There is no doubt that the key to keeping your hydraulics equipment running is a regular routine maintenance schedule. But it is also a known fact that hydraulic fluid can be nasty stuff, a potential source of burns, poisoning, and irritation, even when not taking into account the dangers of pressurized systems. A few common sense safety precautions should be followed to keep you and your staff safe when working with hydraulic fluids.
First, make sure that you and your staff are always utilizing the appropriate protective gear when working with hydraulic fluids. Make sure the gloves you are using any time you are handling hydraulic fluids are rated, not only for the chemical makeup of your specific fluids, but also for the temperatures and pressures you are working with. And don’t forget eye protection – one of the primary injuries sustained during work with hydraulic fluids is irritation or damage to the tissue around and of the eyes.
Due to the potential dangers of the chemicals in hydraulic fluids, spill protection and clean up is paramount. Handle fluids carefully, and don’t rush your maintenance routine. In the event of a spill, make sure you clean it up immediately – hydraulic fluids are designed to be slick, creating a much greater slip hazard than most spills. Depending on your work environment, you may want to consider whether one of the “green” alternatives to mineral oil-based lubricants might be right for you and your business.
In the end, workplace safety comes down to attention to detail, and doing the job the right way every time. Texas Hydrostatics is a nationally-regarded partner in all phases of hydraulics-adjacent equipment, from repairs to maintenance. If you’d like more information about fluid maintenance, green alternatives, or help setting up a service plan, contact them at us today.