Hydraulic Safety Training

Workers maintenancing hydraulic lines must follow safety protocols.

Hydraulic fluid is utilized in machinery to help move pressure from one place to another in an engine. It can be toxic, so those working with hydraulic machinery need special safety training to handle it.

Purpose

Pressurized hydraulic fluid leaking from an engine can enter human skin, requiring medical removal. Workers dealing with hydraulic machinery need safety training to help them understand the dangers and to learn preventative measures to keep accidents from occurring.

Pre-Service Routine

Safety training includes tasks to do before servicing a hydraulic system. These include shutting off the system first, relieving pressure in the lines correctly and the importance of following the manufacturer's instructions.

Maintenance Training

The trainee learns how to be aware of potential leaks in a system.

Often, a hydraulic technician with background experience will show a student how to hook up the system. The trainee will learn that when hooking up hydraulic hoses, each connector should be tight before pressure is administered and to keep clear of nozzles where fluid could escape. They are also trained to turn the pressure off before disconnecting any hydraulic lines.

References

• Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registration: Toxic Substances Portal - Hydraulic Fluids
• Ohio State University Extension: Agricultural Tailgate Safety Training