraulics. Lowering the boom or other attachments before making repairs could be a lifesaver.

Every construction contractor implementing repairs on heavy machinery should include safety courses for their mechanics before allowing them to work on heavy machinery on their own. Doing so could mean protecting the health of your mechanics, in some cases even saving their lives. For more information on correct repair procedures, go to www.rotatingservices.org.

Share