A hydraulic press or any other
machine operated with the use of a hydraulic pump can pack quite a punch. Your
business or shop likely already has certain safety protocols in place, but this
is an area where you can never be too careful.
One bad mistake while working in an
area with a hydraulic pump could lead to significant damage to your bottom
line, or to one of your employees. If you want to maintain a safe working
environment, make sure your employees freshen up on these hydraulic pump safety
tips.
Use the Right Gear at All Times
The first thing any hydraulic
operator should do when arriving at work is make sure they are dressed for the
job. Whether you operate a hydraulic press or some other machine, every
employee should have a specific list of safety gear.
Every employee should wear eye
protection, gloves, and sturdy non-slip work boots at a minimum. You may also
want to require a full face mask or mouth and nose protection if the work area
often has contaminants in the air.
Create a culture where every
employee holds each other responsible for wearing the right safety gear. If
anyone sees someone operating a machine without the right equipment, they
should be called out immediately.
Use a Checklist to Inspect Your Pump
or Press
Before any hydraulic machine begins
operation, the operator should conduct an inspection to ensure a safe working
environment. To make sure nothing gets overlooked, create an inspection
checklist that every employee must use.
Start the list by including the
donning of the safety gear we just talked about. But then the actual machinery
and surrounding area needs to be closely inspected. Make sure the work area is
clear of debris and that the floor does not have any slippery substances.
The hydraulic press or machinery
itself should be closely inspected to make sure all guards are in place and working
properly. If your machinery has a safety shut off, you should try and
intentionally trigger it at least once a week to make sure it's still working.
Use Caution When Moving Dangerous
Materials
If your employee(s) will be moving
sharp or otherwise dangerous materials into the press or machinery, make sure
they follow proper protocol. The previously mentioned work gloves should
protect their hands, but you also will want to make sure that the area is clear
of distractions and trip hazards. Other employees should know not to go near a
hydraulic operator while they are on the job.
Use Common Sense When the Press or
Pump is Moving
When the time comes to actually
place the materials into the press or pump-operated machine, keep your
wits about you. Keep your body and limbs as clear of the area as you can. If
you accidentally drop something near a moving press, shut the machine off
before you move closer to put it back into position.
Use a Seasoned Pro for Maintenance
The best way to ensure that your
hydraulic press or other machinery works properly and safely is to hire a
seasoned pro for a regular inspection. A hydraulics expert may be able to see
something wrong with your hydraulic pump that you wouldn't have noticed on your
own.
If you are unsure about how often
your pump or machine should be inspected, the hydraulics expert can likely give
you some advice on this as well. Stick to a regular maintenance schedule and
you'll be able to take care of any potential problems before they become safety
hazards.
Contact Quad Fluid Dynamics, Inc.,today to go over your specific situation and schedule an
appointment if necessary. Use caution and common sense when operating any kind
of machinery that uses a hydraulic pump in order to maintain a safe work
environment.
